IRREDUCIBLE TAKE OFF.
As one of the veritable conscience of the nation, the Civic Trenches major stakeholders are both disturbed and alarmed that, if our State apparatus of coercion is inadvertently allowed to be deployed into the fratricidal Middle East feud between Israel and Palestine, Nigeria would be comfortably on the slide to Golgotha!
We, unequivocally condemn the Palestine / Israeli hostilities as carefully, designed ” Imperial, Neo Colonial Colony, Proxy Imbroglio!”
The recent arrest of leaders of the Palestinian community in Nigeria has sparked outrage and deep concern, following reports that Nigerian security forces abducted them in a manner that violates due process and globally recognized Fundamental Human Rights’ principles, tenets and conventions, which Nigeria State is party to.
FRAGILE NIGERIAN STATE CANNOT AFFORD TO TOY WITH FIRE.
Nigeria can ill afford being dragged willy- nilly into the Middle East burning crisis. It is apposite to note that we are battling with a battered economy, fragile security – Farmers / Herders clashes and orgies of social vices. Nigeria cannot blindfoldedly be deployed as proxy, errand tool in Israel vs Palestine belligerences !
It is highly important that operators of the Nigerian State must recognize the ” Fundamental Grundnorms of Nigeria Federating Union include:-
- Unity in Diversity
- Non Secularism
- Recognition of Strength in its Heterogeneity
- Respect of its enshrined Constitutionalism, Human Rights, Democratic Principles and Values.
Without mincing words, it beckons on us all and persons of good conscience to rally round the obviously underdog in the Middle East tussle. A seemingly, perpetual footmat, if not whipping doll of imperialist West and allies. The recent gestapo like abduction of Palestinians in the country pricked our conscience to take a stand for humanity.
Among those reportedly detained is Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, a prominent advocate who has consistently spoken out against the genocidal attacks on civilians in Gaza and the targeted killings of journalists in the region. Gaza has been subjected to years of brutality, hunger, and starvation imposed by Western-backed Israeli aggression, and Abu Ibrahim has played a central role in highlighting these injustices.
The arrest of Abu Ibrahim cannot be separated from his activism, especially in light of the recent security and intelligence pact signed between the Nigerian government and the State of Israel. This development raises serious concerns that Nigeria’s security apparatus is being deployed to suppress legitimate voices dissent and of solidarity with Palestine.
We affirm that:
- Advocacy for the rights of Palestinians is not a crime.
- Nigeria must not allow itself to become a tool of external powers in silencing dissent.
- The detention of Abu Ibrahim and other Palestinian community leaders is an assault on freedom of expression, association, and human rights.
- We call for a ” Two – Nation State” solution to the Middle East dilemma of double face of same coin of our collective humanity.
Our Demands
We call on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to:
Immediately and unconditionally release Ramzy Abu Ibrahim and all other detained Palestinian community leaders.
Respect the rights of Palestinians in Nigeria, ensuring they are not subjected to harassment, humiliation, or political repression.
Review and reconsider any agreements with the Israeli government that compromise Nigeria’s independence and undermine the democratic rights of residents within its borders.
Nigeria must stand on the side of justice and not allow its territory or institutions to be used to stifle voices calling for freedom, dignity, and peace in Palestine.
Signed :-
Omotaje Olawale Saint
WorkBond International Network ( WIN)
Kunle Ajayi Wizeman
United Action for Democracy ( UAD )
Co-Organisations:
All Workers Convergence.
Lagos State Liberation Congress.
Centre for human and Socio-economy rights.
Yoruba Youth Assembly.
Centre for Human Rights Advocacy.
Center Against Injustice and Domestic Violence.
Youth Initiative Agenda for Democratic Process.
Association Of Unjust Detainees (A.U.D).
Southwest People Parliamentary Agenda.
Peace Initiative For Better Nigeria.
Youth League Academy.