Amaka E. Nliam
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for an end to the sustained attacks on the Gaza Strip by Israel, wondering if the war has any deleterious effect on Hamas.
Addressing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Conference and the League of Arab States in Saudi Arabia, Amb. Tuggar further called for a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the UN- prescribed two-state solution.
The War against the people of Gaza cannot be contemplated in the same breath as the Just War Doctrine.
It’s time to prioritize humanity over conflict.#HumanityFirst pic.twitter.com/IOPoh8PCc0— Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (@YusufTuggar) November 14, 2023
Amb. Tuggar’s Speech:
“His Majesty, the custodian of the two holy mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; the Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
“Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring warm greetings from Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We meet under tragic circumstances when sustained attacks on the Gaza Strip has led to the senseless loss of human lives, continues to threaten the lives of innocent civilians and has created a humanitarian disaster.
“Nigeria welcomes this intervention by the OIC and the Arab League to emphatically add its voice to the call for an end to the violence and loss of lives of innocent civilians.
“The disproportionate use of force against the people of Gaza begs the question: how many more must die to avenge the act of aggressors?
“Abrahamic religions have provided ample guidance for governments to follow for declaring war against another.
“The writings of 12th century scholar, Ibn Rushd, known in the western world as Averroes on the subject of just war, influenced many, including the Christian philosopher, Saint Thomas Aquinas.
“Collectively, this body of work provided for what came to be known as the ‘Just War Theory’ that responsible governments use to determine whether war and aggression is morally justifiable.
“The war against the people of Gaza cannot be contemplated in the same breadth of the ‘Just War Doctrine’ and has to stop for the sake of humanity.
“Where is the rule of law?
“Your Excellencies, today we live in a data-driven world. The question we have to ask ourselves is ‘where is the evidence that the violence meted out by Israel on Gaza is having any deleterious effect on Hamas?’
“We must work collectively to bring an end to the violence and find a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the UN- prescribed two-state solution.
“Nigeria stands firmly by this. Thank you for listening.”
