At the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima voiced his support for Palestinian independence, urging global leaders to recognize Palestine’s right to self-determination. While this stance reflects a long-standing international dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Shettima’s position has ignited controversy back home. Critics accuse him of hypocrisy, given his refusal to address the equally pressing calls for a Biafran referendum in Nigeria.
Shettima’s public support for Palestine highlights the plight of a people who have long sought their independence from Israel. According to the United Nations, nearly 5 million Palestinians live under military occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with restricted access to essential resources. The global push for a two-state solution has seen numerous advocates, and Shettima's call for Palestinian independence echoes that sentiment. However, the absence of similar advocacy for Nigeria’s own secessionist movements, particularly Biafra, has raised questions about the fairness and consistency of his political stance. Biafran independence, which traces its roots to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), continues to garner support from various quarters in southeastern Nigeria. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been at the forefront of demanding a referendum to allow the people of Biafra to decide their fate. Many feel that if Shettima can support Palestinian independence on the global stage, he should equally push for a peaceful referendum in Nigeria, as democratic self-determination is a universal right. This would not only demonstrate political consistency but also a genuine commitment to justice for all oppressed groups.
In addressing this imbalance, Shettima must advocate for dialogue and peaceful resolution within Nigeria. A referendum for Biafrans would provide a lawful and democratic means to resolve longstanding grievances. Furthermore, releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has become a symbol of Biafran resistance, would signify the Nigerian government’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, rather than repression. As the proverb goes, “Charity begins at home.” Shettima should practice the same principles he preaches on the international stage. Only by addressing internal secessionist movements like Biafra can Nigeria lay claim to moral leadership on global issues like Palestinian independence.