Obviously it seems the heat on Nigeria's abstinence from voting at the United Nations Security Council for the recognition of the sovereignty of Palestine is still being used to hound the Government and indeed the presidency. However it seems many of those criticising this decision are not conversant with the operation of the international system.
Since the beginning of the new international system in 1648, Statesmen and indeed governments do everything possible to promote the interests of their states as opposed to selfish or myopic interests. This is why statesmen like Cardinal Richelieu of France and Otto Von Bismarck of Germany are known to be great statesmen and patriots.
Although many people have adjudged this decision based on religious inclinations, however in the decision to vote for or against Palestine Independence, one would ask for the strategic benefits or losses it would accrue Nigeria. Obviously the only benefit it would give Nigeria is just international respect and recognition by the Palestinian Authorities. However history has shown that Countries whom Nigeria had made a lot of Sacrifice for, later turn around to spite and disrespect it. South Africa is a clear case of such ingratitude. With the War raging in North east Nigeria, it took a lot of pleading and cajoling by the Nigerian Authorities to secure the interest and support of our Neighboring Chad,
Cameroon and Niger republic against the Boko-Haram insurgents.
On the other hand however, the Nigerian government have stated that Israel is helping it out with the fight on terrorism, that is in addition to its being a strong ally. Why then should the Nigerian government unequivocally support Palestine against Israel? Indeed the times of Nigerian selflessness towards international policy and decision making is long gone, indeed it would be injustice to North-Eastern Nigerians, if the chances of the restoration of safety and peace in the region was jeopardised by an attempt to create peace in the middle east.
Surely, charity begins at home and till we are safe in this Country, the safety of some other people somewhere should be a secondary thought to our Government. Long Live the Federal republic of Nigeria.
ONYEOZIRI Favour
Favouronyeoziri@gmail.com
Favouronyeoziri@gmail.com
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