Nigerian Muslim Leaders Warn Netanyahu: Stay Away from Nigeria’s Affairs”

“Nigerian Muslim Leaders Warn Netanyahu: Stay Away from Nigeria’s Affairs”

A recent statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked controversy in Nigeria, with Muslim leaders warning him to stay away from the country’s affairs. Netanyahu had announced that Israel would join the United States in combating attacks on Christians in Nigeria, citing the need to protect persecuted Christians in countries including Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey .

However, Muslim leaders in Nigeria have strongly rejected Netanyahu’s offer of support, describing it as an attempt to interfere in the country’s internal affairs. The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) criticized Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza, saying that he is committing acts of terror against Palestinians. MUSWEN’s Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, called Netanyahu a “criminal who should be arrested and prosecuted for genocide” .

A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also rejected Netanyahu’s offer, saying that any foreign military action in Nigeria would be a violation of the country’s sovereignty. Ahmad emphasized that Nigeria does not need foreign intervention to address its security challenges .

The controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s statement highlights the complexity of the issue of foreign intervention in Nigeria’s internal affairs. While some may see the offer of support as a gesture of goodwill, others view it as an attempt to impose foreign values and interests on Nigeria. The Nigerian government must navigate this complex issue carefully, balancing the need to protect its citizens with the need to maintain its sovereignty .

The reaction of Muslim leaders and other Nigerians to Netanyahu’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting national sovereignty and the need for caution when dealing with complex international issues. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Nigerian government responds to Netanyahu’s offer and how the international community will react to the developments.