By Fortune Abang
Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and an independent, sovereign state.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this in a statement issued on the sidelines of the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria supported the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian assistance and an enduring cessation of hostilities.
The minister also called on the OIC to uphold principles guiding the election of its Secretary-General.
He said the principles included competence, integrity, experience, geographical balance, rotation, consensus and equal opportunity among member states.
Enikanolaiye said the criteria were consistent with the OIC Charter and established procedures.
He commended member states for withdrawing their candidates, saying the gesture demonstrated solidarity and unity within the organisation.
The minister congratulated the newly elected Secretary-General, Ismaïl Ahmed, and pledged Nigeria’s support for his tenure.
“Nigeria commits to working closely with him for the success of his tenure in the service of our organisation,” he said.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria attached great importance to the OIC as a strategic platform for promoting peace, cooperation, development and interfaith understanding.
He urged the OIC to give greater attention to Africa’s developmental and security challenges, particularly those affecting the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.
He advocated stronger OIC-African Union cooperation in peace and security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, trade, investment, education, youth empowerment and infrastructure development.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria was ready to deepen cooperation with the OIC through practical programmes in humanitarian affairs, vocational training, healthcare, women and youth empowerment and capacity building.
He also commended the outgoing Secretary-General, Hissein Taha, for his service and appreciated the Saudi Arabian government and people for hosting the CFM session. (NAN)
Edited by Halima Sheji