Nigerian columnist criticizes Israeli envoy over terrorism claims
By KEMI KASUMU
Our memories are not so short as not to recall that while Israel supplied arms to the Apartheid regime in South Africa to kill liberation fighters and invade African countries, Iran stood solidly by Africa and the liberation movements.
A Nigerian newspaper columnist has criticized the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria following remarks linking Iran to terrorism in the country.
In an interview on March 6, 2026, Michael Freeman told Arise Television that Iran sponsors terrorist groups in several parts of the world, including Nigeria. He alleged that Nigeria had been “at the receiving end of terrorism from Iran” and claimed the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which represents many Shiite Muslims in the country, was backed by the Iranian government.
Reacting to the remarks, Owei Lakemfa described the ambassador’s comments as “grossly irresponsible” in a column published by Vanguard Newspaper. Lakemfa argued that Nigeria does not have a conflict with Muslims or Shiites and stated that only Nigerian courts have the authority to designate an organization as a terrorist group.
He also said it was inappropriate for a foreign diplomat to determine Nigeria’s allies and adversaries. Lakemfa referenced historical ties between African liberation movements and Iran, contrasting them with Israel’s past support for the Apartheid regime in South Africa during the apartheid era.
The columnist called on Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the ambassador and caution him over the statements. He also urged the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to carefully consider its diplomatic associations and distance itself from what he described as provocative comments.
Lakemfa said, “The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman declared during an Arise Television interview on March 6, 2026 that terrorists in many parts of the world including Nigeria are sponsored by Iran.
“He claimed without providing any proof that: “Nigeria has been at the receiving end of terrorism from Iran” Freeman cited the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, the umbrella organization of Shittes in Nigeria, as the terrorist group in the country: “being sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime.”
“These are grossly irresponsible statements as Nigeria has no problems with Muslims or Shiites. Also, in Nigeria, only the courts can declare any group terrorist not a flippant foreigner abusing the privilege of being given air time.
“Equally, it is highly presumptuous of the Israeli ambassador to assume he can appoint the friends and enemies of Nigerians. Our memories are not so short as not to recall that while Israel supplied arms to the Apartheid regime in South Africa to kill liberation fighters and invade African countries, Iran stood solidly by Africa and the liberation movements.
“Mr. Freeman must not be allowed to spread the madness in the Middle East to Nigeria or Africa. The Foreign Ministry should invite the Israeli ambassador and caution him.
“Also, the Tinubu administration should be mindful of the company it keeps; it needs to distance itself from people like Mr. Freeman who advertise secret collaboration with it,” Lakemfa said.
The Israeli embassy has not publicly responded to the criticism at the time of reporting.
