Nigeria’s failure to stand for Palestine, walk out on Netanyahu at 2026 UNGA regrettable – MURIC
By KEMI KASUMU
MURIC, in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26, 2026, by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described Nigeria’s conduct at the international gathering as “shocking, woeful, deplorable and despicable.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned Nigeria’s position at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), accusing the Federal Government of failing to adequately address the Palestinian question and declining to join countries that walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address.
MURIC, in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26, 2026, by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described Nigeria’s conduct at the international gathering as “shocking, woeful, deplorable and despicable.”
According to the organisation, Nigeria failed to include the Palestinian question in its position paper at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, and did not join other delegations that walked out during Netanyahu’s speech.
The group said its position was informed by what it described as the humanitarian situation in Gaza and allegations of crimes against humanity committed by Israel against Palestinians.
“Bearing in mind the universal notoriety of the Israeli Prime Minister, the fact that he is now an international criminal who has been declared wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the horrendous crimes against humanity committed by Israel against the people of Gaza, we consider Nigeria’s performance at the international event as shocking, woeful, deplorable and despicable,” Akintola said.
MURIC also cited Palestinian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, alleging that medical facilities had been overwhelmed and that large parts of the territory had been devastated.
The organisation further alleged that Palestinians, including children and pregnant women, had endured prolonged shortages of food, water, fuel and electricity, while homes had continued to be demolished and children deprived of access to education.
MURIC urged Nigerians who support what it described as justice and fairness to hold the Federal Government accountable over its handling of the Palestinian issue.
“We charge Nigerians who believe in justice, fairness and the interconnectivity of humanity to hold the current government of Nigeria accountable for smearing the image of our great country, for mortgaging its future and for hobnobbing with capitalist imperialists who are bent on oppressing poor nations of the world,” the statement said.
The group also called on Nigerian human rights organisations to publicly respond to what it described as the country’s “regrettable stance” on the Palestinian question.
The statement was signed by Professor Ishaq Akintola, Founder/Executive Director, MURIC.
