In the wake of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's address at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the Northwest, expressed profound admiration for his principal’s bold stand. Yakasai commended President Tinubu’s courage, saying the President had "spoken the mind of Nigerians" by calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza and championing a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
At the summit, which brought together leaders from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States, President Tinubu condemned the ongoing violence and the devastating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian people, he urged the global community to prioritize justice and human dignity, stressing that "no political aim, military strategy, or security concern should come at the expense of innocent lives."
Reflecting on the speech, Yakasai praised Tinubu's commitment to peace and justice, describing it as a message that resonates deeply with Nigerians and others across Africa. "President Tinubu has articulated the pain and hopes of millions who stand against oppression," Yakasai remarked. "His call to end the aggression in Gaza is not only a stand for Palestinians but also a wake-up call for all nations, especially those in the Global South, to resist any form of colonial or imperialist influence."
President Tinubu’s call for a two-state solution—allowing both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist in security and mutual respect—was highlighted by Yakasai as a beacon of hope for oppressed people worldwide. "The President’s vision of peace reflects Nigeria's own values of unity and respect for diversity," he said, noting that this is especially relevant for a nation like Nigeria, which understands the importance of balancing identity and unity.
Yakasai also praised Tinubu's initiative to establish a secretariat dedicated to implementing the summit's resolutions, ensuring that commitments made at the summit translate into concrete actions. "This isn’t just about speeches or condemnations. President Tinubu is pushing for real solutions, a path forward toward sustainable peace," Yakasai stated.
In Riyadh, President Tinubu spoke from a place of shared experience, Yakasai observed, reminding the world that oppression anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere. He further expressed hope that all Nigerians and Africa at large would rally behind Tinubu's vision, asserting that the atrocities in Palestine should be a unifying call for justice across the continent.
"Today, Nigeria stands with Palestine, and through President Tinubu's leadership, we join the global call for an end to aggression and a lasting peace based on justice," Yakasai concluded. His words echo the sentiment of many Nigerians who see Tinubu’s stance as not just diplomatic, but a courageous appeal for humanity to prevail.
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