Thousands March In Nigeria To Support Palestine And Condemn Israeli Attacks
Thousands of people took to the streets in Nigeria yesterday to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people and denounce the Israeli aggression in Gaza and other occupied territories. The march, organised by the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), was attended by representatives of various Muslim groups, civil society organisations, students and human rights activists.
The protesters marched from the National Stadium in Surulere to the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine”, “Stop the killing”, “End the siege” and “Boycott Israel”. They also carried placards and banners with messages of support for the Palestinian cause and condemnation of the Israeli atrocities.
Among the dignitaries who joined the march were the Dean of the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof Isa Maishanu, who read a 14-point resolution on behalf of the Nigerian Muslims, and the Amnesty International Nigeria representative, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.
The resolution called on the Nigerian government to suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel until it respects the rights of the Palestinians and agrees to a two-state solution. It also urged the international community, especially the United Nations, to intervene and stop the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and other parts of Palestine.
The resolution also stated that Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, but an elected representative of the Palestinian people who are resisting an illegal occupation. It accused the United States and the European Union of being complicit in the Israeli crimes and demanded that they stop their unconditional support for Israel.
The general secretary of the CIO, Lukman Balogun, said that the march was a demonstration of their humanity and conscience. He said that it was their religious duty to stand with the oppressed, especially when they are Muslims. He also expressed his appreciation to all those who participated in the march and showed their solidarity with Palestine.
