Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has recently voiced his support for the Palestinian people, advocating for their freedom as they endure a heart-wrenching situation in Gaza.
He emphasizes that justice should not equate to revenge, asserting that freedom is an inalienable right that every group deserves. However, this call for liberation raises questions regarding his stance on similar movements within Nigeria, particularly regarding the Biafrans.
While Shettima champions the cause of the Palestinians, many Nigerians, especially those from the southeastern regions, perceive stark hypocrisy in his words.
The Biafran struggle for independence, which has historical roots and cultural significance, often meets with government resistance. Critics argue that advocating for one group’s freedom while simultaneously suppressing another is inconsistent and undermines the essence of true justice.
Public Outcry on Social Media Following the statement by Shettima.
Nigerians have taken to social media platforms to express their outrage and disbelief regarding Shettima’s perceived double standards.
Commenters have highlighted the irony of his statements, pointing out that while Palestinian autonomy is championed, the outcry for Biafran freedom remains largely ignored.
This hypocrisy poses a serious question about the sincerity and integrity of the Nigerian leadership in handling issues of liberty and self-determination.
Shettima must, therefore, pay close attention to the Biafrans still living in Nigeria and ensure that they are allowed to get their freedom peacefully.
For justice to be truly served, every individual’s right to freedom must be equally recognized and respected, irrespective of their geographical or political context.
Take some reactions shared on X, under his speech at the United Nations assembly.
“Biafra people deserve their independence, too. Charity begins at home,” Olumayowa Betiku.
Biafra people deserve their independence, too. Charity begins at home
— Olumayowa Betiku (@OBETIKU) September 25, 2024
“See someone, a government that cannot provide independence to a section of his country calling for independence of another. Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention because of Biafra. Hypocrites,” Kalu Oke Kalu.
See someone, a government that cannot provide independence to a section of his country calling for independence of another.
Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention because of Biafra. Hypocrites
— Kalu Oke Kalu (@Sirkay3024) September 25, 2024
“Freedom is an inalienable right and a natural entitlement that cannot be denied to any people.” He is the Vice President of a country where BIAFRANS are being massacred just for demanding a referendum on sovereignty,” The_EOJ.
“Freedom is an inalienable right and a natural entitlement that cannot be denied to any people.”
He is the Vice President of a country where BIAFRANS are being massacred just for demanding a referendum on sovereignty.
— The_EOJ (@JohnOkolie14) September 25, 2024
“A man who rigged him self into vice president and here talking about Palestinian ,how about the biafrans in south east of Nigeria,why are they not letting biafrans go. corrupt government,” Sunny Wilson.
A man who rigged him self into vice president and here talking about Palestinian ,how about the biafrans in south east of Nigeria,why are they not letting biafrans go. corrupt government.
— Sunny Wilson🇮🇱🇺🇸 (@Ifedigbo1) September 25, 2024
“Remember the same Nigeria did exactly what Israel is doing to the people of Biafra even worse,so what’s the difference? Oh I remember, he’s a Muslim and Biafrans are majorly Christians,” Kotosiaface.
Remember the same Nigeria did exactly what Israel is doing to the people of Biafra even worse,so what’s the difference? Oh I remember, he’s a Muslim and Biafrans are majorly Christians
— Kotosiaface (@kotosiaface17) September 25, 2024
