Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A recent statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning the killings of Christians in Nigeria has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian observers, who describe his comments as selective, morally inconsistent, and politically motivated. Chief Malcolm Emokiiniovo Omirhobo, a prominent commentator, labelled the condemnation as a “moral paradox” and warned against using Nigeria’s domestic security challenges for geopolitical or religious narratives.
In a press statement, Omirhobo noted that Israel’s own military operations in Gaza, which have affected churches, mosques, hospitals, and residential areas, complicate Netanyahu’s claims of moral authority. “A leader whose government has presided over military actions that have struck places of worship and civilian neighbourhoods cannot credibly posture as a moral guardian of Christians elsewhere,” he said. The statement stressed that moral authority requires consistency, cautioning against selective outrage that undermines credibility.
Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions, has been driven by complex factors including governance gaps, impunity, armed criminality, and institutional failures. Analysts argue that the domestic origins of the crisis mean that external commentary, while potentially well‑intentioned, must avoid simplification or politicisation. Omirhobo highlighted the dangers of framing Nigeria’s violence in civilisational or religious terms, stating that attempts to categorise entire communities as “terrorist” or blame specific faith groups risk deepening polarisation and delegitimising efforts to restore security and justice.
The statement underscored that Nigeria’s priority is not imported moral lectures but principled solidarity that respects truth, promotes accountability, and ensures the protection of all citizens, irrespective of faith. Omirhobo warned against “exploiting condemnation to advance geopolitical agendas or to demonise another faith,” noting that such rhetoric is counterproductive and potentially dangerous.
Observers note that while global attention to human rights violations is important, selective statements can inadvertently delegitimise advocacy and impede constructive engagement. Nigeria faces a daunting challenge in prosecuting perpetrators, curbing banditry, and restoring the rule of law, tasks that require nuanced, evidence‑based interventions rather than politically charged messaging.
The critique of Netanyahu’s remarks comes amid rising insecurity in Nigeria, where repeated attacks on civilians, including targeted killings of Christians and Muslims alike, have heightened tensions and prompted calls for improved security policy, strengthened governance, and robust law enforcement. Civil society actors emphasise the importance of solutions grounded in institutional reform, accountability, and cross‑community cooperation rather than external political posturing.
Omirhobo’s statement concludes with a call for international actors to engage with Nigeria responsibly, offering support that reinforces justice and human rights rather than serving narrow political or religious interests. “Anything less is not concern; it is political theatre,” he asserted, urging global leaders to prioritise consistency and integrity in their interventions.
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