The Igbo National Union–Worldwide (INU-W) has accused the Federal Government of hypocrisy for backing the recognition of an independent Palestinian state while allegedly clamping down on the struggle for Biafra’s self-determination within Nigeria.
Reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s recent call—delivered through Vice President Kashim Shettima—at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, INU-W said Nigeria’s position “reeks of double standards,” citing the continued detention of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement signed by its Administrative Secretary, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, the group described Nigeria’s advocacy for Palestine as “the height of hypocrisy.”
“The most significant and symbolic act by Nigeria at the UN meeting was her tacit recognition of a Palestinian State,” the statement read. “Therefore, we ask: did Nigeria act out of genuine conviction for indigenous freedom, or was it merely in solidarity with Vice President Shettima’s Muslim brothers?”
INU-W argued that Nigeria lacked the moral standing to champion the freedom of others while “hundreds of pro-Biafra agitators” remain detained in correctional centres and police cells across the country.
“Nigeria must purge herself of such hypocrisy by releasing all prisoners of conscience—epitomized by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—and save herself from global embarrassment,” the group added. “It is ironic to recognize a Palestinian State while denying Biafra’s right to self-determination.”
The organisation also cautioned against granting Nigeria a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, citing widespread insecurity, corruption, and poor governance across the federation.
“Nigeria, with one of the highest rates of insecurity, criminality, and corruption in Africa, lacks the moral justification and capacity to occupy a permanent seat on the Security Council,” the group said. “Charity begins at home—Nigeria must first fix the chaos within before aspiring to global leadership.”
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