President Bola Tinubu, speaking at an extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The summit, convened to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, saw Tinubu advocating for an end to what he described as “Israeli aggression” and condemning the prolonged suffering of the Palestinian people.
“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives,” Tinubu said, underscoring the moral obligation of nations to pursue justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life. He emphasized that a lasting solution requires more than “empty condemnations” and urged world leaders to work collectively to end the hostilities.
Tinubu also highlighted the need for respect toward international laws protecting civilian lives, stating, “No political aim, military strategy, or security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives.” He further called on parties involved to uphold proportionality in self-defense, stressing that an entire population cannot simply be regarded as “collateral.”
The Nigerian President reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, which he described as both a vision of mutual respect and a pragmatic path to lasting peace. “It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition,” Tinubu said, noting that the solution would honor both Israeli and Palestinian rights to self-determination.
The President warned against viewing the current crisis in isolation, urging the international community to consider the historical roots of the conflict. He emphasized that peace in the region would require “principled compromise and respect for context.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and commended King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit, calling it a crucial opportunity to renew diplomatic efforts. He assured that Nigeria, drawing from its own experiences, would continue to support international efforts toward peace and stability in the region.
The one-day summit, attended by Heads of State and Government from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States, concluded with a renewed emphasis on diplomatic engagement and the push for a two-state solution as a pathway to sustainable peace.
This call to action was communicated in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
