Hundreds hold pro-Palestine rally in southwest Nigeria
Rally -- second pro-Palestine event within a month -- stresses increasing popularity of the Palestinian struggle in Nigeria
By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS, Nigeria
Hundreds of Muslims held a rally in Nigeria's southwestern Iwo town on Sunday, calling for immediate recognition of the State of Palestine by all UN member states in the "interest of justice and fairness".
The "solidarity walk" was organized by the Nigerian Friends of Palestine, with participants urging every member of the human community to back to the Palestinians' struggle for a viable state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The rally, which was the second one within a month as a major pro-Palestine event in the country's hugely educated southwest, underscored the increasing popularity of the Palestinian struggle in Africa’s most populous country.
In November, over 2,000 youth gathered in Lagos to register their displeasure at the ongoing situation in Palestine, specifically criticizing the United States for its recent movement of its embassy to East Jerusalem despite widespread global opposition.
Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, founder of the pro-Palestine group, said: "What we are doing today is a victory match. It will continue until Palestinian flag flies in Jerusalem and in all occupied land of Palestine. One do not need to be a Muslim but be a human before he supports Palestinian struggle for liberation."
"Being the only colonized region on earth, the struggle for its liberation has become a mainstream global civic rights activism which anyone who believes in global justice cannot stand against," he said.
"As it stands today, the struggle for its liberation, apart from being a civic right, it is also an obligatory for all Muslims. We will not stop until victory or statehood is achieved for Palestinian people. We are with you and we will continue to support your struggle."
The walkers toured the mostly Muslim town on a visit to prominent citizens who also called for continuous support for Palestine.
Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, the traditional head of the town, praised the organizers for their efforts and pledged continued support for the Palestinian struggle.
"As the king of this great land, we are part of Palestinian struggle and I will continue to give Palestine the supports it needs until victory is achieved,” he told the rally.
Sheikh Yaqoob Abdul Baaqi Muhammad, a top official of the town, urged Palestinians to remain steadfast in their struggle and promised that Nigeria would never forget them.
Sheikh Muqadam Hussein, head of the influential Islahudeen Muslim group, called on human right activists in Nigeria to always speak up for Palestinians freedom.
