FG calls for de-escalation, restraints in Gulf Region

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Nigerian government has called on parties involved in the Middle-East tension to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could intensify hostilities by prioritizing dialogue over confrontation.

It also urged strict adherence to the provisions of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Convention, particularly taking into cognizance the respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

In a press statement released by Nigerian Foreign Ministry in Abuja Saturday, signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, it noted Nigeria government expresses deep concern over the rising tensions in the Gulf region and the risk of further escalation with potentially grave consequences for regional and global stability.

According to the statement, “Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could intensify hostilities, and prioritise dialogue over confrontation.

“We urge strict adherence to the provisions of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Convention, particularly taking into cognizance the respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“In this regard, Nigeria emphasises the imperative of restraint in the use of lethal force, to prevent further loss of civilian life and avoid any actions that could undermine or abrogate established norms of international law. The preservation of the existing legal architecture that regulates and limits the use of force remains essential to the protection of victims, the safeguarding of civilian populations, and the maintenance of international order.

“As a longstanding advocate of non-alignment, multilateralism, and constructive engagement, Nigeria supports renewed diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks to resolve the crisis. We welcome initiatives aimed at confidence-building, mediation, and dialogue, and encourage all stakeholders and parties in the conflict to pursue peaceful resolution in the interest of collective security and shared prosperity.

“The Government of Nigeria stands in solidarity with the international community in its call for calm and remains steadfast in its conviction that sustainable peace can only be secured through diplomacy, mutual respect, and faithful adherence to international law” the statement concluded.