Nigeria Blocks Palestinian Request for Statehood at UN Vote

A resolution to declare Palestine a state and end Israeli occupation of the territory was blocked by Nigeria at a United Nations vote. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly told his country’s ambassador to abstain from voting, which denied Palestine’s request for statehood. 

Breaking Christian News reports that Nigeria’s move was made at the last minute and surprised officials at the meeting. Previously, Nigeria had been politically neutral regarding issues between Israel and Palestine. 

President Jonathan, however, sympathizes with Israel and previously made a statement saying, “Nigeria and the State of Israel have a very warm relationship.”

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said after Nigeria stopped Palestine’s attempt for statehood, "I would like to voice...special appreciation for...the president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan" who "told me and promised me, personally, that [he] would not support this resolution. [He] kept their word, and that's what clinched this matter. I think this is very important for the state of Israel.”

Publication date: January 6, 2015