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…reaffirms Nigeria’s support for two-state solution
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wole Oke, has clarified reports surrounding his recent engagement with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Michael Freeman, describing it as a legitimate diplomatic interaction conducted under official protocols.
In a statement issued by his Senior Legislative Aide, Tunji Iyanda, on Thursday in Abuja, Hon. Oke dismissed social-media claims suggesting that the meeting was an improper or private encounter, insisting that it was processed through appropriate government channels.
According to the statement, the Israeli envoy’s visit was “officially transmitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and processed via the National Assembly’s protocol channels,” adding that Hon. Oke was fully briefed by the ministry before the meeting, which had been formally requested since April 2025.
The lawmaker stressed that his participation was strictly within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy — a standard practice that allows legislators to engage with foreign envoys on matters of national and international importance.
“There were no private meetings outside the scheduled programme,” the statement read.
Hon. Oke reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing support for the two-state solution as adopted by the United Nations, in line with Nigeria’s commitment to peace, respect for international law, and Palestinian self-determination.
“Nigeria’s position remains clear and unwavering,” he said, noting that he fully aligns with the country’s official stance and has consistently reflected it in his public engagements.
Describing allegations of “hobnobbing” with foreign interests as misleading, Hon. Oke warned that such misrepresentations risk undermining the credibility of democratic institutions and Nigeria’s diplomatic image.
The statement further reaffirmed the lawmaker’s commitment to a principled and transparent foreign policy, ensuring that all interactions with foreign missions adhere strictly to national interest and established protocol.
Iyanda added that several other foreign envoys had held similar visits with members of the National Assembly and government officials at various levels.
Hon. Oke also expressed his readiness to meet with the Ambassador of Palestine to Nigeria “at the shortest notice,” underscoring his dedication to balanced and fact-based diplomatic engagement.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that transparency, accountability, and national interest will continue to guide the Foreign Affairs Committee’s interactions with all foreign missions.
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