Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Mr Shehu Sani, has said that international law does not apply equally to all countries, arguing that it is mainly enforced against weak and poor nations. According to him, powerful countries, especially those with nuclear weapons, are largely protected from the consequences of violating international rules.
Sani made this statement in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday. His comments have since generated reactions among Nigerians and other social media users who share similar concerns about global justice and the conduct of world powers.
In his post, the former lawmaker said international law appears to be designed for countries that lack power and influence, while superpowers and their allies often act without fear of punishment.
“International law is made for poor or weak countries; it’s law for those countries without nuclear weapons,” Sani wrote. “Superpowers and their cronies are insulated from that international law.”
He went further to accuse powerful nations of abusing their strength by invading other countries, taking over territories, and violating national sovereignty without consequences. He also alleged that global powers sometimes threaten international judges and institutions meant to uphold justice.
Sani lamented that despite the existence of international courts and treaties, powerful countries often ignore these rules when it suits them.
“They can invade, occupy, and dispossess other countries and people, threaten the judges of international courts, and violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity,” he added.
The former senator’s comments came amid reports and claims surrounding the alleged invasion of Venezuela by United States forces and the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday. While these reports have not been independently confirmed by international bodies, they have sparked debate and raised questions about the use of power in global affairs.
Sani used the situation as a backdrop to highlight what he described as double standards in the enforcement of international law. According to him, weaker nations are often punished swiftly for violations, while stronger nations escape accountability.
International law refers to a set of rules and agreements that govern relations between countries. These laws are meant to protect sovereignty, prevent war crimes, and promote peace and cooperation. Institutions such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) were created to ensure justice across borders.
However, critics have long argued that these institutions lack the power to enforce their decisions against major global powers. Some countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, are not members of the ICC or do not fully recognize its authority.
Shehu Sani’s comments reflect a widely held view in many developing countries that global justice systems favour powerful nations. Many African leaders and analysts have also complained that the ICC focuses mostly on African cases, while alleged crimes by powerful countries go unpunished.
During his time in the Senate, Sani was known for speaking openly on issues of human rights, global politics, and social justice. Since leaving office, he has remained active in public debates, often using social media to comment on national and international issues.
His latest statement has reopened discussions in Nigeria about the fairness of the global order and Nigeria’s position in international politics. Some Nigerians agree with Sani’s view, saying the world operates on power rather than justice. Others argue that while international law is imperfect, it still plays an important role in maintaining global stability.
They also note that enforcement of international law usually requires collective action, such as sanctions or military intervention, which are often controlled by powerful countries through institutions like the United Nations Security Council.
The Security Council, for instance, has five permanent members with veto power. These countries can block actions or resolutions that go against their interests or those of their allies. Critics say this structure makes it difficult to hold powerful nations accountable.
In recent years, there have been increasing calls for reform of global institutions to make them more fair and representative. Many developing countries are demanding changes that would reduce the influence of powerful nations and strengthen the rule of law.
For Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, these debates are not new. Nigerian leaders have often spoken about the need for a more balanced global system that respects the sovereignty of all nations, regardless of size or power.
As discussions continue, Shehu Sani’s remarks have added to the growing conversation about justice, power, and equality in international relations. While opinions remain divided, his statement has once again drawn attention to the challenges facing global governance in a world where power often outweighs law.
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