He told delegates at the UN headquarters that only the democratisation of the Security Council would ensure justice, equity and fairness as well as the promotion of inclusiveness and balance in the world.
According to him, “I believe that I express the concern of many about the slow pace of efforts and apparent lack of progress in the reform in the United Nations especially the Security Council.
“We believe strongly that the call for democratisation worldwide should not be for states only but also for international organisations such as the United Nations.
“That is why we called for the democratisation of the Security Council. This is desirable for the enthronement of justice, equity and fairness and also for the promotion of a sense of inclusiveness and balance in our world.”
“Our support for the UN Security Council in its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security has been total and unwavering.”
Jonathan pointed out the unwavering support Nigeria had given to the UN and its organs in the performance of their responsibilities and declared the intention of Nigeria to contest for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period of 2014-2015.
Towards this end, the president informed the august body that Nigeria had already secured the endorsement of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and, therefore, urged the rest of the world to back its candidacy.
He stated: “We have in previous membership of the council demonstrated both political will and capacity to engage in key council responsibilities.
“Nigeria has, therefore, decided to seek election for the 2014-2015 non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council,” he declared.
Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly have thrown their weight behind the move by Nigeria to secure a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Expressing their support for the the move in a chat with newsmen in New York on Tuesday, chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Abubakar Bagudu and the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Industries, Honourable Peace Nnaji, said that the National Assembly would support the Federal Government towards the realisation of the objective.
Senator Bagudu, who represents Kebbi Central Senatorial District of Kebbi State, observed that Nigeria deserves the seat in view of its long history of outstanding contributions to global peace.
He said the National Assembly would continue to promote initiatives that would advance Nigeria’s quest for the seat and enhance its reputation as a global player.
According to him, Nigeria is a country that has helped almost all the countries in Africa to achieve their independence or liberation. “We have supported global peace effort elsewhere outside Nigeria and we have contributed troops to military operations even outside African continent,” Bagudu said.
“We are the biggest black nation in the world and the cross potential for Nigeria and the policies that we have undertaken, opening up of our economy consistent with our membership of the World Trade Organization makes it imperative that other member nations support us to take our rightful place in the United Nations Security Council.”
He added: “We have passed legislations which show that Nigeria is a responsible member of the international community. We have passed legislations on international terrorism, money laundering, we have passed legislations which have opened up the country to competition so that businessmen around the world can come freely to Nigeria and feel free.
“We have condemned all the incidents of brigandage around the world and we feel that is enough support,” he stated.
On her part, Hon. Nnaji, who praised the way Jonathan pressed for the case of a UN seat during the session, said Nigeria deserves the post as it has done so much for other countries.
Nnaji noted: “I am also happy with the President in the position he has taken in his address at the 68th General Assembly that Nigeria should have a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
“I believe that with the position he has taken and the way he has driven the case, I believe that we are going to get the seat because we deserve it,” she stated.
Source: Tribune
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