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Security Council: France rallies behind Nigeria
Uche Aneke, Ivory Coast
French President, Nicholas Sarkozy has pledged his country's commitment to rally
international support for Nigeria and spearhead in the lobby for Africa’s membership of the United Nation's Permanent Council as well as zonal representation in its Security Council.
At the brief meeting held at the Yamoussoukro Presidential Villa, Cote d I'voire with Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan before both leaders proceeded to the Felix Houphouet Foundation for Peace Centre for the inauguration ceremony of President Ouattara, Sarkozy stated that “Nigeria as a giant of Africa had enormous economic and political potentials to remain great as a country”.
Needed Representation
He congratulated President Jonathan on his victory at the just concluded Presidential elections in Nigeria and expressed optimism in his ability to succeed.
While noting that “Africa was under represented in world governance,” Mr. Sarkozy maintained that Europe needed collaboration and alliance with Africa to enable the African continent grow.
He further said that the link between both continents were such that they needed one another to explore and achieve its derivable benefits.
The rule of law.
President Jonathan thanked Sarkozy for his country's immense contribution in helping to stabilize Nigeria and enjoined him to continue to support the country and Africa in surmounting its challenges especially in the area of good governance.
President Jonathan said” his determination to oppose the Laurent Gbagbo led government was to send the signal to African leaders that they must always do the right thing” and explained that he insisted on free and fair elections in Nigeria to affirm his desire for the respect of the rule of law.
He expressed satisfaction on Sarkozy's leadership of the G8 and G20 and also on France several aid to Africa.
Joyous dances
The inauguration of Dr. Alllassane Ouatarra’s as the Cote d' I’voire President, which took place in the capital city of Yamoussoukro, was witnessed by no fewer than ten West African Heads of State including the ECOWAS Chairman, President Goodluck Jonathan, Secretary General of the United Nations and France President.
The event was greeted with enthusiastic crowd laced with intermittent cheers, songs of praises and joyous dances.
President Ouatarra becomes the fourth elected President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire since independence in 1960 after Presidents Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Henry Konanan Bedie Aine and Laurent Gbagbo.
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