Nigeria seeks ECOWAS backing on UN permanent seat quest

Nigeria seeks ECOWAS backing on UN permanent seat quest

Nigeria’s President and outgoing Chairman of ECOWAS, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has urged the Community to support Nigeria’s quest for permanent membership of the United Nations' Security Council.

Jonathan made the request on Wednesday in his opening speech at the 39th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government holding in Abuja.

The President emphasised the need for African representation at the highest decision-making body of the UN and emphasised Nigeria’s interest in the seat.

He emphasied that Nigeria’s permanent membership, if granted, would ensure adequate representation of the region and African continent in the UN.

He expressed Nigeria’s interest as a candidate for the permanent membership of the UN Security Council whenever the reform of the UN Security Council is considered.

ECOWAS leadership

Jonathan, who will hand over the leadership of the economic bloc at the end of the Summit on Thursday when a new Chairman is elected, thanked member states for their support.

He highlighted the achievements of the Community since Nigeria took over its mantle of leadership in December 2008, and particularly when he assumed the Chairmanship of ECOWAS in May 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Achievements

“Over this period, our Organisation has recorded a number of noteworthy achievements.

``Of particular significance is the progress made in the area of the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocols and Common External Tarrif (ECT).

```Likewise is the implementation of ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services and the Rights of Establishment,’’ he said.

Crisis in the region

Jonathan said the Organisation was confronted with series of political and governance crisis in member nations such as Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Niger and Cote d’Ivoire.

He noted that ECOWAS was able to efficiently face up to the challenges and effected the restoration of peace and stability in Guinea Bissau and democracy in Guinea Conakry.

Jonathan said the Community was also able to commit the military leadership in Niger to a structured transition programme resulting in the election of a new President in that country.

He commended member states and other partners for their commitments and cooperation in those regards.

NAN/Williams