…Reiterates Call For Fair Representation On Security Council
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday acknowledged that the United Nations remained relevant in responding to global challenges, 75 years after it was established.
He noted that it had kept the aspirations of its founding fathers alive, especially in promoting peace and security globally.
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Founded in 1945, the UN celebrated its 75th anniversary on Monday, an event world leaders marked by virtual technology, owing to the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
Nigeria became a member of the global body in 1960, when it gained independence (a prerequisite for membership) from departing British colonial masters.
Buhari, who joined the virtual session from the State House, Abuja, spoke of Nigeria’s participation in various UN assignments and peacekeeping operations around the world.
He also stated that Nigeria was not lagging behind in making its own financial contributions to the organisation.
Buhari added, ”On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to express sincere felicitation to Member States for the giant strides taken towards achieving the objectives of the Organisation thus far.
”Today’s celebration is a remarkable milestone in the history of the United Nations. It affords us the opportunity to review our progress and challenges as well as chart the course for our future.
”For over seven decades, the United ‘Nations has remained true to the aspirations of its founders. It continues to play a crucial role in fostering global peace and security. The Organisation has grown in membership and scope to reflect contemporary global trends.
”Collectively, we have improved and saved lives, as well as defended the rights of the vulnerable in adherence to the principles of the United Nations.
”More so, we have worked together to shelter refugees; foster development; invest in conflict resolution and peacekeeping; and promoted women’s and children’s rights. Moreover, we have jointly intensified the fight against deadly diseases such as Malaria, Ebola, Tuberculosis, and the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Nigerian President also made a case for total decolonisation, especially the need to complied with Resolution 1514 to make all territories in the world self-governing.
But, he also praised the UN’s efforts in achieving decolonisation in some territories.
He said, ”This was achieved through the adoption of many Resolutions that supported the independence and subsequent admission of over Eighty (80) territories into the Organisation.
”However, the quest to realise total decolonisation remains incomplete as long as Non-Self-Governing territories continue to exist. In this regard, I call on Member States to abide by UN Resolution 1514 on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples.”
Buhari spoke further on Nigeria’s commitment to the UN’s mandate, saying, ”This year’s celebration is significant to Nigeria as it coincides with our Sixtieth (60) Anniversary of joining this esteemed Organisation.
”As an active member of the Organisation, Nigeria has contributed human, financial and material resources to several United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
”We have also provided humanitarian aid to refugees and displaced persons; helped countries in tackling diseases such as Ebola and extended both human and financial resources as technical aid to other countries.
”In addition, we have served on five occasions as Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council and contributed significantly to the promotion of international peace and security.”
Other issues Buhari raised included a call for more efforts to tackle new and existing challenges.
He noted, ”Efforts to address impediments for the attainment of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were undermined by the advent of coronavirus pandemic which brought about unprecedented challenges that cannot be tackled by any single country or region.
”The inward-looking tendencies exhibited by Member States in the wake of the pandemic have particularly revealed an urgent need for us to strengthen international cooperation, unity and solidarity to address all negative developments including climate change, violent extremism, natural disasters, and cyber-security.
”However, as we continue to battle the pandemic and search for possible solutions, including an effective vaccine, we implore nations to adopt a global approach in addressing the global health emergency in a bid to build the future we want. “
On the clamour by some members for a fair and equitable representation on the UN Security Council, Buhari observed that until this was achieved, the UN would not be a truly united global body.
His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted him further, ”The demand for the reform of the United Nations Security Council is just and a place for Africa in the very strategic Organ of the Organisation is long-overdue.
”In our collective effort to rebuild the United Nations of our dream, Nigeria reaffirms her commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations including: Human Rights, Peace and Security, as well as Democratic governance.
”I, therefore, reiterate Nigeria’s rededication to multilateralism and the rules-based international system.
”It is my hope that this anniversary will encourage us to respond to the numerous challenges we face and support efforts aimed at building the United Nations System we desire.”