The Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Africa have endorsed Nigeria’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign, Olugbenga Ashiru disclosed this to newsmen on Friday at the sideline of the ongoing 21st ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to Ashiru, the endorsement was a unanimous decision by the ministers at a meeting on Thursday evening. He said with the backing of the Economic Community of West African States for the seat, effort will now be intensified in reaching out to other regional groups since only two-third is required.
He spoke further, “the endorsement was done based on our nation’s track record and achievements. It was done unanimously. The next step is for us to reach out to other regional groups like the Asia, Europe and America.
“But one thing is sure, regional endorsement that we have secured is like obtaining B+ already. Other regional groups will only shore up the scores,” adding that the endorsement further confirmed Nigeria’s robust foreign policy.
“There is no taxation without representation. Nigeria is demanding that because it has done peace keeping role since 1960, it has a right to determine how the world is governed,” the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martins Uhonmoibhi said.
Meanwhile, President Goodlcuk Jonathan arrived Addis Ababa on Friday to join his colleagues from across the continent for the Special AU summit, marking the 50th anniversary of the continental body.
