By Iyiola Olalere
The Democratic Front TDF has expressed delight with Vice President Kashim Shettima’s pitch for a permanent seat for Nigeria in the United Nations Security Council at the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
In a statement signed by its Chairman Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary Wale Adedayo, TDF argued that it is long overdue for Africa to have a representative in the Security Council.
The group said: “We are delighted to throw our weight behind the call by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, for a permanent African membership of the United Nations Security Council at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“We are particularly thrilled by the fact that this courageous call by the Tinubu administration for a permanent seat for Nigeria in the Security Council has drawn global attention and concern to the all- important need to redress the discrimination and injustice done to the continent.
“Only recently, we recall that the Tinubu administration made concerted efforts to address the menace of terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, currently bedeviling African continent by hosting a high powered African Counterterrorism meeting, which eventuated into the ‘Abuja Declaration’ of April 2024.
“We are not in doubt that President Bola Tinubu’s mindset towards the Abuja Declaration 2024, is to strengthen regional cooperation and institution building, aimed at addressing the evolving threat of terrorism and general insecurity in the continent. This, for us, is in line with the objective of the United Nations.
“Our sentiment to support the Tinubu administration’s bid for a permanent African membership of the Security Council is motivated by the legendary contributions and sacrifices Nigeria has made to assist the UN in maintaining global peace and security in Africa, and the world at large.
“From the active participation of Nigeria in the peace keeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1960-1964 (ONUC), where the Nigerian forces helped to rescue over 1,000 European hostages from the rebel Katanga secessionists, a feat which has remained a significant chapter in UN history till date, Nigeria also offered political and diplomatic leadership in the global campaign that terminated apartheid and enthroned majority rule in South Africa.
“At huge human and logistics costs, Nigeria spearheaded the formation of ECOMOG, and led a peace enforcement mission to restore peace, security and democracy in Liberia and Sera Leone, without contributions from the UN or any continental body.
“The OAU peacekeeping mission in Chad, which Nigeria led, way back in 1980 during the Shehu Shagari administration, still remains fresh in our memory. Nigeria was on peace keeping mission to Lebanon, Yugoslavia, Somalia, Darfur, etc, which confirms its enviable records in the promotion of global peace, security and regional cooperation, better than the records of many other countries.
“It is to our amazement and pleasure that the Vice President’s reference to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to sign four different Executive Orders towards improving Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and deploying policies to prevent double taxation, triggered instant accolades and commendations from member nations.
“It is therefore not surprising that the American Chamber of Commerce is set to commit $320m into Mortgage and SMEs financing in Nigeria. This is an attestation of global investors’ confidence in the ongoing economic reforms of the Tinubu administration.
“We envisage that more of such direct investment will flow into the economy before the end of the year.”
It also urged the government to step up its bid to represent Africa in the Security Council by reaching out to countries that are in the position to back its campaign.
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