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Nigerian government seeks Commonwealth assistance to tackle insecurity

By Obiabin Onukwugha

The federal government of Nigeria has pleaded with Commonwealth States to support Nigerian-led efforts in tackling terrorism and insecurity. The federal government also called on the body to help it strengthen regional integration, and accelerate economic development, through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima made the plea during a presentation at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which held between 21st to 26th October in Apia, Samoa. He said Nigeria is committed to enhancing the security, economic integration, and democratic institutions across West Africa and the Sahel.

He pointed out that the West African region has faced significant challenges, including rising instability and the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government, which threaten the democratic gains we have collectively worked towards.

“As we move forward, Nigeria is committed to enhancing the security, economic integration, and democratic institutions across West Africa and the Sahel. Our region has faced significant challenges, including rising instability and the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government, which threaten the democratic gains we have collectively worked towards. I urge Commonwealth States to support Nigerian-led efforts to tackle terrorism and insecurity, strengthen regional integration, and accelerate economic development, through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“However, security and democracy cannot thrive in a vacuum. Nigeria also strongly calls for renewed international cooperation to address the escalating humanitarian crises in Sudan, Palestine and the far too many other conflicts currently taking place. International law is antithetical to revenge and the violence in Palestine reeks of revenge. And context matters, because the conflict did not start on October 7th, Israel-Palestine has a mobilising power more than any other conflict in the world today.

“Therefore the world cannot stand idly by as hostilities spread, with the threat of famine looming and civilians and non-combatants continue to die. These crises remind us that the principles of human dignity and respect for human rights must remain at the core of our global engagements.

The international community must also continue to take steps to address multidimensional challenges, including climate change, transnational crime, illicit financial flows, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which exacerbate terrorism and insecurity in Africa.

“In light of these challenges, Nigeria firmly supports extensive multilateral reform, particularly of the UN Security Council and international financial architecture, with a view to making global decision-making structures more just, representative and fair. A better UN will make for a better Commonwealth,” he said.

The vice president observed that the 27th Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and the first to be hosted in the Pacific, offers an invaluable opportunity for the Commonwealth family to reaffirm it’s shared commitment to delivering a sustainable future for generations yet unborn.

He further stated that the theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth,” resonates strongly Commonwealth members’ shared aspirations, and stands as a reminder of the pivotal role the body has played in elevating the voices of women, youth, businesses, and organisations across the globe.

Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and emphasised the need for the Commonwealth to respect the social and cultural differences of member states in its pursuit of objectives.

He stated: “Nigeria remains dedicated to the values of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. We believe that promoting inclusive societies, anchored on strong democratic institutions, will create a conducive environment for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Protection of. constitutional authority, responsiveness to the population and human rights is at the heart of Nigeria’s approach to international relations. At the same time, we must acknowledge the importance of respecting social and cultural differences in our pursuit of these objectives.

“Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with the Commonwealth and other international partners in building a resilient future. Together, we can achieve sustainable development, foster security, and uplift the lives of our citizens. As we reflect on 75 years of the Commonwealth, let us renew our dedication to help create a prosperous and inclusive world for future generations.”

He, therefore commended His Majesty, King Charles III, for his presence as Head of the Commonwealth, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoa, for hosting this Commonwealth Summit, and the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, outgoing Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, for her steadfast performance during such a challenging tenure.

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