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Flying the Nigerian Flag with Pride - Nigeria's CredentialsFlying the Nigerian Flag with Pride: Nigeria's Credentials for a Permanent Seat in the UN Security Council
Vanguard
May 31, 2005
PREAMBLE
The High Level Panel set up by the Secretary-General has submitted its Report, (HLP-Report) and has recommended two permanent seats and four non-permanent seats for the African region. Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt are the leading contenders for the two permanent seats. Other African countries that have indicated interests in the UN Security Council seats are Algeria, Libya, Kenya and Senegal.
The case for Nigeria's Candidature for a permanent seat in the Security Council was captured more succinctly by Nigeriafirst.org. To them, and to most other observers, Nigeria's case is the most convincing.
With a population estimated at 150 million, which is higher than its closest competitors (Egypt and south Africa) combined, approximately one in every four Africans is a Nigerian. Of these three countries, Nigeria also emerges as having had the most authentic African experience, thereby equaling Britain's symbolism to European values and US significance to the New World.
Nigeria is Africa's most prominent and consistent defender of African liberation, and served in that capacity, even (at a time) when battling imperialism and all forms of colonial oppression was considered foolhardy It played a leading role in merging the Casablanca and Monrovia blocs, which paved the way for the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1962 and, later in 2002 (forty years later), its successor, the African Union (AU), currently chaired by Obasanjo.
A rousing speech by the late General Murtala Mohammed in 1975, in which he declared that "Africa has come of Age", quickly became the mantra for Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia and non-White South Africans as they struggled for social and politico-economic independence in 1970s and 80. Massive material and financial aid from Nigeria were constantly channeled into and ultimately guaranteed the success of various liberation struggles. It is for this reason that Nigeria rightly earned the status of "Frontline State". Also in recognition of its stand against South Africa's apartheid, Nigeria was appointed to permanently chair the UN Anti apartheid Committee until the inhumane system was disbanded in 1994.
Nigeria did not hesitate to nationalize the British Petroleum Company in the late 1970 to force the hands of British colonialists and minority white settlers in granting independence to Zimbabwe. It was also the first country to grant full diplomatic recognition to the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, which Morocco claimed as its territory. In each case, the decisions harmed Nigeria's national interests, incurring the wrath of Britain and Morocco, but Nigeria was determined to put the collective African interest above and beyond its own. The country also played arid continues to play a prominent role in finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Africa, as well as alleviating the humanitarian crises that accompany these conflicts.
NIGERIA'S GEO-POLITICAL LOCATION
Nigeria is stoutly located in West Africa. It is almost at the centre of Africa, only 4' (4 degrees) above the equator and overlooking the whole of the sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the vastness of the Sahara desert, the trans Saharan trade caravan routes link Nigeria to the fringes of the Mediterranean Sea bordering Europe.
The Atlantic Ocean in the Southern frontiers of Nigeria provides direct access to other African countries in the central area and southern hemisphere. The Atlantic Ocean also provides direct sea route to Europe and the Americas. These linkages were of course exploited by European slave traders as they frequented the Slave Coast (Nigeria). It is not surprising therefore that Nigerian descendants abound in much of Africa, North America, the Caribbeans, and South America.
Based on the above matrix, fate has bestowed on Nigeria the responsibility to see itself and its constituencies from a broader platform and a larger worldwide perspective and not from a mere narrow and nationalistic outlook. One may therefore ask the following underlining questions.
- What were Nigerian soldiers doing in the Congo soon after independence in 1960?
- What are Nigerian TAC volunteers doing in Belitze, Fiji and many parts of the world?
- Why was Nigeria a Front Line State during the liberation struggles of southern African Countries?
- Why did Nigeria champion the struggle to dismantle apartheid in South Africa?
- Why are there as many as 20 million Nigerian nationals in Diaspora (Sudan, Cameroon, America, etc)?
- Why are Nigerian traders all over Africa and the world?
- Why were Nigerian troops in Liberia and Sierra Leone?
The point must be made however that Nigeria is neither expansionist, nor protectionist but rather a country that genuinely sees West Africa, Africa and the world as its constituencies and ready to deploy its resources for the achievement of peace, justice and development in the world as well as the realization of the noble ideals of the United Nations.
POPULATION
In recent times population has turned out to be one of the indices that have been considered to determine a country's representation at the Security Council. It therefore makes sense to see why China with over a billion people deserved a position at the United Nations Security Council, in the same manner that India is a front contender in the Asian Region for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
At an estimated people, it has been said that about 30 per cent of Africans are Nigerians; and that 1 out of every 4 blacks in the whole world is a Nigerian. This figure does not include Nigerians in Diaspora which includes 5 million in the Sudan, 3 million in the Cameroons, 2 million in the United States, 2 million in Europe and 5 million in the West Coast of Africa. Nigerian traders are seen all over Africa, engaged in the economic development of many African countries.
Nigeria has the highest Muslim and Christian populations than any other country in Africa. By sheer size of the Nigerian population in Africa, it is only logical that the mantle of representation of the African Region and African peoples should fall on Nigeria. It is therefore strongly recommended that the Security Council should also reflect an authentic African face in its rank and file.
NIGERIA'S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD
A significant index of national power is an indication of how a country applies its power in global responsibilities. This includes a country's willingness, ability and capacity to assume responsibilities in solution of regional and global problems, and in promotion of the political, social and economic well-being of other groups outside its borders in the global system. This can always be seen through economic and technical support and participation in the resolution of regional and sub-regional conflicts.
The willingness to apply national power in a particular direction depends on a country's ideological orientation and commitments to the principles of its ideology. Nigeria has since independence established a credible record of contributions to the economic and social development of other societies especially in Africa. Nigeria has also consistently participated in the promotion of international peace and security in various regions of the world.
It was Nigeria's moral imperative and ideological orientation that dictated its leadership role in championing the total liberation, development and welfare of African peoples within the continent and elsewhere in the diaspora. This was eloquently demonstrated during I the anti-colonial liberation struggles by the Nigerian people leaders and movements. It is still on record that Nigerian Civil Servants and public officers gave up a significant percentage of their monthly earnings for more than a decade in order to support the liberation struggles in Africa.
The centrality of Africa to Nigerian foreign policy became a constitutional imperative and articulated thus:
"The state shall promote African Unity, as well as total political, economic, social and cultural liberation of Africa and all other forms of international cooperation conducive to the consolidation of universal peace and mutual respect and friendship among all peoples and States, and shall combat racial discrimination in all its manifestations."
NIGERIA AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
Nigeria's desire and efforts in promoting economic and social well-being in the world has been instrumental to it spear-heading different Plans of Action for continental, regional and national economic and social developments.
Nigeria is a member of the following:
- Gulf of Guinea Commission
- Lake Chad Basin Commission
- Niger Basin Commission
- ECO WAS
- Commonwealth
- OAU/AU
- NEPAD
- NAASP (New Asian-African Strategic Partnership)
- ACP
- UN/UN Agencies.
NIGERIA AS PEACEKEEPER
(Conflict Resolution)
More than any other African country, Nigeria has since its independence participated in peace keeping operations under the banner of ECOWAS, OAU/AU and the United Nations in many trouble-spots in Africa, as well as the world at large. This role has since assumed the perspective of Peace enforcement and re-stabilisation of political, social and economic institutions in war-torn countries for a return to viable nationhood.
In this regard, the success story of the Nigerian-led experiment in Liberia and Sierra Leone has led to the redefinition of the UN traditional conflict resolution doctrines and methodologies since the 1990s, as was later witnessed in Bosnia - Herzegovina. Peace enforcement in both practical and normative senses is the intellectual property of Nigeria.
Nigeria's military has participated in various forms of pacific initiatives and objectives since her independence in 1960. These initiatives can be divided into four categories.
I. UNITED NATIONS ORGANISED PEACE KEEPING MISSIONS
II. OAU/AU REGIONAL PEACE-KEEPING MISSIONS
III. "ECOWAS" SUB-REGIONAL PEACE KEEPING AND PEACE ENFORCEMENT MISSIONS
IV. BILATERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES BETWEEN NIGERIA AND VARIOUS AFRICAN COUNTRIES.
List of UN Peace-Keeping Missions that Nigeria Participated (as at 1999)
i. United Nations operation in the Congo (ONUGA), 1960-64.
ii. United Nations Transition Assistance Group in Namibia (UNITAG), 1989-90.
iii. United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II), 1991-95.
iv. United Nations Angola Verification Mission III (UNAVEM III), 1995-97.
v. United Nation Observer Mission in Angola (MONVA), 1997.
vi. United Nation Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 1991.
vii. United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II), 1993-1995.
viii. United Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOz), 1992-94.
ix. United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), 1993-96.
x. United Nations Aouzou Strip Observer Group (UNASOG), 1994.
xi. United Nations India-Pakistan Observer Mission
xii. United Nations Security Force in Wect New
xxi. United Nations Civilian Police Support Group in Croatia, 1988.
xxii. United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group, 1988-89.
xxiii. United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission (UNIKOM), 1991.
xxiv. United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), 1978.
xxv. United Nations Peace-Keeping Mission in Sierra-Leone, 1999.
xxvi. United Nations Peace-Keeping Mission in Liberia, 2003.
xxvii. United Nations Peace-Keeping Mission in Congo
xxviii. United Nations Peace-Keeping Mission in Dafur, Sudan.
NIGERIA AS PEACEMAKER
(Conflict Prevention):
Nigeria has demonstrated manifest ability and capability in reading early warning signals that often lead to conflicts. In peace making Nigeria has been involved in diplomatic activities both at bilateral and multilateral levels to bring warring factions to the negotiating table.
Several peace talks have taken place in Nigeria to bring warring parties to make peace among themselves. These included the internal conflicts and crises in Sudan (J. Gereng), Somalia, Niger, Chad, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, Sao-Tome and Principe, lately Togo, and Sudan (Dafur).
In pursuit of the above initiatives and objectives, Nigeria has contributed to conflict resolution among African countries at both bilateral and multilateral bases and various other international arrangements. For example, Nigeria sent troops to help quell the mutiny against the government of Tanganyika in 1962. In 1978, Nigeria deployed a national contingent to Chad, upon the request of the first transitional government (GUNT) and the French, to facilitate the withdrawal of the French forces from the Chad where they had been engaged in assisting the Chad government to quell a rebellion. Then in 1981, Nigeria spearheaded the first ever OAU peace keeping operations to resolve the conflict in Chad.
Other such initiatives include the following:
I. Nigeria's Contribution to conflict prevention in Africa through responses to early warning systems on potential conflicts.
II. Nigeria's Contributions to Conflict Resolution in Africa, through peace initiatives and organization of peace talks in Nigeria to resolve various conflicts in Africa.
III. Nigeria's Contribution to the eradication of colonialism and Apartheid in Africa.
IV. Contributions to the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.
(NPT), Biological Weapon Convention (BWC), Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC).
Since 1961, Nigeria has been active in the Eighteen-nation Nuclear Disarmament Committee (ENDC) of the United Nations Security Council. Since 1978 Nigeria became a member of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament (CD).
NIGERIA AND GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS
(The Case of Bakassi)
Nigeria is committed to the Charter of the United Nations, arid faithful to its obligations to the Charter, Nigeria has over the years developed good neighbourliness and harmony with countries in its sub-region. This policy has enabled it to cultivate and adopt a posture of support and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states especially its neighbouring states. Nigeria therefore rejected the policy of expansionism and territorial acquisition by force, threat of force or any other means.
Consistent also with the provisions of the OAU Charter, Nigeria has committed itself fully to the inviolability of territorial boundaries inherited at independence in the belief that to do otherwise would lead to irredentism, intrusiveness and instability in Africa.
Nigeria has, therefore, established bilateral and multilateral Joint Commissions with its neighbours in the belief that these Joint Commissions would be veritable organs for developmental processes and conflict prevention and resolution with its neighbours.
It was in pursuit of the above that Nigeria subjected itself to the UN process and accepted to abide by the United Nations peace initiative and mediation between Nigeria and Cameroon over the conflict in the Bakassi Peninsula instead of pursuing the military option.
As usual, the United Nations Peace process as envisaged, had three components viz: legal, socio-anthropological, as well as physical on the ground in order to arrive at an enduring peaceful arrangement in a region where there are several indigenous ethnic peoples whose opinions, interests and aspirations must be sought and factored into the entire equation to arrive at an equitable solution to the problems of the Bakassi. Otherwise the United Nations may be repeating the follies of Palestine and Kashmlr and create intractable conflicts.
The legal process has been concluded with. a verdict by the world Court for the Nigerian indigenous ethnic groups to leave their ancestral lands. The UN legal process which is expected to run pari-pazu with the ethnographic survey of the region leading to demarcation by UN cartographers as was done between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
A plebiscite would have been conducted In order to Involve the indigenous peoples of Bakassi In the determination of their own destiny. These aspects of the peace process are yet to be pursued. After all, a human problem needs a human consideration and a human solution.
The United Nations Organisation: Is still expected to live up to the peace process it has initiated. The indigenous peoples in pursuit of their legitimate rights to self determination have refused to accept the International Court's ruling. The Nigerian Government does not have the legal right under the United Nations Charter on people's rights to send soldiers into the area to drive them out by force. The peoples of Bakassi have taken their case to the courts in Nigeria and received courts' injunctions restraining the Nigerian government from moving them. In the meantime, these Indigenous peoples whose kits and kin are Nigerians are still looked being after by the Nigerian government.
It is therefore not proper to hold the Nigerian Government responsible for the dead-lock in a process that was initiated by the UN and which is squarely on the shoulders of the United Nations.
The principle of good neighbourliness which has guided Nigeria's relations with its neighbours and the United Nations Organisation was captured in the theme of Nigerian foreign policy and was encapsulated in the maiden address of Nigeria's first Prime Minister at the United Nations on October 7, 1960 when he remarked that:
"It is the desire of Nigeria to remain on friendly terms with all nations and to participate actively in the work of the United Nations Organisation."
NIGERIA'S ROLE IN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Nigeria's manifest destiny as the largest concentration of black people in the world bestowed upon her, the moral and obligatory responsibility to assist sister African countries and black peoples in diaspora.
Nigeria has therefore been committed to major political, economic, financial and diplomatic contributions to the development of African countries even before its own independence in 1960. Nigeria has provided free, unconditional, technical and financial assistance and aid, as well as economic investments to several African countries. Along the years, Nigeria has also established a credible record of contributions to the economic and social development of African communities within the continent and in the diaspora.
During the 1940s and 1950s, and to underscore the nationalist fervour and the close links between Nigeria's condition and the fortunes of African peoples, young nationalists like Zik of Africa, saw Africa as their Constituency and thus referred to Nigeria as "Nigeria-Africa". This meant that to them, Nigeria's freedom and development was inseparable from Africa's liberation, development and respectability in the world order. This principle became the centrality of Nigeria's foreign policy as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
A) KENYA
During the struggle for independence by the people of Kenya in the 1950s, Jomo Kenyatta was arrested and detained by the British Colonial government on the allegations of spear heading a terrorist organization called Mau-Mau.
A Nigeran political party, - N.C.N.C. (the National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns) briefed a team of lawyers led by Barrister H.O. Davies Q.C. (now late) and flew the team to Nairobi to defend Jomo Kenyatta and his supporters.
In the 1960s and 70s, Nigeria sent Technical Assistance of skilled manpower consisting of Lawyers and Engineers etc to Kenya to assist the Kenyan government. They served as Magistrates and Engineers.
B) SOUTH AFRICA
Throughout the heydays of the obnoxious apartheid regime in South Africa, Nigeria stood stoutly behind the A.N.C. (African National Congress). Nigeria banned the export of its crude oil to the apartheid regime.
In 1979, the Nigerian government sent B.P. (British Petroleum Company) packing out of Nigeria because the company supplied Nigerian crude petroleum to the apartheid regime in South Africa.
It is instructive to note that it was President Obasanjo who, as a Military Head of State of Nigeria in 1979, sent B.P. out of Nigeria.
Nigeria also provided sanctuary for some leaders of the ANC freedom fighters. It should also be borne in mind that between 1961 and 1994, Nigeria spent US$61 billion in cash and in kind to end apartheid as well as liberate other Southern African countries from colonial rule.
C) THE CONGO
When the government of Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Kasa Vubu collapsed, leading to the Congo crisis, the Nigerian government sent a military and police contingent to the Congo for peace-keeping operations. It is again instructive to note that, President Obasanjo, then serving as a military officer, was among the Nigerian military contingent sent to the Congo. The Nigerian Police were also involved in the Congo operations.
D) NAMIBIA
Throughout the Namibian peoples struggle for independence from German Trustee-ship to United Nations and south African administrations, Nigeria assisted the Namibian people and stood by them. Some of their leaders were provided sanctuary in Nigeria.
E) ANGOLA. CAPE VERDE. GUINEA-BISSAU AND MOZAMBIQUE
n the Angolan struggle for independence from Portuguese rule, Nigeria assisted the M.P.L.A. of the late President Comrade Augustino NETO as against the Apartheid South Africa backed UNITA of the late Jonas Savimbi.
In the same manner, Nigeria was, therefore, fully engaged in the liberation struggle of the former Portuguese colonies of Mozambique, Guinea -Bisau and Cape Verde through the provision of diplomatic, political, moral, financial and material support. Through these assistance to their struggles, these countries attained independence in the 1970s.
F. ZIMBABWE
Nigeria was also a major contributor to the liberation struggles and eventual independence by Zimbabwe through Nigeria's support of the various liberation movements of ZANU and ZAPU.
G. ZAMBIA. MALAWI &THE GAMBIA
n the 1960s and 70s, Nigeria sent Engineers, Lawyers and Doctors to render Technical and Professional services to the governments of these countries.
H. SIERRA-LEONE
Nigeria put together and led the ECOMOG military contingent to Sierra-Leone for peace-keeping operations that led to the restoration of Democracy and the Government of Tejan Kabba.
I. LIBERIA
Similarly, in Liberia, Nigeria led the ECOMOG contingent to that troubled West African country for peace-keeping operations.
J. SUDAN
Nigeria held several Peace Talks between the Government of Sudan and the Southern Rebels led by John Garang. Nigeria has provided relief materials worth $100,000 (one hundred thousand) US dollars to the victims and refugees in Darfur for peace-keeping operations. Furthermore, Nigeria has requested the Sudanese government for approval to increase the number of Nigerian soldiers in Sudan to two battalions strength.
The Nigerian peace-keeping operations in Sudan is code named Operation Save Life II. The Darfur peace-keeping operations will cost Nigeria $270 (two hundred and seventy) million US dollars for a period of six months. This translates to $1.6m (one million and five hundred thousand) US dollars per day.
K. SAHARAWI ARAB DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Nigeria was the first country to grant full diplomatic recognition to the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic which Morocco claimed as its territory.
L. BURUNDI AND RWANDA
Nigeria has a soft spot for the Great Lakes countries of Burundi and Rwanda. The Nigerian President has maintained personal friendship with the Presidents of both countries. Nigeria offers Technical Assistante to both countries by providing skilled manpower and the training of their military personnel. Nigeria maintains cordial relations with both countries.
M. THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
Timber and Sugar cane export are the main economy of Swaziland. In the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria assisted the Kingdom of Swaziland by investing millions of US dollars in a joint venture - sugar cane plantation within the borders of that country and the apartheid South Africa.
The Nigerian gesture was an economic assistance to that country and it provided employment and boosted her economy. From a political perspective, the Swaziland deal provided Nigeria a window from where Nigeria could obtain a view of what was happening in apartheid South Africa.
N. THE WEST AFRICA SUB-REGION
Nigeria is heavily committed to the Gas Pipe Line Project that runs from Nigeria through the ECOWAS countries of the West Africa Sub-Region. Nigerian gas will be supplied through this pipeline to all the countries in West Africa. This project will boost industrial development in these countries and improve their economies.
0. NIGER REPUBLIC
In the spirit of African Brotherhood, Nigeria supplies electricity to the Niger Republic. This has been so for decades. The power supply has sustained industrial development in the Niger Republic.
P. GHANA. SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
Nigeria recently granted loans amounting to several millions of U.S. Dollars to Sao Tome and Ghana, to assist the two countries finance certain projects in their countries.
Although Nigeria could ill afford to grant the loan because of her pressing needs, yet the loan was given in the spirit of African Brotherhood and because the African is his brother's keeper.
One thing that should be observed in all the involvements of Nigeria with other sister African States is that she limited such engagements to the role of benevolence and peace-making. Nigeria never engaged in or sponsored acts of aggression against any African State whether big or small. Nigeria maintained that posture even in the face of occasional provocations and in spite of the fact that Nigeria has a larger and well-equipped army.
Q. UGANDA
Nigeria's relationship with Uganda dates back to the 1960s and 70s when he late Justice (Dr.)Udo Udoma was seconded from Nigerian Judiciary to Uganda as the Chief Justice of Uganda. Justice Udoma in his capacity as Chief Justice, not only helped in the development of the Ugandan judiciary but also gave some landmark I judgements.
Nigeria also sent Chief Jerome Udoji, and Mr. Ani (now late) both of whom are veteran administrators to Uganda to help in the restructuring of the Uganda Civil Service.
Presently, Nigeria is offering Technical Assistance to Uganda by providing skilled manpower and the training of Uganda military personnel in Nigerian Military Institutions. To say that the relationship between the two countries is cordial would be an understatement because Ugandans and Nigerians embrace themselves as brothers.
NIGERIA'S NATIONAL POWER AND STABILITY
Nigeria is by culture and tradition both democratic and capitalist. The spread of Nigerian enterprises the world over is a clear indication. Nigeria's economic stability emanates from the share size of economic transactions that Nigerian private and cooperate enterprises are engaged in. The Nigerian economy is a cash economy. Nigerian traders do not do business with bank letters of credit. This may be crude as it makes documentation difficult, but the businesses translate into multi billions dollars of trade across the borders of Nigeria by Nigerian traders. It is a well known fact that Nigerian enterprises are the economic engine that sustains most of the countries in the West and Central African sub-regions.
In determining the perspectives on civil societies in Nigeria as an index of political stability, one must posit that Nigerian society is democratic and liberal in the basic determination of the known of democracy viz:
principies
- freedom of association
- freedom of assembly
- freedom of expression
- freedom of the press.
- freedom of movement
- freedom of residence
- freedom of conscience
- freedom of religion
- freedom of worship
- freedom of political participation.
CONCLUSION
It is not surprising that despite her heterogeneity with well over 250 ethnic groups expressing their rights to openness to pursue their ethnic or religious interests, Nigeria has shown a resilience and stability that is un-matched by many countries that enjoy the luxury of one main ethnic-dominant group within which umbrella nationhood is forged.
Nigeria is however blessed with a strong bureaucratic tradition that is ideologically committed to democratic principles in the Nigerian political system. This bureaucratic tradition and the societal democratic culture are forms of pre-colonial political and democratic heritage of representation, consultation and participation of Nigerian ethnic groups in the national political process be the administration military or civilian and have enshrined the Rule of Law in the Nigerian body politic. All these have been fuelled by a strong economic base that have guaranteed the stability of the system.
Even though this may not be the strongest criterion for any country aspiring for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, since the present membership is a mixed grill of ideologies, nevertheless, based on her democratic background and based on all other credentials enumerated above, Nigeria is eminently qualified for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council
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