Last week’s visit of UN scribe tickled Nigeria’s hitherto dull diplomatic activities since President Buhari’s assumption of office on May 29, writes Correspondent, SAM NWOKORO.
Last week, the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, came to Nigeria. His oval face full of smiles from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, until he berthed in the belly of Aso Rock. This would possibly be the first time President Muhammadu Buhari would be meeting the world’s foremost civil servant since his election on March 28.
Ki-moon was here in 2010 when President Goodluck Jonathan just assumed office, and no sooner had he left than Abuja got its first bite from Boko Haram terror bombers. Then, the UN building in Abuja was bombed by terrorists, barely 48 hours after Ki-moon boarded his departure plane.
It somehow appeared an unseemly coincidence that the humble man of peace has often come to Nigeria in times of unease. Boko Haram has been unrelenting in its armed campaign of massive butchery since Buhari became president. There was bloodletting between August 24 and 25 when he was here.
The visit
While the UN chief was in Nigeria, he did perform those ceremonies that made the UN tick as the world’s unifying apostle. On his first day of visit, Ki-moon spoke glowingly about Nigeria’s drive to reclaim her place in the comity of nations as an orderly society, commending the efforts being made to root out insurgency. He held talks with Nigerian governors, the organised private business operators and performed the ceremonial wreath-laying in honour of those killed during the UN building bomb blast in 2010. That attack killed about 23 UN workers.
Ki-moon paid tribute to the “extraordinary fortitude and determination” of the survivors, many of whom suffered terrible injury and trauma. He also said “our fallen colleagues and partners will be remembered this morning with moments of silence in many places. But nowhere are the memories of these colleagues more immediate, more vivid and more compelling than here in Abuja. We will remember them forever as truly the best of humanity” during the wreath-laying ceremony.
After meeting with the Nigerian president in the Presidential Villa, he said both of them discussed a full range of issues covering development, human rights, peace and security, including the troubling levels of violence and terror perpetrated by Boko Haram in North East Nigeria and the sub-region, as “terrorism knows no bounds”, according to him.
In an emotion-laden voice, the UN chief reminisced: “This week will notice another grim anniversary. It has been 500 days since the kidnapping of the Chibok girls. I once again call, in the strongest possible terms, on those responsible to unconditionally release these girls and the many other abducted children.
“Women and children are not caught simply in the crossfire. They are being deliberately targeted through brutal physical and sexual assaults, child and forced marriages, sexual slavery and abduction on a massive scale.”
Seemingly exasperated, he pleaded: “I am appealing as UN Secretary-General and personally as a father and grandfather. Think about your own daughters. How would you feel if your daughters and sisters were abducted by others? I urge every community to work hard to re-integrate all abductees and their families.”
In response, the Nigerian president left his prime guest in no doubt that he was in need of assistance.
Buffeted on all sides by a sceptical media and a populace seemingly appalled by his inability, till date, to constitute a cabinet 100 days after assuming office, Buhari told Ki-moon: “The difficulty in which Nigeria finds itself, the destruction of infrastructure and the welfare of the more than 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that have to be morally, physically and materially rehabilitated is daunting.”
Kudos for peaceful poll
Another area the UN chief commended Nigeria was in the peaceful conduct of the last general election.
His words: “I commend the Nigerian people, especially President Goodluck Jonathan, for the peaceful, free and fair elections. I salute the statesmanship example of President Goodluck Jonathan. For the first time in Nigeria, a sitting president peacefully ceded power to an opposition candidate in a democratic election. The elections sent a strong global message of respect for democracy and the rule of law.
“Nigeria is once again playing a crucial role in the UN Security Council over which Ambassador Joy Ogwu is now presiding this month as president of the Security Council.”
He emphasised that the UN is in support of Nigeria’s efforts to advance hope, peace, sustainable development and human rights in a comprehensive way, with a note of optimism: “I am convinced that when you change Nigeria, you will also change Africa.”
The elixir
Coming at a time the Buhari administration is being heckled by all and sundry on charges of slow motion and partisanship in appointments and other critical policies, the UN chief’s visit only gives the president the needed confidence boost that, after all, someone elsewhere even acknowledges his humble efforts.
The invitation extended to him by the UN to attend its September annual general assembly, Buhari’s first on the UN podium since coming back as elected civilian president, and his second major international outing in the supranational community, also complements the psychological elixir that his non-composition of a cabinet till now is not going to render his government barren of democratic texture, as most people in Nigeria complain.
According to a Sovereign Risk and Crisis Management assistance firm, New York-based Ryan Cummings Red 24, “it is a message to Nigeria that they do have international support and backing in the fight against insurgency”.
Taking on govs
An immense benefit derivable from Ki-moon’s visit, more than any other function he performed while in Abuja between August 24 and 26, is his meeting with Nigerian governors. Observers of Nigeria’s skewed federal system and its burdensome fiscal methods were able to decipher the uneasiness of the UN chief about the obvious poor administrative and governance ability of Nigerian states governors.
Coming on the heels of massive bail-out doled out by the new administration to the tune of $2 billion to the governors to pay salaries of workers in their respective states, some of which stretched over seven months, the UN chief’s veiled lectures to the governors on issues of development could only be interpreted by many that the club of governors in Nigeria do little.
Itemising UN’s ‘Action 2015 Project’ as a global development template to fast-track actualisation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda launched in 2010, and whose first phase ends December this year, Ki-moon explained: “The Action 2015 Project involves the mobilisation of citizens of the world, organisations and diverse social units by the United Nations aimed at creating greater awareness of the most urgent threats faced by humanity. Action 2015 hinges on the philosophy that the decisions taken in 2015 will determine the world’s future, and if each unit of individuals and groups contribute definite action towards achieving the world’s development goals, their collective influence will shape decision-making critical to the success of those goals.
“It is a coalition of over 1,950 organisations around the world who are committed to fighting for a better future by ending poverty, tackling inequality and avoiding dangerous climate change. It is truly global and each organisation has different specialties and strengths from grassroots environmental projects to international anti-poverty organisation.”
He urged the governors to work together to establish a revitalised global partnership for development.
Below is excerpt from Ki-moon’s address to Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) last week:
“I am so pleased to begin my visit to Nigeria with you – and it is fitting that I do so. I strongly believe a more prosperous, democratic and secure Nigeria begins with you. I would like to thank the Governor of Kaduna State for hosting this opportunity to discuss your aspirations for change in Nigeria.
Governors play a fundamental role in the future of this country, the region, the continent – and, indeed, our world. You are among the closest to the people.
“You understand their challenges and aspirations. You have the resources and the power to help the people of Nigeria realise the tremendous promise of this great country – on education, on healthcare, on women’s empowerment, on climate change, on governance, institution-building, security and on rights across the board. I am here to listen and support you.
Nigeria occupies a central place in the family of nations. As I visit, Nigeria also happens to be serving as President of the Security Council for the month of August. This is yet another reminder of the weight of the regional and global responsibilities you bear.
I am here at a time of challenge – in Nigeria and beyond. Across our world, we see insecurity, inequality, growing divides. Here in Nigeria, you know the challenges all too well – including the rise of extremism and the lack of equal opportunity. I know this is a deep and vital challenge in particular for the governors of the North East, including Borno State, and I commend the work and leadership of Governor Kashim Shettima who is with us. Allow me to also take the opportunity to express my sincere condolences on the passing of the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.
This is also a time of hope. I want to commend you and all of Nigeria’s leaders for the peaceful democratic transition of power. Nigeria sent an important signal of hope throughout the continent.
This is also a moment of hope for the world, particularly in the field of development.
“Last month, UN member states met in Addis Ababa and agreed on a new financing for development plan: the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
“Earlier this month, member states reached agreement on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A proud daughter of Nigeria helped shepherd this agreement to its inspiring conclusion — my special Advisor, Assistant Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
“The outcome document, ‘Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ – includes a bold new set of 17 goals – will be formally adopted by world leaders in New York in September.
“In December, governments will meet in Paris to agree on a new far-reaching climate change agreement.
“Together these three processes provide an opportunity to put the world on a sustainable pathway fostering human prosperity while protecting our planet.
“Local governments have an important role to play in the implementation of the SDGs. Nigeria demonstrated this through its efforts on the MDGs through the Federal Government Conditional Grants programme to states and local governments.
“Let me point to five essential ways that you can build on your advances and sustain that momentum.
“First, the universal framework will have to be tailored to national circumstances to live up to its promise to be an agenda ‘of the people, for the people, and by the people’ that leaves no one behind.
“Sub-national and local governments will play a major role in the national tailoring process and in ensuring that this process is participatory and inclusive.
Second, we need to work together to establish a revitalised global partnership for development. Each of you is crucial for engaging local civil society organisations and the private sector in the implementation of the goals at local level.
“Third, in a world of rising inequalities, sub-national and local governments can help ensure that the limited available funds are targeted at the most vulnerable and marginalised who are often hard to reach, in particular ensuring health, education, empowerment and equality for women and girls.
“That leads to my fourth point – institutionalising gender mainstreaming across all government ministries and bodies responsible for implementing Agenda 2030, with effective means of implementation and capacities for monitoring progress.
“I encourage you to implement national action plans and legislation on gender equality and take steps to enhance the political and judicial participation and representation of women at all levels.
“Fifth, you can support the follow-up and review process by feeding inputs directly into the review and by helping to ensure the quality of data by investing in institutions and using big data to inform better planning and decision-making.
“Accurate data will also allow us to better respond to new and unforeseen challenges.
Honourable Governors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
“This is a crucial moment for Nigeria. You face many serious challenges, but you have also taken a hugely important step to move forward in a way that can respond to the aspirations of the country’s people.
“I am eager to hear your views on how you think you can best achieve this universal and ambitious agenda. The United Nations stands ready to fully support you.”
