President Goodluck Jonathan
Nigeria,
Saudi Arabia, and three other nations have won seats into the United
Nations Security Council as non-permanent members on Thursday.
A statement by the UN Department of Public Information from New York stated that Nigeria scored 186 votes out of a possible 194.
Saudi Arabia polled 176; Chile, 186; Chad, 184; while Lithuania got the highest vote of 187.
The UNSC is one of the six principal
organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of
international peace and security.
Its powers, outlined in the United
Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations,
the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of
military action. Its powers are exercised through United Nations
Security Council resolutions.
There are 15 members of the Security Council consisting five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.
The five permanent members are veto-wielding nations of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Five of the 10 non-permanent members are elected each year to serve two-year terms.
Established in 1946, the UN basic structure is set out in Chapter V of the UN Charter.
Representatives of the members of the
Security Council must always be present at UN headquarters in New York
so that the Security Council can meet at any time.
Although Nigeria reportedly contested
the election as the sole contestant from the West Africa region, it
garnered more than the required two-third support of the 194 member
nations.
The new members will occupy the seat for a period of two years, beginning from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015.
Nigeria and Chad will be replacing Togo and Morocco from the African group.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan
in a statement by his spokesman, Reuben Abati, thanked all
member-countries of the UN that voted for Nigeria.
The statement read in part, “The
President believes that today’s (Thursday’s) endorsement of Nigeria’s
candidature for the Security Council seat by the vast majority of
member-countries is a glowing expression of support and encouragement
for Nigeria’s active participation in the promotion of peace, security
and political stability in Africa and other parts of the world.
“This is the fourth time since it became
independent in 1960 that Nigeria is being elected to the UN Security
Council. It is also the second time (2010-2011 and 2014-2015) that
Nigeria will be elected to the Council under the Jonathan Presidency.
“The President is particularly delighted
by this historic victory and assures the global community that Nigeria,
under his leadership, will continue to make very significant
contributions towards the achievement and sustenance of global peace and
security.”
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party has
described Nigeria’s election as an unprecedented feat and a testament to
the achievements of President Jonathan-led PDP administration.
The party in a statement by its National
Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Thursday, said the
development had clearly shown that the world recognised the efforts of
the present administration in repositioning our country through the
President’s Transformation agenda.
He said, “The securing of the UN seat is
a clear evidence that the world acknowledges President Jonathan’s
efforts towards security, economic wellbeing and political stability of
our dear country.
“President Jonathan has indeed
distinguished himself as a statesman and a world leader, who has given
his country a strong voice in matters dealing with international peace
and security.
“Nigerians world over can now hold their
heads up high. We are indeed very proud of our dear President who has
remained focused on delivering on his mandate; a commitment that has
today resulted in the restoration of the dignity of our country and her
pride of place in world affair.”
