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| Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Olugbenga Ashiru |
The African Union has endorsed Nigeria’s quest for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador
Olugbenga Ashiru, told journalists on Friday at the sideline of the
ongoing 21st ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government of the AU holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ashiru spoke just as President Goodluck Jonathan arrived in Addis Ababa for the summit.
The minister said the decision was taken at a meeting of ministers of the union’s 50-member states on Thursday evening.
He said having earlier secured the
backing of the Economic Community of West African States for the seat,
Nigeria will now concentrate on reaching out to other regional groups
since two-third of the nations is needed.
The minister said the decision to endorse Nigeria was taken unanimously by those who attended the meeting.
He said, “The endorsement was done based on our nation’s track record and achievements. It was done unanimously.
“The next step is for us to reach out to other regional groups like Asia, Europe and America.
“But one thing is sure, the regional
endorsement that we have secured is like obtaining a B+ already. Other
regional groups will only shore up the score.”
Ashiru added that the endorsement had further confirmed Nigeria’s robust foreign policy.
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