Statement

By H.E (Dr) Goodluck Jonathan, Gcfr President Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria

At The Security Council

On Maintenance Of International Peace And Security – Conflict Prevention

Thursday, 22 September 2011

New York

Mr. President,

I wish to express, on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, my appreciation to you for convening this crucial meeting, to review the United Nations’ efforts in the area of Conflict Prevention. Nigeria considers it a subject of critical importance to all humanity. I want also to commend the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts in this regard and for the incisive and comprehensive report (S/2011/552), which has been invaluable in presenting a persuasive case in all ramifications for Preventive Diplomacy.

Mr. President,

When Nigeria convened the open debate on Preventive Diplomacy in July 2010, we were motivated by a profound concern that the nature of conflict was out-pacing our collective ability to respond effectively to it. For so long, the international community has accorded little attention to mediation and Preventive Diplomacy. We have placed far too much emphasis and resources on the military dimensions of peace and security, without addressing the root causes of conflicts. The report before us today indicates that this trend was not strictly as a result of failure to utilize preventive strategies, but principally due to inadequate resourcing and coordination. The immediate challenge before us must be how to address these key questions.

Africa has, over the years, placed a great deal of political weight on the application of Preventive Diplomacy strategies, by putting in place, early warning and mediation mechanisms. The African Union made strident steps to develop a framework for Preventive Diplomacy through the efforts of the African Union Peace and Security Council. At the sub-regional level, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also made great strides in this area, primarily through the steady implementation of its conflict prevention framework encompassing diplomacy, fact- finding and early warning system. It is imperative, therefore, that these efforts at regional and sub-regional levels must be supported both financially and technically by the international community and the United Nations system.

Mr. President,

Today, a number of effective contact points have been developed within the United Nations system for these collaborative arrangements, especially through the Secretary-General’s special envoys, the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), UN regional offices and the Peace Building Commission (PBC). As the Secretary-General aptly observed, working with relevant partners have created enabling environments in easing tensions, building capacities for skilled interventions and fostering dialogue.

Indeed, Nigeria has invested resources to support the campaign for Preventive Diplomacy especially within our sub-region. We have adopted the use of Preventive Diplomacy in addressing complex questions arising from armed conflicts.

It is, therefore, encouraging to note that the Secretary-General has established a steering committee to consider measures for enhancing cooperation across the network of Preventive Diplomacy actors. In real terms, Preventive Diplomacy is often most effective when conducted behind the scenes, certainly well before tensions rise to boiling point. We believe we can foster the growth of conflict prevention at both normative and practical levels; we can standardize our approach to political and peacekeeping missions to reflect the strategic importance of Preventive Diplomacy.

If indeed our primary responsibility in this Council is to maintain international peace and security, the work of this Council in managing international peace and security should be viewed through the lens of Preventive Diplomacy. If we are able to assist nations and communities in restoring their social and institutional fabric; if we can also apply ourselves to the ongoing task of providing opportunities for people in their livelihood, we can go a long way in reducing opportunities for conflicts; we can directly and indirectly prevent conflicts.

I thank you.

By Asaba Correspondent

Following its inability to have the presence of his ministry, an Isoko pressure group called ‘Isoko Vanguard’ in Isoko South local government area of Delta state; South-South Nigeria has accused the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, Elder Godsday Orubebe of gross marginalization of the entire people of Isoko land even as they expressed disappointment over the way and manners the Minister is treating the people in the scheme of things. In a protest letter addressed to the Minister, titled “Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and The Isoko People Need for Redress” signed by the group’s national co-ordinator, Hon. Fidelis Owhe, and copied to Governor Emmanuel Uduagha of Delta state, Security agents and made available to newsmen in Asaba said “We are constrained to write to you to complain about the gross marginalization of the entire Isoko people by your Ministry.”

The group however recalled that, during his (Minister) last visit to Isoko, he promised to accommodate the Isoko people in the programmes of his Ministry as major stake holders in the Niger Delta Project which was to include allocation of developmental projects and other infrastructure.

“We are presently very sad and most disappointed that well over two years since the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs came into being, there is nothing on ground for the Isoko people, be it projects, amenities, consultancy, youth empowerment or employment. The Isoko people were not included in the Amnesty Programme. Most disturbing is the Isoko road running from Ekiugbo-Iyede through Olomoro to Emede-Uzere junction and Iyede-Emevor, Owhe-Ozoro road which are in a very deplorable state.

Yet, the area is a conglomerate of major oil producing communities. With this state of things, our youths are already very agitated and unless urgent positive steps are taken, another round of restiveness may ensue with a conflagrating proportion.” And called on the Minister to use your good offices in addressing the enumerated imbalance to ensure the sustenance of peace in the area and give the people a sense of belonging.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN) has pleaded with the opposition camp in the state to leave the Governor,  Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan alone and allow him to concentrate on governance.

Utuama, speaking at a thanksgiving service shortly after the Benin Appeal Court judgment that gave victory to the governor over Chief Great Ogboru of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), said “enough is enough.”

He observed that the governor has had enough of legal battles and other distractions from the opposition, which God has always made him to surmount, but that it was high time everyone in the state queued behind him to move the state forward.

The deputy governor described the court victory as an act of God that marks the end of the first term in office of the governor and himself and the beginning of a fresh tenure.

Utuama recalled that the governor had argued at the lower tribunal that the petition brought by Ogboru challenging his victory at the January 6, 2011 re-run election was spent since another election has been conducted and won.

He informed that it was that conviction that led the governor to appeal the decision of the lower tribunal at the appellate court and expressed delight that it was the appeal of the governor that was upheld at the appeal court.

The deputy governor used the occasion to commend commissioners, other government functionaries and well meaning Deltans that had stood behind the Uduaghan administration and urged those on the fence to join the winning team.

by Kaanayo Nwachukwu

1. Ifeanyi Justin Ogu
2. Jonah Uche (final or extra year accountancy)
3. Zaki (resides in Duberville Lodge, ABSU)

Five male students of the Abia State University (sadly my alma mater) raped a young female student August 16. Sources say the victim insulted one of her rapists who then decided to teach her a lesson of her life.

In the rape video, which lasted well over an hour, the girl could be seen trying to fight off these animals-in-human-skin. When her efforts proved abortive amidst beatings, she resorted to pleading with them to spare her; but her pleas fell on deaf ears. And when she could not take the excruciating pain any longer, she begged them to kill her, instead of let her live with the stigma our society would pile on top of her already horrendous trauma. As she pleaded with them, the boys laughed and mocked her, asking her to ‘co-operate’ or face two more days of torture by rape.

Rape at ABSU has become a steady occurrence. Most victims of this ungodly act would rather keep mum over the incident than report it and face stigmatisation from the society. So far, there are over 1,356,662 downloads of the rape video.

In the video, the girl’s face is clearly seen but the faces of the five boys remain blurred. One could clearly hear them speak Igbo and English plus refer to each other by names; for instance, one of the rapists said, “Wisdom don dey talk now.” Other names the rapists called themselves during the ‘operation’ include: Chisom, Zaki, Uchenna. Zaki even bragged to the victim, “Do you know who Zaki is?” The fifth name is a little muffled but sounded very much like Ifeanyi. One of them identified himself as a 400 level law student, while another claims to be studying IT or Information Technology.

And one of them has a car…Whereas, the federal government of Nigeria has vowed to bring these bastards to justice, -governor of Abia State – T. A. Orji – and his cabinet want to sweep this matter under the carpet by denying that the incident happened or occurred at ABSU…PLEASE, folks, let’s take matters into our own hands and do T. A. Orji’s job for him by helping bring the culprits of this crime to justice, using any means necessary: blog, Twitter, Facebook, etcetera.

These beasts are known. That the Abia State officials want to sweep this matter under the carpet clearly shows that these cowards are the children of Igbo’s men of timber and calibre. Please, let us put pressure to bear on them to ensure this innocent young woman gets the justice she deserves. Let people cast fear to the wind and come forward with information that would lead to the prosecution of these idiots…Remember, this innocent student could have been anyone’s sister or relative.

And yes, we can do it!

Thank you!

STATEMENT

By DR GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCON, GCFR

President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria

AT THE 66^TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY 21^ST SEPTEMBER 2011

Mr. President,

 On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I would like to congratulate you on your election as the President of the 66^th Session of the General Assembly.  I have no doubt that, under your able leadership, the work of the 66^th Session would progress to a successful conclusion. I should also like to acknowledge the excellent work done by your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Joseph Diess, who ably guided the affairs of the 65^th Session with consummate skill and commitment.

I must also seize the opportunity to extend my warmest felicitations to Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, on his well-deserved re-election, a tribute to his leadership and vision.  Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon deserves our appreciation for the good work he is doing on our behalf.

I welcome the newest member of our organization – South Sudan.  I am confident South Sudan will bring unique perspective to the work of the United Nations and enrich our collective experience.

Mr. President, despite our initial optimism, the peace dividend we had hoped would accrue following the end of the Cold War is yet to materialize.  On the contrary, the world of the 21^st century in which we live is becoming ever more precarious, unpredictable and certainly more dangerous perhaps more than any other time in history.

The increasing use of terror in various regions of the world as a form of political action poses serious threat to international peace and security.  We must win the war against terrorism because it infringes on the fundamental rights of all peoples to life and to live in safety from fear.

Over the past few months, we in Nigeria have faced an upsurge of terrorist attacks in parts of our country.  Only recently, the UN Building in Abuja housing several UN Agencies was the target of an atrocious terrorist attack which left several dead.  On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I like to convey my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire UN family for this barbaric and heinous attack against those who have dedicated their lives to helping others.

As the United States and the rest of the world commemorate the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded of the international dimension of terrorism and the imperative of a concerted global response to combat this scourge.

Mr. President, for us in Nigeria, terrorist acts, rather than intimidate, will only help to strengthen our resolve to develop appropriate national strategies and collaborate even more closely with the international community in the fight against this menace.  As part of Nigeria’s efforts to fight terrorism, I signed into law the Terrorism (Prevention) Bill 2011 and the Anti-Money Laundering (Prohibition) Amendment Act on the 3^rd of June this year.  The new laws not only outlined measures for the prevention and combating of acts of terrorism, but also prohibit the financing of terrorism and laundering of the proceeds of crime.  Nigeria will continue to work with the UN and other partners in this global fight.

To this end, Nigeria is working closely with the United Nations Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), the Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), as well as relevant international bodies and friendly countries to sharpen our response mechanisms.  In this connection, the UN Counter Terrorism Implementation Task force is launching its first project in Abuja in November 2011, aimed at conflict prevention and countering the appeal of terrorism to youth through education and dialogue.  In addition, Nigeria is a member of the new global body, the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), initiated to galvanize and pull our efforts together to fight the scourge in all its ramifications.  We pledge to continue to work with all stakeholders, as we enlarge and intensify our partnerships.

When I stood before this Assembly last year, I gave a solemn pledge that Nigeria will conduct free and credible elections in the second quarter of this year.  I am glad to report that we, indeed, conducted what have been adjudged credible and transparent general elections in April 2011. Let me take this opportunity to thank the United Nations and all other organisations and nations that assisted us to achieve that feat. The elections are now behind us and the Government which I head is well on course to implement our programmes of Transformation, a strategic plan for the delivery of the dividends of democracy to citizens, and for preparing our country for the challenges of the future.  Indeed, all across my country, there is a renewed sense of optimism and self-belief in our ability to re-create a new Nigeria on the principles of personal freedoms, democracy, good governance and rule of law.

Mr. President, permit me to identify with the theme of this year’s debate of engaging the role of mediation in the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the world.   You will recall that Nigeria has been in the fore front of the campaign to promote this theme when, as the President of the Security Council in July 2010, my country adopted the use of Preventive Diplomacy to resolve armed conflicts across the world.  This theme is apt and could not have come at a better time when armed conflicts are increasingly taking a greater part of the time and resources of the United Nations.

For too long, the international community has focused too little attention on mediation and preventive diplomacy and far too much effort and resources on military aspects of peace and security.  Yet, measures to address the root cause of conflict, including dialogue and mediation, can be far more effective as means to achieving sustainable peace and stability.

I believe that cultivating peace and fulfilling the aims of Chapter V1 of the UN Charter require early identification and appropriate intervention in conflict situations in order to build confidence and trust, and also to preclude the eruption of violence between opposing parties.  As I see it, our goal should always be to present the peaceful alternative as a less costly and effective way of achieving political and social objectives.  I also believe that in addition to other traditional tools of preventive diplomacy, democracy and good governance can be particularly important in building a just, equitable and inclusive society.  By focusing on mediation as a tool for conflict prevention, we are able to address the real triggers of conflict, without which we cannot achieve sustainable solutions.

However, for the world to move from a culture of response after conflict to that of a culture of prevention, the international community must muster the political will to promote preventive diplomacy, in particular through mediation.  This will necessarily entail re-dedicating greater human and financial resources to institutions and mechanisms that already exist within and outside the UN system for conflict prevention and resolution.

Going forward, I should like to propose the establishment, under the Secretary-General’s Office, a Conflict Mediation Commission, to be charged, among others, with the collation of information on conflict situations across the world, identify the dramatis personae and develop appropriate strategies for initiating resolution of such conflicts.  The Commission will also develop rules of engagement, including sanctions which would apply to those who may obstruct efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Mr. President, this naturally brings me to the issue of trafficking in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).  Mr. President, if your idea of resolving conflicts through mediation is to succeed, then the problem of trafficking in small arms and light weapons must be frontally tackled.  The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons is particularly worrisome, due to their easy accessibility and availability to unauthorized persons and groups, who in turn have used these arms to create instability and insecurity in much of the countries in the developing world.  Even worse, the proliferation of these weapons has proved handy in the hands of terrorists.

This explains our commitment to, and preoccupation with, the actualization of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that robustly addresses the illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons which, as we all know, are among the major causes of destabilization and conflict in West Africa.  The danger of proliferation of, and illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons informed Nigeria’s decision to co-sponsor Resolution 61/89 of 2006, the principal objective being to provide a legally binding international instrument for the trade in conventional arms.  We will continue to support all initiatives towards the realization of an Arms Trade Treaty in 2012.  I call on all Member States of the UN to join in this endeavour.

The increasing rate of piracy and other maritime crimes, with their attendant damaging effects on security, trade and economic activities in the Gulf of Guinea and other locations call for coordinated regional and global approaches.  In this respect, I like to express support for the proposal of the Secretary General to deploy a United Nations Assessment Mission to under-study the situation in the Gulf of Guinea and explore possible options for UN support and action.   Our expectation is that a positive outcome from such a strategy will not only benefit our sub-region but the larger international community as well.  I am already consulting with other Leaders in our sub-region to boost this initiative.

Mr. President, gender equality and women empowerment strategy of the UN, especially through the creation of UN Women, deserve commendation and support.  Nigeria’s support for UN Women, to which we have made substantial contributions, reflects our desire to harness the potentials of women in the task of nation building. 

Our national action plan on gender equality and women empowerment places strong emphasis on women’s effective participation in politics and adequate representation in public office.  I am, indeed, proud to announce to this august Assembly that more than 30% of my Cabinet is made up of women.          Let me also commend the Executive Board of UN Women on the successful take-off of the entity.  UN Women can be assured of Nigeria’s strong support.

Mr. President, this year, prevention of non-communicable diseases is one of the issues slated for discussion at our High Level Meeting (HLM).  Only three months ago, I attended the High Level Meeting on AIDS, where I pledged Nigeria’s commitment to healthcare, as part of our country’s human capital development agenda.  My Government is intensifying efforts to improve on national healthcare delivery by allocating substantial resources to primary healthcare.  We look forward to a productive outcome of the High Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases at the end of this Session.  In the same vein, I welcome discussions at the High Level Meeting on Desertification and Land degradation as they continue to pose challenges to our developmental efforts.  This is why Nigeria strongly supports the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including strategies and best practices to address this challenge.

In order to demonstrate our commitment to human rights, Nigeria recently ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and acceded to four other international human rights instruments, including the optional protocol on the Convention against Torture and Migrant Workers.  My Government has also passed into law the National Human Right Commission Amendment Act (2011), Legal Aid Council Amendment Act (2011) and Freedom of Information Act (2011).  Nigeria will continue to accord the highest priority to human rights issues as they speak directly to the dignity and inalienable rights of humanity.

Mr. President, we in West Africa are passing through an exciting season of democratic rebirth.  Before the end of year 2011, elections would have held in six countries in West Africa.  These elections will set these countries along the path of political stability, progress, good governance and sustainable development, some of which benefits we have begun to experience.  The progress we have made could not have been possible without the support of the United Nations.

The resolution of the conflict in Cote d’Ivoire is a case in point.  I consider the inauguration of President Ouatarra not just a success for Cote d’Ivoire but also for the international community, which spoke with one voice and acted in concert in support of the Ivorian people.  The end of this crisis must be seen by all as the beginning of our journey towards the consolidation of the democratic culture and good governance in Africa.  Having put this crisis behind us, the international community must now provide robust assistance to the country as it embarks on the tasks of post conflict reconstruction and national reconciliation.

          Mr. President, the struggle for self governance and majority rule in Africa started in the forties and by 1957, Ghana had gained independence.  Today, all African States have achieved self determination and majority rule. These are no small achievements.

But we still have much work to do.  A great deal of the work that remains is to build viable and capable states in Africa on the principles of popular participation, rule of law and respect for human rights, as we pledged to do in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.  Nigeria believes that these values must remain at the core of governance in Africa, if we are ever to achieve the goals of stability, security and development.

As Nigeria is approaching the end of its tenure on the Security Council, I will like to express my country’s deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve in this important organ.  In this course of our stewardship, the Council had the courage to reach many difficult decisions that resulted in positive development around the world.  We are proud to be associated with these decisions. 

I would like to urge the Council to continue its important work in the maintenance of international peace and security.  In spite of the Council’s many successes, it is our belief that this important organ will benefit from the vigour and fresh perspectives which only a revamped Council that accommodated changing global political realities can provide.  Mr. President, I urge you to set up clear criteria for the reform of the UN Security Council in line with the demand of the majority of the World. A reformed UN Security Council is the only way to demonstrate that all nations have equal stake in the UN. Nigeria looks forward to the prospect of membership in a reformed UN Security Council.

I thank you.

Bola Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State was charged today at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for operating foreign accounts while he was a governor in contravention of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act 1990.

CHARGES: That you Bola Ahmed Tinubu former governor of Lagos State, being a public officer, as listed in part II of the fifth schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and having subscribed to the oath of office as enshrin…ed in the seventh schedule to the 1999 Constitution on assumption in office as such engaged yourself in the operation and maintenance of several foreign bank accounts namely:

* Name of Bank – First Heritage bank, country club hill, Illinois, USA; Account name, Bola Tinubu, Account number – 263226700.

Name of Bank – Citi Bank NA. New York, USA; account name – Bola Tinubu and Compass Finance and investment Company Limited; Account Nos – 39483134, 39483396, 4650279566, 00400220, 39936383
Name of Bank. Citi Bank International, New York; Account name, Bola Tinubu
Name of Bank – HSBC, 177 Great Portland Street London WIW60J: Account Name Sen Bola Tinubu; account No. 71253670, Sort code-40-03-15.
Name of Bank – HSBC, 177 great port land street London WIW 60J; account name; Sen Bola Oluremi Tinubu, Account No. 71253670, sort code 40-03-15.
Name of Bank – HSBC, 177 Great Portland street London WIW 60J Account name, Sen Bola Tinubu – money market, Account No.04320002DN.
Name of Bank – HSBC, 177 great Portland Street London WIW 60J; Account name: tinubu Zainab Abisola (Miss); Account no. 172447101.
Name of Bank – HSBC, 177 great Portland street London WIW 60J; Account Name, Tinubu Oluremi Shade, account No. 41421522.
Contrary to section 7 of the code of conduct bureau and tribunal act, Cap 56 LFN, 1990 and punishable under section 23 (2) thereof as incorporated under paragraph 18, part 1, fifth schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria