At 64, Nigeria Not Ripe for UN Permanent Seat – Lawyer

Posted by Thandiubani on Tue 01st Oct, 2024 - tori.ng

Ahiakwo said the request should not be made now, even though Nigeria is the most populous African nation.

A legal expert and public analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo has revealed why Nigeria is not yet ripe to have a United Nations Security Council permanent seat.

He spoke in a statement issued in Calabar, Cross River State.

Ahiakwo said the request should not be made now, even though Nigeria is the most populous African nation that is actively participating in UN and AU-organized peacekeeping missions.

He said, “Nigeria has contributed significantly to the UN’s activities, yet such doesn’t guarantee a permanent seat.

“The request may be desirable but certainly not at this moment of Nigeria’s history where she is confronted with diverse records of criminal occurrences ranging from terrorism, banditry, militia, and social unrest, threatening its territorial integrity and making it vulnerable to attacks.

“We are in a long-term battle with all sorts of internal challenges, setting the nation backwards with the rising crime rate and incredible economic hardship.”

The lawyer reasoned that for the country to be enlisted into the Security Council, it must, to the admiration of the other member nations, show strong stable economic growth, display overwhelming strength in military prowess, be independent and democratically mature to be a reliable voice amongst the comity of nations.

According to the analyst, Nigeria is yet to evidently prove to have earned.

Sadly, Ahiakwo posited that in the next two decades, the situation may not abate to qualify Nigeria for the Security Council.

He maintained that Nigeria can not effectively play the role required in such a position.

“Nigeria does not also have the necessary financial muscles to drive the process of policing the world.”

He explained that “A member of the Security Council is usually a dependable ally whose support for a common goal and purpose is seen and measured in proportionate financial contributions and gains derivable from the investment in other ancillary matters."

Ahiakwo advised that the current government should ensure the betterment of its citizenry and consolidate the efforts of taking the lead on regional and continental affairs before thinking of aspiring for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

“To increase its chances, Nigeria must demonstrate strong economic growth, military prowess, and democratic maturity to gain the admiration of other member nations.

“A permanent seat on the UN Security Council would not only recognize Nigeria’s contributions but also provide a platform for the country to play a more significant role in global decision-making and promote African interests.”