• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ad Rates
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us
The Eagle Online
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Column
  • Business
  • Life & Style
    • Crime
    • R&D Health
    • Diet and Fitness
    • Intimacy
  • Entertainment
    • Photos
    • Fashion
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Column
  • Business
  • Life & Style
    • Crime
    • R&D Health
    • Diet and Fitness
    • Intimacy
  • Entertainment
    • Photos
    • Fashion
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Eagle Online
No Result
View All Result

With Adesina, Okonjo-Iweala, others, Nigeria becomes power house under Buhari, by Garba Shehu

Garba Shehu by Garba Shehu
February 21, 2021
in Column, Featured
4 min read
1
Presidency speaks on COVID-19 status of Buhari’s SSA Domestic
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterWhatsApp

RelatedPosts

Lawan: Elected LG presence will reduce security challenges

Buhari incompetent, clueless — Aisha Yesufu

Ganduje sacks Special Adviser on Media, Salihu Yakasai

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff and international relations guru and bureaucrat, does not think we should wait for historians to do the assessment of the Buhari administration in the international arena given limitations of the focus of many of them. “Now is the time to do it,” he insists.

We agree with many of the historians that the pursuit of closer foreign economic relations is no longer an option and the important need for an upward trajectory in bilateral relationship, first in our own neighbourhood and then in the world are key. This is what necessitated a whirlwind of visits around the world in the President’s First Term.

Although these trips themselves became objects of controversy around the country, these engagements have given an image boost to Nigeria all around the world. But while the historians and international relations scholars have given a significant part of their attention to the government’s efforts in rebuilding connectivity in our immediate and extended geographies and global engagements that have been spiced with Nigeria’s economic priorities, little attention was paid to the important undertaking of making Nigeria a global human resource power house.

There is no doubt that there is so much that has been achieved in conventional international relations in the six years of the administration.

Africa remains the centrepiece of our foreign relations. Friendship and cooperation have replaced rivalry with big and small nations on the continent. The United Kingdom remains our most strategic partner. Despite the four convulsive years of the Trump presidency and its “America First” ideology, bilateral relations between our two nations have miraculously survived, intact. We have resumed upward trajectory in relations with Germany, France, Turkey, Italy, Japan, India and Pakistan. With the coming of the Buhari administration, Nigeria has cemented relations with Russia and achieved a comprehensive partnership with China. Nigeria is warmly embraced by the Arab States and Iran.

However, despite rising political profile of the country, losses have been suffered, as did other nations following the Coronavirus pandemic, which for Nigeria, were accentuated by the fight against terrorism, Boko Haram and other threats to her security. Without doubt, the war against terror had limited Nigeria’s diplomacy to the extent that her external visibility in global and continental organizations was reduced to mere attendance of meetings related to such organisations only.

Two international events that shaped Nigeria’s path to progressive diplomacy are largely attributable to Mr. President’s personality and character. His post-inaugural visitations to our neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Benin Republics as well as Cameroon in 2015, led to the re-constitution of the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the expansion of its mandate to fight insecurity in the sub-region more concertedly. Prior to the election of 2015 in Nigeria, there was a stalemate in moving ahead but President Buhari’s victory in that year’s election, sufficiently diffused the stalemate and permitted Nigeria’s leadership of the MNJTF, which had previously been resisted, based on mistrust by some member-states of LCBC. The other event was the AfDB election in 2015. President Buhari’s strong support for the nomination by his predecessor in office of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and campaigns for him, ultimately assured his victory.

Regrettably, Nigeria could not consolidate on these initial diplomatic successes. In 2016, Nigeria’s attempt to clinch the prestigious position of Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union was a disaster as her candidate was comprehensively defeated, despite mounting very elaborate campaign efforts.

At the United Nations level on the other hand, Nigeria’s diplomacy continues to offer some hope. When former Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s term ended and a new Secretary-General was elected, he looked in the direction of Nigeria to choose a deputy and our Amina Mohammed, former Minister of Environment became the darling of the foremost global institution.

At the 74th Session of United Nations General Assembly in 2019, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the UN, Professor Tijjani Mohammed Bande was unanimously elected as the President of the Assembly. It was a defining moment for the UN as the world was soon afflicted by a pandemic, COVID-19. One virus holding the world hostage and imposing a new norm of relationships and collaborations for individuals, nations and indeed for multilateralism. The impact of this pandemic on the world has been comprehensive and the dysfunctionality of the world was near complete. But the UN meetings dramatically continued through virtual sessions, ensuring that the global body remained relevant in the lives of humankind. The innovation was miraculous and Nigeria’s Professor Bande, as Permanent Representative and President of the General Assembly who led these efforts was appreciated for the roles he played in the world body and deservedly received the recognition and acknowledgement by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres as the “miracle of 2020.”

The re-election of Dr. Adewumi as AfDB President in 2020 faced more herculean task as a superpower was bent on preventing his re-election. Despite pressure on President Buhari to replace him, Mr. President instead, reinforced his faith and commitment in Dr. Adewumi’s candidacy and reached out to world leaders to canvas support. Mr. President’s adroit diplomacy paid off as Dr. Adewumi had a landslide victory.

Nigeria’s progressive diplomatic leg-works within ECOWAS, first through support for the complicated peace process in Mali, to logistics support for practically all elections in the sub-region, to coordinating and providing leadership for good governance, accountability and fight against corruption as well as managing efforts to contain the catastrophic consequences of COVID-19, earned Mr. President and Nigeria, recognition, respect and appreciation. When Nigeria expressed interest in fielding a candidate for the position of Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union, Nigeria’s adroit diplomacy came to play once again, when all ECOWAS countries stepped down for Nigeria’s candidate, who obtained the support of ALL the African Union member-countries to clinch the position on 6th February, 2021.

Building on this foreign policy momentum, Nigeria made waves with the nomination of former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as World Trade Organisation, WTO Director-General. The switch of candidates by Nigeria was seen as a master-stroke that finally paid off a few days ago, when she got the endorsement to be the first African and first lady to head the Organisation.

The lesson in the rebound of Nigeria’s diplomacy lies in two great attributes. Respect and recognition for the nation’s leader and the determination to always present one of our best. President Buhari is deeply respected within the sub-region and the rest of Africa. He is measured in speaking but firm on his positions. He throws his weight around causes he deeply believes in and his brother-Presidents cherish that. But, in all cases, presentation of very good candidates is easier to sell as in the cases that have been referenced. Nigeria must keep the momentum and prioritise its global engagements for maximum benefits to Nigerians, Nigeria and Africa at large.

. Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity.

Tags: Antonio GutteresDr. Akinwumi AdesinaNgozi Okonjo-IwealaPresident Muhammadu BuhariProf. Ibrahim GambariWTO
Share30Tweet19SendShare7

Related Posts

Lawan: Elected LG presence will reduce security challenges

Lawan: Elected LG presence will reduce security challenges

February 27, 2021
Buhari incompetent, clueless — Aisha Yesufu

Buhari incompetent, clueless — Aisha Yesufu

February 27, 2021
Ganduje sacks Special Adviser on Media, Salihu Yakasai

Ganduje sacks Special Adviser on Media, Salihu Yakasai

February 27, 2021
Seriki Fulani flees as Sunday Igboho fulfils promise to flush out Fulanis in Oyo State

Attempted arrest of Sunday Igboho: Buhari still exhibiting double standards — SMBLF

February 27, 2021
Buhari appoints Chair, Council Members, ES for Commission for Persons with Disabilities

Buhari welcomes release of Kagara students

February 27, 2021
Kano marks Islamic New Year, declares public holiday

Insecurity: DSS arrests Ganduje’s aide for criticising ‘APC leaders’

February 27, 2021

Comments 1

  1. Omolagbon Samuel says:
    6 days ago

    This appointment became relevant because somebody identified their capability and used them. How many professoners are in your government? Instead of building a country of reputation, our president is appointing people that knows nothing of the position they meant to serve.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19: Nigeria tops 155,000 cases with new cases, deaths recorded on Friday

Emefiele tasks bank CEOs, others to reset economy

Nigeria records 634 new cases of COVID-19, six deaths

I regret my words on COVID-19, says Apostle Suleiman

Records show global decline in COVID-19 cases – PTF

Most Read

  • Woman arrested for having sex with 13-year-old in his house + Photos

    Woman arrested for having sex with 13-year-old in his house + Photos

    393 shares
    Share 157 Tweet 98
  • Breaking: Gunmen kidnap over 300 students in Zamfara girls school

    216 shares
    Share 86 Tweet 54
  • Shina Peters, Funmi Martins, Damilare: The complete story, SSP’s next steps

    156 shares
    Share 62 Tweet 39
  • Breaking: Kidnapped Kagara students, others freed

    152 shares
    Share 61 Tweet 38
  • Only 54 not taken away by gunmen as Zamfara confirms abduction of schoolgirls

    148 shares
    Share 59 Tweet 37
  • Kidnappers demand N100m ransom for UI student

    215 shares
    Share 86 Tweet 54

Ease Slash


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.







https://theeagleonline.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VID-20200510-WA0000.mp4

Chat with us now

Most Commented

  • Dangers of using saliva as lubricant during sex — Doctor

    Is it better to have sex in the morning or at night? Experts weigh pros, cons

    120 shares
    Share 48 Tweet 30
  • Let them wail while I spend my $1.9b, by Femi Adesina

    90 shares
    Share 36 Tweet 23
  • How church brainwashed me into having sex with snakes — 26-year-old woman

    127 shares
    Share 51 Tweet 32
  • Police hunt for kidnappers of two Abuja residents

    101 shares
    Share 40 Tweet 25
  • Write your wills, Ibas charges navy officers

    72 shares
    Share 29 Tweet 18

Latest

Protection of media essential for democracy to thrive — UN

UN Panel woos global support for financial integrity

February 27, 2021
Lawan: Elected LG presence will reduce security challenges

Lawan: Elected LG presence will reduce security challenges

February 27, 2021
Fiscal Commission urges governors to domesticate act

Fiscal Commission urges governors to domesticate act

February 27, 2021
Dele Alli breaks up with his model girlfriend

Dele Alli breaks up with his model girlfriend

February 27, 2021
Edo poll: New dawn, end of ‘godfatherism’ in Nigeria politics – Atiku

FG cannot expect states to provide security without control of internal security — Atiku

February 27, 2021




  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Column
  • Business
  • Life & Style
  • Entertainment
  • Advert Rates
  • Contact Us

© 2020 Premium Eagle Media Limited.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Column
  • Business
  • Life & Style
    • Crime
    • R&D Health
    • Diet and Fitness
    • Intimacy
  • Entertainment
    • Photos
    • Fashion
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Advert Rates
  • Contact Us

© 2020 Premium Eagle Media Limited.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.