President Jonathan Asks Ban Ki-Moon To Support Nigeria on U.N Seat Bid

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday ask for the support of visiting United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon in Nigeria’s bid to secure a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

Jonathan made the request when he received the U.N. chief who was on his first official visit to Nigeria at the presidential villa on Monday, according to a statement issued after the meeting.

The UN Chief is on two days visit to the country and has visited a couple of hospitals in Abuja while he also discussed the progress Nigeria is making towards achieving the Milliennium Development Goals, MDGs with some government officials.

According to the Nigerian President, the U.N system is desperately in need of reform.

One of the key reforms, he said is to ensure that Africa has a permanent representative in the Security Council of the global body.

“The expansion of the Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories is necessary.

“A situation where Africa is totally excluded from the permanent membership of the Council is unfair and untenable.

“It is therefore my hope that the U.N. system will support Nigeria’s quest for permanent membership of the U.N. Security Council,” said President Jonathan.

In his reply, Ban said U.N. members were aware of the need for reform of the Security Council to create a more democratic, representative and transparent institution.

But he said the decision on which country will be included as on the permanent seat of the U.N Security Council will be taken by all member countries of the U.N.

“I am aware that there is no African country represented in the Security Council as a permanent member.

The member states of the U.N. have been discussing this matter on how to adapt the Security Council to the changing world,” Ban said while speaking to reporters after meeting with President Jonathan.

“As the secretary general I have always been trying to facilitate such ongoing negotiations and processes. Please note that this is to be determined and decided by member states”, the U.N chief added.