19th September, 2017
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the international community of Nigeria’s firm and unshaken commitment to democracy in the country and the African continent.
Buhari gave the assurance while delivering Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate of the 72nd Session of United Nations General Assembly,UNGA 72, in New York on Tuesday.
The President said this commitment to democratic ideals became profound with Nigeria leading ECOWAS’ effort in the restoration of democratic governance in The Gambia and Cote D’Ivoire.
“Our faith in democracy remains firm and unshaken. Our regional organisation ECOWAS came together to uphold democratic principles in The Gambia – as we had done previously in Cote D’Ivoire.
“The frontiers of good governance, democracy including holding free and fair elections, and enthronement of the rule of law are expanding everywhere, especially in Africa.”
The President told the gathering that the Nigeria under his leadership had embarked on the implementation of programmes and policies aimed at promoting accountability in governance, combating corruption and asset recovery.
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He said: “Through our individual national efforts, state institutions are being strengthened to promote accountability, and to combat corruption and asset recovery.
“These can only be achieved through the international community cooperating and providing critical assistance and material support.”
The President commended the UN, Germany, Italy, Greece and Turkey for assisting victims of conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He lauded the international community for its exemplary show of solidarity in assisting “the countries and communities in the Sahel and the Lake Chad regions to contain the threats posed by Al Qaida and Boko Haram$.
Buhari also thanked the Security Council for visiting the countries of the Lake Chad Basin to assess the security situation, humanitarian needs and pledging assistance to rebuild lives and livelihoods.
According to him, Nigeria is currently providing relief and humanitarian assistance to millions in internally displaced camps and those afflicted by terrorism, drought, floods and other natural disasters.