- Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and three other nations won seats into the UN Security Council as non-permanent members.
- There are 15 members of the Security Council consisting five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.
- The new members will occupy the seat for a period of two years, beginning from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015.
- Nigeria and Chad will be replacing Togo and Morocco from the African group.
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Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and three other nations have won seats into the United Nations Security Council as non-permanent members on Thursday.
A statement by the UN Department of Public Information from New York stated that Nigeria scored 186 votes out of a possible 194.
Saudi Arabia polled 176; Chile, 186; Chad, 184; while Lithuania got the highest vote of 187.
The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action. Its powers are exercised through United Nations Security Council resolutions.
There are 15 members of the Security Council consisting five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.
The five permanent members are veto-wielding nations of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Five of the 10 non-permanent members are elected each year to serve two-year terms.
Established in 1946, the UN basic structure is set out in Chapter V of the UN Charter.
Representatives of the members of the Security Council must always be present at UN headquarters in New York so that the Security Council can meet at any time.
Although Nigeria reportedly contested the election as the sole contestant from the West Africa region, it garnered more than the required two-third support of the 194 member nations.
The new members will occupy the seat for a period of two years, beginning from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015.
Nigeria and Chad will be replacing Togo and Morocco from the African group.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan in a statement by his spokesman, Reuben Abati, thanked all member-countries of the UN that voted for Nigeria.
The statement read in part, “The President believes that today’s (Thursday’s) endorsement of Nigeria’s candidature for the Security Council seat by the vast majority of member-countries is a glowing expression of support and encouragement for Nigeria’s active participation in the promotion of peace, security and political stability in Africa and other parts of the world.
“This is the fourth time since it became independent in 1960 that Nigeria is being elected to the UN Security Council. It is also the second time (2010-2011 and 2014-2015) that Nigeria will be elected to the Council under the Jonathan Presidency.
“The President is particularly delighted by this historic victory and assures the global community that Nigeria, under his leadership, will continue to make very significant contributions towards the achievement and sustenance of global peace and security.”
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party has described Nigeria’s election as an unprecedented feat and a testament to the achievements of President Jonathan-led PDP administration.
The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Thursday, said the development had clearly shown that the world recognised the efforts of the present administration in repositioning our country through the President’s Transformation agenda.
He said, “The securing of the UN seat is a clear evidence that the world acknowledges President Jonathan’s efforts towards security, economic wellbeing and political stability of our dear country.
“President Jonathan has indeed distinguished himself as a statesman and a world leader, who has given his country a strong voice in matters dealing with international peace and security.
“Nigerians world over can now hold their heads up high. We are indeed very proud of our dear President who has remained focused on delivering on his mandate; a commitment that has today resulted in the restoration of the dignity of our country and her pride of place in world affair.”
