Shettima Pledges Nigeria’s Support for Fairness, Africa’s Interests in UN Sec-Gen Race
Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will be guided by equity, justice, and fairness in supporting candidates seeking to become Secretary-General of the United Nations.
According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, on Monday, Shettima made the remarks during a meeting with Costa Rica’s candidate for the position, Rebeca Grynspan, shortly before returning to Nigeria from New York, United States.
The Vice President said Nigeria would also support a candidate who believes in Africa’s aspirations in global affairs, particularly its quest for greater representation in key decision-making bodies and the promotion of multilateralism.
He said he would recommend Grynspan’s candidature based on Nigeria’s relationship with Latin America, gender inclusion, and other considerations.
“Thank you for seeking Nigeria’s perspective for your candidature for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. Nigeria and Costa Rica share a common historical background connecting both countries and their regions.
“We also have a cordial relationship with Latin America, and we do not wish to jeopardise it. Beyond our historical ties and relations are our interests in conflict prevention, multilateralism, and the peace of our nations,” the Vice President said.
Shettima also emphasised the need to reform the global governance architecture, saying that although it had evolved since 1945, it had yet to reflect the integration of Africa, whose population is estimated at more than 1.3 billion people.
Grynspan, who met with Shettima to seek Nigeria’s support for her candidature, said she was eager to lead the UN in implementing reforms and changes being advocated by many countries, particularly those in the Global South.
“Coming from the Global South, I represent the interests and demands of the region. I also have a soft spot for Africa. I know the continent and its aspirations,” the Costa Rican candidate said.
She said her candidature would promote an agenda that prioritises peace, assuring that Africa’s ambition to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council would receive urgent attention and be actualised.
