By Paul Joseph
President Bola Tinubu has warned that the United States and other countries cannot claim lasting security while terrorist groups continue to find sanctuary, resources and recruits in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
Tinubu gave the warning in his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him on Thursday.
The President said Nigeria’s prolonged fight against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other armed groups had demonstrated that military victories alone were not enough to achieve lasting peace.
“No country can claim lasting safety while the forces capable of destabilising it retain sanctuary, resources and recruits elsewhere,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that no nation, regardless of the strength of its security architecture, could completely shield itself from threats originating outside its borders.
According to him, terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial activities continue to exploit weaknesses in international cooperation.
“Nigeria’s prolonged struggle against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups has taught us that military victories require enduring foundations in education, economic opportunity, accountable governance and communities whose rights and dignity are protected,” he said.
Tinubu urged world leaders to strengthen dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility in addressing global challenges.
He said Nigeria remained committed to the United Nations Charter and the principles of diplomacy, cooperation and international law.
The President also renewed Nigeria’s call for greater African representation on the UN Security Council, advocating at least two permanent seats for Africa with the full rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including veto power for as long as the veto exists.
He also called for five additional non-permanent seats for Africa.
Tinubu said Nigeria was prepared to take on greater international responsibilities, citing the country’s contributions to peace and security efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
He added that Nigeria had continued to deploy personnel and resources through platforms including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships to support mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security.
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