The UN Security Council in session
The UN Security Council in session
Nigeria has won a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council with a total of 186 out of a possible 193 votes.
It 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.
Also elected to serve a two-year term are Chad, Chile, Lithuania and Saudi Arabia. Of the 191 U.N. members who voted, Lithuania won 187 votes, Chile and Nigeria each picked up 186 votes, Chad secured 184 votes and Saudi Arabia 176 votes.
The five countries elected will replace Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Pakistan, Morocco and Togo on the Security Council on January 1, 2014. They were unopposed, but had to obtain approval from two-thirds of the 193-member General Assembly.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan welcomed "Nigeria’s election today to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council," a statement by his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) said.
"On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Jonathan wishes to convey his sincere appreciation of the support of all member-countries of the United Nations who voted for Nigeria’s election to the Security Council.
"The President believes that today’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," Abati added.
The UN Security Council is made up of 15 members comprising five veto-wielding permanent members - the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China - and 10 temporary members without veto power.