Ki-Moon: Mis-governance Catalyst for Extremism

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI RECEIVES IN AUDENCE THE UN SECERTARY GENERAL, MR BAN KI MOON AT THE STATE HOUSE, PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE

• Applauds Buhari’s plans to clean up Ogoniland
• Sultan blames political leaders on rise of Boko Haram 
• Terrorists must bring back our girls, says Onaiyekan 

Tobi Soniyi and Jaiyeola Andrews in Abuja

The Secretary General of United Nations (UN), Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, monday attributed the rise in extremism to mismanagement of governance.

He noted that in a situation where leaders perpetrate inequality, marginalisation and fail to care for their people, the people find alternative means.

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, blamed political leaders for the rise of extremism.

This is just as the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, insisted that the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, must bring back the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

They spoke at an event titled “Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, Development, Climate Change and Countering Violent Extremism,” chaired by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ki-Moon tasked leaders to respect the rights and dignity of their people.

He commended president Muhammadu Buhari for Pledging to tackle corruption, entrench the rule of law, among other pledges during his inaugural speech.

The UN scribe said tackling insecurity could not be achieved in isolation by any country, saying all hands must be on deck to redress the menace.

He called on the global community to find some sense of unity in tackling terrorism.

“We are one, we are one human being, we are living in one world. I am appealing as the United Nations Secretary General for all of us to work together to make the entire world a better place for all,” Ki-Moon said.

He said he had a good meeting with Buhari, saying the president’s strong political commitment was laudable.

Ki-Moon restated UN’s commitment to continue its strong partnership with Nigeria.

He lauded Nigeria for its strong leadership and commitment to regional peace and security.

Though Ki-Moon said Nigeria was on the verge of being declared polio free, he however stressed that more works must be done.

On climate change project and sustainable development goals, he added that it remained the top priority of the United Nations.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto said Christians and Muslims in Nigeria had no problem with one another, noting that some few individuals were the ones fanning the ember of disunity.

He preached the need to live together as one, adding that Muslims and Christians shares the same values.

The sultan added that Muslims leaders had collaborated with non Muslims to tell the world that Islam is a religion for peace.
He noted that few who are perpetuating violence are “criminals and terrorists and must be dealt with.”

He appealed to Ki-Moon to use his good office to bring back all Nigeria’s stolen money stashed in some countries.
“Please help us bring this money back so that Nigerians can benefit,” Abubakar said.

He restated the resolve of Muslims to support peace and security in the world no matter what it takes.

Onaiyekan said the terrorists who abducted the Chibok schoolgirls “have to bring our girls back. I hope the terrorists are listening.”

On climate change, he stressed the need to encourage bio gas and solar energy, reforestation, and agriculture.

Onaiyekan added that terrorism in the North-east was not unconnected with the phenomenon of climate change

In his welcome address, the vice-president thanked Ki-Moon for his visit.

He lamented that after 16 years of democratic rule, the nation’s economy had sharply declined.
He said there was the need for paradigm shift if democracy must be strengthened.

Meanwhile, Ki-Moon has applauded moves by the President Buhari administration  to clean up Ogoniland.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, said the UN scribe    promised the full support of the world body for the exercise.

“We will find ways to complement your leadership on environmental reform. We are happy with your plans for the  restoration of Ogoniland and we will see how we can help,” the UN Secretary-General assured Buhari.

The statement also said Buhari had accepted the invitation from  Ki-Moon to a meeting of world leaders in New York which was expected to formulate a fresh plan of action against extremism.

Excerpts from the statement read: “President Barack Obama and President Francois Hollande of France are also expected to participate in the September 28 meeting which will, among other things  deliberate on a new United Nations draft resolution on combating extremism worldwide.

“Ki-Moon also invited President Buhari to a meeting of a select group of 25 world leaders in New York on September 27 to deliberate on a global climate change agreement.

“In offering the invitations monday in Abuja, the Secretary-General  said they were in recognition of the political will demonstrated by President Buhari in combating terror in Nigeria and dealing with environmental issues.”

The UN scribe said the world body would welcome Buhari’s “input and experience” in finalising plans to introduce a new resolution against extremism at the General Assembly.