BY EMMA OVUAKPORIE

ABUJA – PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday enjoined leaders of Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to support Nigeria’s bid, once the need arose again at the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking at the 39th session of the regional body, the Nigerian president said: “I reiterate the interest of Nigeria in the permanent seat at the Security Council in the UN and I count on the total support of all members of our organisation in this regard.”

Also, Jonathan, who became the Chairman of the organisation at the 37th summit, bowed out yesterday as the Chairman of Heads of States of the commission.

He, however, noted: “As you are no doubt aware, Nigeria assumed the chairmanship of  ECOWAS during the 35th session in December 2008 and the mandate was renewed in February 2010, and in May 2010, following the demise of my late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and over this period, our organisation has recorded a number of noteworthy achievements.

“Of particular significance is the progress made in the area of the implementation of ECOWAS Protocols of Common External Tarrif, CET, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, ETLS, and Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services, and the right of establishment.”

“Unfortunately, we were also confronted with series of political and governance crises in Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Niger and now Cote d’Ivoire and it is worthy of note that with the commitment of the ECOWAS, we efficiently faced up to these challenges.”

“We effected the restoration of peace and stability in Guinea Bissau, restored democracy in Guinea Conakry and committed the military leadership in Niger to a structured transition programme which they are fully implementing.”

On the Ivorien crisis, the President said” as the situation in Cote d’Ivoire deteriorates; we must come to terms with the reality of the great threat it poses to the peace and security of the region as we have an abiding duty to remain resolved and united on our principled stand on the crisis.”

Jonathan cautioned that it was his fervent hope that the crisis in the ivory rich country was properly resolved “without the need for a resort to the force of arms.”

He assured member states that Nigeria remained committed to the attainment of the goals “of our community and will support every initiative aimed at furthering effective economic integration in the region.”

In his speech, President of ECOWAS, Ambassador Victor James Gbeho, praised the out-going chairman as “under your guidance, our community has continued to enhance the institutional capabilities and scale up its programmatic interventions.