The resolution of the Senate followed a motion – “The Urgent Need to Re-Assess Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Objectives in Line with Emerging Economic Realities” – by Stella Oduah (PDP-Anambra North).
Ms. Oduah noted that, since independence at 1960, Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives have remained unchanged.
“Rather, every succeding administration in the country has come up with new circumstantial mechanisms aimed at achieving foreign policy goals,” she said.
Speaking further, she highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to international peace and development, particularly commitment to ending war, colonialism, external domination, oppressive minority rule and Apartheid in various African countries, including South Africa, Sierra Leone, Liberia etc.
Since 1960, Nigeria has remained a major troop contributor to other nations under the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations around the world.
However, Oduah expressed worry that Nigerians who reside abroad were being treated with disdain and “killed for reasons that are despicable.”
The Senate therefore asked its Committee on Foreign Affairs investigate several alleged maltreatment and killings of Nigerians abroad as well as “take into consideration the Doctrine of Diplomatic Reciprocity in its activities and report back to the Senate within four weeks.”
Further, it urged the Federal Government “to reassess our foreign policy objectives in a hostile, unstable and competitive global environment which operates on the principle of survival of the fittest to ensure that Nigerian investors/businessmen are accorded the right of first refusal especially in those countries where Nigerian fought tirelessly for their liberation, emancipation, freedom, peace and security.”
The senate also urged organisation of a Foreign Policy Summit.
No comments:
Post a Comment