Buhari Congratulates UN Secretary-General Designate, Antonio Guterres

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, October 14th, 2016

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the newly appointed Secretary-General (UN) Antonio Guterres.

President Buhari in a statement issued Friday by his SSA on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu believed that the former Portuguese Prime Minister’s wealth of experience as a former head of UN Refugee Agency for several years, diplomat and a politician of repute, eminently prepared and qualified him for his new position.

‘’As a committed member of the United Nations, President Buhari avers that, Nigeria looks forward to working and supporting Guterres to address the world’s most pressing challenges – from defeating terrorism and violent extremism for a peaceful and prosperous future to reducing poverty and tackling the devastating effects of climate change; as well as confronting the root causes of migrants and refugee crisis’’, Buhari pledges.

Mr. President observed that for the UN to remain relevant in the 21st century, the new UN Secretary-General must redouble efforts and spearhead essential reforms of the world body to enable it effectively address current global challenges.

Buhari also congratulated the outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on his successful tenure and dedicated service to humanity.

The President noted that the world owed a debt of gratitude to the outgoing UN Scribe for spearheading the Sustainable Development Goals and achieving the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change, among other laudable achievements.

He also acknowledged the roles played by the UN and its agencies in strengthening democracy, good governance and stability in Nigeria, under the leadership of Ban Ki-Moon.

While wishing the outgoing Secretary-General well in his future endeavours, he extended his goodwill to his successor.

Guterres was officially appointed Thursday by the UN Security Council as the new Secretary-General. He was nominated among 15 other candidates last week Thursday.