Organization of African unity;1991 Abuja Summit: a commemorative hand book

Abstract

It has been said many times that Africa is the centrepiece of Nigeria's foreignpolicy objectives-in fact, it has been said too many times that the impact and significance of that solemn declaration tends to slide into banality and thecommon place. Yet, nothing can ever replace the resolve of Nigeria, her people and her leaders to ensure that Africa does not only escape from her multifaceted sad problems, but also to rise above the other continents of the world. The radiant smile of the people of any nation or region of Africa has never ceased to gladden the hearts of Nigeria. Every celebration of victory, independence or freedom in any comer of Africa is also celebrated by Nigeria. Nigeria's joy at the independence of Namibia, the continent's newest independent nation is still radiant Our prayers over the eventual and total freedom for all the races in South Africa and the enthronement of majority rule, has notebbedin frequency or intensity. It is our conviction that no Nigerian can consider him or herself happy and contented until every child in Sudan be assured of a secure present and a hopeful future. And since one out of every five Africans is a Nigerian, how can he not regard every comer of the continent as home? How can she not worlc for the prosperity, peace and stability of every part of the continent?. Thus, if Nigeria has decided to show leadership role in the resolution of conflicts everywhere on the continent, even at the expense of the blood and tears of her people (as is the case in Liberia), it is in the belief that Africa should be kept peaceful and stable to ensure development and progress. There is no doubt, therefore, that 1991 was a special year both for Nigeria and Africa. The significance of the Summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)thattookplaceinAbuja,Nigeria'snewcapital,takesalongwithitachain of symbols. First,justlikeAbujais,asymbol ofunityforthe90million Nigerians, the OAU Summit there represented another occasion for the reaffirmation of Africa's unity, especially in these trying times. That reaffinnation was underlined by the.many epoch-making resolutions that were unanimously adopted at the summit The most prominent and outstanding being the African Economic. Community Treaty, the ratification and implementation of which will ensure Africa's recovery and advancement · The Ahuja Summit, also took place at the time of great political changes both in Africa and almost everywhere else within the world, especially with the wind of democracy blowing across the globe. Nigeria is proud to be on the threshold . ofthesedevelopmentsandequallyproudtohavchostedanOAUSummitwhere 17 Africans unanimously resolved to be a part of this global wind of change. More importantly, the 1991 OAU summit at Abuja was a fitting tribute to our beloved President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida whose record of assistance to the needy African states is unparalled, just as his roles in conflict resolution on . the continent is unprecendented. The Abuja Summit was, therefore, Nigerias', and by extension President Babangida's fmest hour. Further, the Summit was a great tribute to his foresight and determination to work together with other African leaders and patriots, ih a noble attempt to leave a better future for our children. It is also significant that Abuja played host to Africa before the movement of the seat of government of Nigeria to this resplendent capital. This symbolises President Babangida Administration's commitment to the centrality of African interests in our national affairs - interests which Nigeria is always willing to promote at the expense of her own interest and comfert. There is therefore no greater way to ensure that the epoch-making 1991 OA U Summit at Abuja and all that it means in concrete and symbolic terms, are passed on from generation to generation, than through a careful and systematic documentation of the words and deeds of the actors at the summit- a document that gives a historical glance on the OAU itself,dwellson the 1991 SummitatAbuja, and projects into the future of Africa and her people. Our children and those yet unborn have an inalienable right to know how far their parents struggled in the fight to win the body and soul of Africa for Africans. The Commemorative Handbook on the 1991 Abuja OAU Summit attempts to do all th.ese and more . . More importantly, it is a glowing recognition of the achievements of the Ibrahim Babangida' s Administration in the arena of international relations. The Handbook pays tribute to the towering performance of President Babangida, when he took Africa's case to the 46th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 1991 and received a standing ovation for his brilliant presentation of Africa's case. · It is my hope that this Commemorative Handbook on the events at the Abuja Summit will aid in the greater understanding and appreciation of the great lengths to which the Ibrahim Babangida Administration has gone to ensure self-respect for Africa. 18 Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed (Wazi