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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku

1 June 1999

was delighted and honoured to be present at the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, and to be part of the joyous national celebrations which marked the country's emphatic return to democracy.

The memorable day, 29 May, also marked Nigeria's full resumption of Commonwealth membership, to the enthusiastic acclaim of all its members. It closes an unhappy chapter when the Commonwealth was forced to act against the Abacha regime for its serious violations of Commonwealth fundamental principles. The Commonwealth welcomed the change that occurred last year and was happy to work with the Government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, including with technical assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in making a success of the transition programme. In all this, the Commonwealth kept faith with democracy and with the Nigerian people.

Nigeria's return to its rightful place in the Commonwealth is not mere symbolism. There is a real expectation that Nigeria will quickly take up its traditional leadership role as a major player within the organisation.

I had the opportunity during my visit to discuss these matters with President Obasanjo and briefed him on the preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Durban, South Africa. I told him that he could expect a very warm welcome from his colleagues, who will recall with gratitude his previous work for the Commonwealth, notably as the Co-Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group to South Africa of 1986. That groundbreaking initiative paved the way for the events which saw the release from prison of Nelson Mandela and the end of apartheid.

In particular, many of the themes and priorities outlined in the President's inaugural address - democracy, human rights and good governance; transparency and a rejection of corruption; educational and social reform and human development; sustainable economic development, including debt relief - are Commonwealth themes and priorities also. President Obasanjo has also been invited to address the Commonwealth Business Forum, which meets in Johannesburg immediately before the Summit itself, and provides an opportunity for regular contact between business leaders from across the Commonwealth, and Heads of Government, Ministers and Senior Officials.

Here, too, I expect Nigeria to play a major role - because the fact is that, in all its dimensions, the Commonwealth's agenda is Nigeria's agenda also. In looking forward to Nigeria's active part in advancing the Commonwealth cause, I would like to say that the Commonwealth stands ready to contribute in every appropriate way to the rejuvenation of the economy and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678


99/37 1 June, 1999

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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int