The President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, has said that part of his agenda as he set to assume full operations will be to fight for return of stolen assets from European countries to where such assets were originally stolen.
Outlining his vision statement for the UNGA Presidency, today, July 11, when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad-Bade said that the fight against corruption and return of assets to the countries of origin is part of his agenda.
He promised to positively represent Nigeria especially on issues that are of great importance to the country today, including peace and security, poverty eradication, education, inclusion and climate action, particularly on the Lake Chad region. He stressed such issues are on the front burner of his UNGA Presidency.
“The election of Nigerian into an international position can only happen if what is happening at home has the confidence of the international community.
“The fight against corruption has already gained traction, under the leadership of Nigeria at the United Nations. Discussions on combating illicit financial flows, the fight to return assets to the countries of origin, have been led effectively by Nigeria with the support of many countries, especially Norway.”
Receiving Ambassador, President Buhari acknowledged that he had intellectually prepared himself for this position, adding that he is well experienced in the field.
He advised the UNGA President to justify the confidence reposed in him by Nigerians and the world.
“I believe you have earned the respect of your colleagues and I appreciate your coming to see us.”
The Nigerian Diplomat was on his first visit to the country since he was elected by acclamation as the 74th President of the General Assembly on June 4, 2019, in New York.
