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Anyaoku, Sanusi, Moghalu seek effective foreign, domestic policy

By Kehinde Olatunji
27 February 2018   |   4:12 am
Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria...

Emeka Anyaoku

Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu have called for effective foreign and strong domestic policy that would advance the country’s national interest.

They expressed optimism that this would serve as a platform to restore the nation’s place in the world.

The trio who spoke in Lagos, yesterday, at the launch of the book “Build, Innovate, Grow (BIG): My vision for our country” authored by Moghalu, lamented that the country’s foreign policy have not been given enough attention in the country’s domestic political discourse.

Specifically, Anyaoku stated that a strong, cohesive and stable environment at ‘home’ would support an effective foreign policy operation saying that this should be so for a country endowed with human and material resources and a large population as Nigeria.

“It is vital that we go beyond the informed discussions by foreign policy elite to include foreign policy in our domestic, political and economic discussions.’’

On his part, Sanusi who was represented by Sarkin Shanun Kano, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, said a stable and cohesive nation is the bedrock of an effective foreign policy that projects and protects the interest of the people.

The author, in his address said unless the domestic environment is propitious and anchored on good governance, the internal structures and institutions are strengthened for them to work functionally and concertedly; unless Nigeria’s national interest, the underlying principles, philosophy, goals, and objectives are clearly enunciated, Nigeria cannot pursue an effective foreign policy.

“Such an environment is a necessary and expedient condition for the pursuit of a vibrant foreign policy, including such laudable goals as the respected leadership of ECOWAS, the African Union (AU) and a permanent seat in an expanded and reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), among others.

“Our country’s place in the world must be restored. Every foreign policy must advance the country’s national interest in an effective manner. The country’s citizens must directly feel the positive impact of the country’s foreign policy exertions.”

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