By Olubunmi Omoogun – The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs began its work plan with a clear statement and a pledge to enrich Nigeria’s standing in international politics and diplomacy.
Speaking in a well attended inaugural meeting with the Foreign Affairs ministry, the chairman of the committee, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu said she came to this 8th National Assembly with the intention of contributing her quota to the change that Nigerians were yearning for, and happy that the President of the Senate has seen in her qualities that will mean she is up to the task as the chair of a very important committee.
Nigeria’s foreign policy has been characterised by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by attachment to several fundamental principles: African unity and independence; capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region: peaceful settlement of disputes; non-alignment and non-intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations; and regional economic cooperation and development.
Senator Sunmonu’s qualities transcend Nigeria. She, until 2011 has worked in United Kingdom with such major organisations as Natwest, a global leader in banking and later United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) working as a Senior Immigration Officer.
Her experience in this areas will indeed come handy, especially as her committee is one that delves on the protection of Nigerians around the world, international politics and policies Nigeria takes on the world stage.
According to Senator Sunmonu “under my leadership, the Foreign Affairs Committee will be instrumental in developing and influencing Nigerian foreign policy, and we shall liaise with the Executive and demonstrate our position on policies proposed”. She further said “the committee will consider debate and report important treaties and legislation that affect Nigerians and Nigeria”.
The committee as constituted also covers diplomatic nominations, and will from time to time conduct its assignment through and over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and about 119 Nigerian Foreign Missions abroad as well as oversighting such organs as Technical Aide Corps (TAC), Foreign Service Academy, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the National Christian Pilgrims Commission.
While thanking the Senate President, Senator Sunmonu showered praises on Senator Bukola Saraki for the maturity to which he handled the turmoil that ensued at the inception of this senate. She continued “the Senate President has conducted himself in a very respectable and diligent manner. He has also demonstrated the kind of leadership qualities that are needed when leading a house that is made up of people who have different agendas”.
“Importantly, the President of the senate has not allowed favouritism or friendship to cloud his judgement in the distribution of committees. You will notice from the list of committee chairs that he has appointed people on the basis of experience and expertise”.
The former Oyo state House of Assembly Speaker concluded.
