By Henry Umoru
ABUJA – Chairman, Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, APC, Ondo South, has told global leaders that respecting sovereignty and upholding the principles of the Westphalia Treaty are vital for maintaining global peace.
Speaking at the ongoing United Nations 6th World Speakers’ Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Senator Ibrahim advised that it has become imperative for world leaders to return to the 1648 Peace of Westphalia and uphold sovereignty.
He emphasised that these principles remain the primary means of fostering international peace and security. Senator Ibrahim asserted that these fundamental principles should not be replaced by power, interests, or authority in global politics.
Senator Ibrahim also explained that respecting sovereignty was very crucial for safeguarding global peace and promoting international harmony.
The Senator who reminded global leaders that no country in the world possesses absolute sovereignty and that maintaining peace should be the guiding principle of geo-centric politics amidst power struggles, said, “those fundamental principles of non-interference in the domestic affairs of nations and the prevention of the use of force are principles of the protocol of the 1648 treaty of Westphalia and they are distilled into the United Nations as the rule book of international engagement an action to the contrary is an invitation to disunity and temptation a self-creation of an ancillary power that can affect international peace and security.”
Senator Ibrahim observed that Africa has remained peaceful in recent times because Nigerian Liberalist President Tinubu has focused on respecting national sovereignty, regardless of a country’s size.
He said, “Every nation must honour sovereignty as long as it meets the criteria set by the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, including population, government presence, and territorial boundaries.”
Ibrahim who explained that countries seeking to test their strength should first concentrate on implementing border controls to prevent unauthorised entry, such as erosion without visas or air border measures that could help prevent the spread of COVID-19, said, “It is unfortunate that we are once again curbing the benefits of globalisation in the face of hunger and human abuse, creating tension over which we have no absolute control. Yes, a country can focus inward to the balance of power. Still, the need to stay united in foreign policies serves the interest of international peace in modern times, when international institutions are becoming increasingly epiphenomenal,” Ibrahim said.
He further advised the speakers of various countries to return home and pass legislation that will ensure their countries respect sovereignty as a sign of strong support for international peace and security. He said that the Nigerian Senate, and by extension the African Parliament, is supportive of his suggestions.
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