A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NIGERIA'S SUSPENSION FROM THE COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATION
A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NIGERIA'S SUSPENSION FROM THE COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATION
No Thumbnail Available
Date
1999-07
Authors
ELLA, SULEIMAN ELLA
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Most nations join international organisations with a view of reaping benefits from their membership
of such organisations. To a great extent these organisations, though possessing thier own weaknesses,
have proved to be a veritable means of international co-operation when viewed against the broad
strand of ensuring world order.
Against the backdrop of a renewed global concern for issues such as democracy, human rights and
the rule of law, the Commonwealth, one of such international organisations , suspended Nigeria in
its Auckland meeting of 1995. Nigeria's inability to democratise, and the execution of Mr. Ken SaroWiwa
and eight other Ogoni rights activists which was seen as a direct flouting of the redefined
Commonwealth Principles enunciated in Harare in 1995 was given as reasons for Nigeria's
suspension.
Nigeria gave protection of its national interest and its right as a sovereign nation to carry out its
internal affairs as reasons for its action, which culminated into its suspension, accusing the
Commomwealth of obstrutive intrusion into its affairs. But Nigeria should have realised that by
belonging to international organisations, it cannot act independently or arbitrarily contravene the
charter and /or principles of such organisations.
The outcome of Nigeria's suspension can be better appreciated when considering the loss of status
Nigeria faced in the international scene after the suspension. Nigeria became a pariah nation and her
ability to articulate her policy ideals and conduct her foreign relations on the multi-lateral front of
international co-operation was eroded as the Commonwealth used to provide Nigeria a solid platform
which it uses to enhance such ideals. Besides the suspension exposed Nigeria to international
sanctions which has had a biting effect on her.
No nation can live in Isolation since it must of necessity, interact with other members of the
international Community. Nigeria thus has lot to learn from the developments that ensued as a result
of its suspension. This are the main issues which will be discussed in the body of this research work.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA.
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE
(M.Sc) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Keywords
CRITICAL,, EVALUATION,, NIGERIA, SUSPENSION, COMMONWEALTH,, ORGANISATION,