2010 - JAMB Government Past Questions and Answers - page 5

An attribute that Nigeria shares with most non-aligned countries is the state of her economy.

Many African countries including Nigeria are characterized by poor economic development. Because of this, they rely on either of the power blocs for assistance. For instance transfer of technology.

Most non-aligned countries including Nigeria are primary producers. Because of this, they depend on any of the power blocs for their manufactured goods. For instance, massive importation of vehicles of various types into Nigeria and other non-aligned countries are heavily indebted to some of the countries in either of the power blocs.

Nigeria spearheaded the formation of ECOWAS during the regime of Yakubu Gowon.

The Economics Community of West African States (ECOWAS) emanated from a bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Togo under the leadership of General Yakubu Gown and General Gnasingbe Eyadema respectively. This very meeting resulted in trade agreements between the two countries in 1972. In 1973, the Council of Ministers of the defunct Economic Integration. This noble idea of the Council of Ministers of defunct O.A.U later metamorphosed into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS treaty was signed in Lagos on May 28, 1975 by fifteen West African States.

Nigeria was classified as a front line state for helping to end the crisis in Liberia.

It was observed that Nigeria's role in conflict resolution in Africa was once again manifested in the formation of ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). ECOMOG was formed by the member-nations of ECOWAS- Nigeria. Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Guinea as a peace keeping force to mediate in Liberia's crisis. Many believed that Nigeria single handedly set up ECOMOG to end the crisis in Liberia. Whatever may be the case, the truth is that Nigeria is in the forefront as far as ECOMOG and resolution of crisis in Liberia is concerned.

The prominent role Nigeria played in the UN in the 70's earned her permanent representation at the UN.

Leslie Harriman was then appointed the chairman of the Special UN Committee against apartheid.

The head of Nigeria's foreign mission in a Commonwealth nation is known as high commissioner.

The appointment and exchange of High Commissioners among member nations of Commonwealth is one of the factors that bind member - nations of Commonwealth together.

One of the major functions of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS is appointing the Executive Secretary.

Other functions are as follows.

1. Amendment of the charter,

2. Approval of agreements and treaties

3. Decision making

4. It approves the recommendations of the council of ministers, etc.

The tenure of non-permanent members of the Security Council is 2 years.

The10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of 2 years and cannot be re-elected for immediate second term.

The Secretary General of the United Nations is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.

The Secretariat of the U.N.O. is situated at its headquarters in New York. It is headed by the Secretary General who is the Chief Executive Officer of the organization appointed by General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The Secretary-General holds office for a five year period. It could then be renewed if the incumbent performs satisfactorily.

It should be noted that only citizens of the Scandinavian, African, Asian and Latin American countries are eligible for the office of the Secretary-General.

The approval of treaties and agreements of the Economic Community of West African States is the responsibility of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

According to Modern Government for Secondary Schools By G.A.I. Ofoegbu, ''The responsibility of amending the treaty of the community lies with the authority''.