Ban Ki-moon mourns 2011 Abuja blast victims

Ban Ki Moon, the secretary general of the United Nations (UN), has expressed his support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption.

Moon, who spoke at the fourth -year commemoration of the August 27, 2011, UN building bomb attack, appreciated the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“I am very much humbled to be with you today thinking about our fallen colleagues, 23 colleagues, and many people, staff who have been injured and still are suffering from this pain and trauma. This vicious terrorist attack happened almost four years ago.

“We pay tribute to the 23 fallen colleagues, women and men who were so brutally stolen from us. We reaffirm our commitment to keep faith with their families.

“Our fallen colleagues and partners will be remembered this morning with moments of silence in many places.  But nowhere are the memories of these colleagues more immediate, more vivid and more compelling than here in Abuja.  We will remember them forever as truly the best of humanity.”

He expressed support for the Nigerian government in its battle against insecurity, unemployment and corruption.

“I want to thank the government of Nigeria for its commitment to rebuild the UN House as a symbol of the resilience of our extraordinary cooperation. But we have a mandate to build.

“To better the lives of people in need.  To conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy. To promote respect for people’s rights, human rights and freedoms.

“This is a vital time in the history of Nigeria.  I am here to extend my full support to your work and to encourage the government of Nigeria to continue along the pathway of reform. I will meet His Excellency President Buhari and will express my strong encouragement and solidarity for his efforts to tackle insecurity, unemployment and corruption.”

In December, world leaders are expected to also have a very important meeting to adopt an ambitious, universal and meaningful climate change agreement.