Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I thank Dr. Ketebu. I apologise for three members who had to go to an alternative meeting. Two of them will be back but the third cannot. I apologise in particular for the Chairman, who has asked me to substitute for him. The Vice Chairman is indisposed at the moment.

The events that have unfolded over recent years in northern Nigeria are very sad and worrying. I am blessed in having been in the region, from Niger into Nigeria, across Maiduguri, into Cameroon and into Chad, the locations of the current upheaval. I know the area and I extend my condolences to the families of all the victims in that region. Before I take questions, perhaps I should pose some myself.

I congratulate Dr. Ketebu's country for having produced an excellent woman from the Maiduguri area. She might remember Amina Mohammed, who is the Secretary General's special adviser, a wonderful example of a wonderful Nigerian woman coming from the Maiduguri area.

Some of us would be concerned at reading reports that the Nigerian army is not up to the task of defending the region. Some negative reports have stated that some of the military withdrew prematurely and panicked. I remember some demonstrations by the mothers and families of the kids who were kidnapped being criticised by the president's wife. Could Dr. Ketebu assure me that she is confident the military is sufficiently disciplined to take on the major challenges it must confront? Her words are very reassuring because there is a history of post-election violence in Nigeria, so it is good to hear that the major candidates have made a pact that there will be no violence afterwards. In the interests of Nigeria and its unity and peaceful successes post-election, we hope that no matter who wins the election, the results will not be contested in a violent way.