Russia-Ukraine war: Nigeria votes against Putin at UN Assembly

Nigeria was among the 141 UN members that overwhelmingly voted to reprimand Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution that “demands” Russia’s “immediate” withdrawal from Ukraine.

The historic vote at the UN General Assembly aims to diplomatically isolate Russia at the world body.

After over two days of extraordinary debate, 141 out of 193 member States voted for the non-binding resolution.

However, at least five countries took sides with Russia.

They are: Eritrea, North Korea, Syria, Belarus and Russia.

About 35 countries – mainly African nations – abstained from voting. They include: Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Central African Republic, China, Congo, Cuba, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Uganda, Tanzania, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

However, 141 countries, including Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada, condemned Russia.

The resolution deplored President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine “in the strongest terms” and condemned his decision to put nuclear forces on alert.

The last time Security Council convened an emergency session of the General Assembly was in 1982, according to U.N. website.

Thirty-five members including China, South Africa, Mali, Madagascar abstained.

Five countries including Russia, Syria and Belarus voted against the resolution.

While General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they carry political weight.