LABOUR and international relations expert, Owei Lakemfa, has called for an end to wars across the world and urged nations to embrace peace in line with international law.
Lakemfa made the call during a commemorative event in Abuja marking the 13th anniversary of the death of former Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez, alongside the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Caster, Her Excellency Miriam Morales, the Cuban Ambassador.
The event honoured the late Venezuelan leader, whose supporters describe his death as his “physical departure,” which occurred on March 5, 2013 after a prolonged illness.
Speaking at the symposium, Lakemfa urged global leaders to respect the principles of international law and prioritize diplomacy over armed conflict.
According to him, the world is increasingly threatened by wars, geopolitical rivalries, and military confrontations that undermine global peace and development.
“Humanity must return to the path of peace and cooperation. International law exists to guide relations among nations, and it must be respected if the world is to avoid further destruction and instability,” he said. Lakemfa also reflected on the legacy of Chávez, describing him as a leader who championed social justice, sovereignty, and solidarity among developing nations.
He noted that the Venezuelan leader’s vision of international cooperation and independence for the Global South remains relevant in a world facing growing political and economic tensions.
He made it clear that both President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores will be back to Venezuela. He said we got Alex Saab back to Venezuela and we also got the Cuban 5 back to Cuba.
He calls for an end to sanctions and bullying of other countries of the world by the United State head by Trump.
In his remarks, Ambassador Roberto Caster said the commemoration was an opportunity to remember Chávez’s contributions to the Bolivarian Revolution and his commitment to social equality and regional integration. He emphasized that Chávez’s ideals of solidarity among nations and resistance against domination continue to inspire progressive movements and governments across the world.
He said Nigeria and Venezuela have a very good relationship and that will continue with bilateral relations and make the two countries economic strong.
Similarly, Miriam Morales highlighted the importance of preserving the political and humanitarian legacy of the late Venezuelan leader, stressing that his message of unity and justice remains significant for oppressed and developing nations.
Chávez served as President of Venezuela from 1999 until he died in 2013 and played a central role in shaping the country’s Bolivarian political project aimed at reducing inequality and strengthening regional cooperation.
Participants at the Abuja event concluded by reaffirming the need for global peace, respect for sovereignty, and solidarity among nations, values they said were central to the life and political philosophy of the late Venezuelan leader.
They united to call on the United States government to drop all trumped-up charges against President Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores.
