President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent visit to France has sparked concerns about Nigeria's diplomatic standing. Tinubu was left behind in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron, who traveled to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This move has raised questions about the protocol and respect afforded to a visiting head of state. According to Yoruba elders, when a host begins to show a guest the distal end of a tuber of yam, it's a sign that the guest should leave.
Prior to his trip, there were expectations that Tinubu would have a meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the UNGA session. Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had stated that Tinubu would be sitting in the front row alongside Trump. However, the narrative changed, and Tinubu eventually did not attend the UNGA session, citing that over 60 percent of attendees would be represented by deputies or ministers.
During his stay in France, Tinubu utilized the opportunity to sign a $700 billion mineral wealth deal with three American companies: Vermeer Corporation, Renewvia Energy Corporation, and Terra Industries. The deal involves the exploration of Nigeria's mineral resources, including iron ore, tin, lithium, and gold. This move has raised concerns about the management of Nigeria's natural resources and the potential implications for the country's economy.
In addition to the mineral wealth deal, Tinubu also ordered one of his governors, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, to sign a $7 billion deal with Paris-based DP World MEA FZE for the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the 10,000-hectare Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone. This development has sparked concerns about the strategic implications of these deals and the potential benefits for Nigeria.
The incident has also raised questions about Tinubu's leadership style and adherence to constitutional protocols. Upon leaving Nigeria, Tinubu did not officially hand over to his Vice-President, Dr. Kashim Shettima, as required by Section 145 of the Constitution. This has sparked concerns about the continuity of governance and the potential implications for the country's stability.
The diplomatic incident has sparked a national conversation about Nigeria's diplomatic standing and the need for the country to assert its interests on the global stage. The incident has also raised questions about the management of Nigeria's natural resources and the need for transparency and accountability in the country's dealings with foreign partners.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its relationships with foreign partners, there is a growing need for the country to prioritize its national interests and ensure that its leaders are held accountable for their actions. The incident has also highlighted the need for Nigeria to develop a more strategic approach to its diplomatic engagements and to prioritize the country's economic and social development.
Key points
- President Tinubu's visit to France ended in controversy after he was left behind by his host, President Macron.
- Tinubu signed a $700 billion mineral wealth deal with three American companies during his stay in France.
- The incident has raised questions about Nigeria's diplomatic standing and the need for the country to assert its interests on the global stage.
