Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has defended President Bola Tinubu's decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Ibrahim stated that Nigeria maintained a prominent position at the General Assembly despite Tinubu's absence. Vice President Kashim Shettima led the country's delegation in his place. Ibrahim appeared on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he justified the decision.
According to Ibrahim, over 60 per cent of scheduled speakers at the General Assembly were being represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers. He said there was little justification for Tinubu to leave pressing national matters to deliver a 15-minute speech. Several countries, including the presidents of South Africa, China, and Russia, were also represented by senior officials or were absent.
Ibrahim had previously claimed that he secured a prominent seat for Tinubu at the General Assembly, close to US President Donald Trump. He emphasized that Nigeria occupied the sixth position in the front row and retained this position despite Tinubu's absence. Ibrahim commended his efforts, stating that he had delivered on his promise to secure a front-row seat for Nigeria.
Ibrahim referenced Trump's attendance, stating that the former US President did not remain seated in the General Assembly chamber after delivering his address. Trump came in, delivered a guest speech, and left immediately. Ibrahim used this example to illustrate that even prominent leaders did not necessarily stay for the entire event.
The discussion also touched on Tinubu's extended stay in Europe. Ibrahim rejected suggestions that Tinubu had breached the Constitution during his absence from Nigeria. He argued that a working leave was different from an absolute leave and that the President had not committed any offence.
During Tinubu's absence, Shettima represented Nigeria and delivered the country's national statement at the UNGA. Ibrahim also noted that Tinubu could still be invited to address the UN General Assembly at an appropriate time. The President returned to Nigeria from Paris after spending about four weeks in Europe.
Ibrahim's defence of Tinubu's absence and Nigeria's presence at the UNGA highlights the diplomatic efforts involved in securing a prominent seat for the country. The incident has sparked discussions on the importance of representation and the balance between national matters and international engagements.
Key points
- Nigeria's envoy to the UN defended President Bola Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria's delegation in Tinubu's place.
- Ibrahim emphasized that Nigeria maintained a prominent position at the General Assembly despite Tinubu's absence.
