Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Ibrahim said it would not make sense for Tinubu to travel to New York solely to deliver a 15-minute speech, particularly when many of the countries on the speaking list are being represented by vice presidents and foreign affairs ministers.
Tinubu is currently in France on annual leave, while Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria and leading the country’s delegation at the UNGA.
Speaking during a television programme, Ibrahim said presidents are allocated about 15 minutes to address the General Assembly and questioned whether that was sufficient reason for Tinubu to travel to New York.
He said: “Presidents are allowed in the UN under 15 minutes. Is that the reason why he (Tinubu) should board a flight and be here for 15 minutes?”
Ibrahim also pointed to Shettima’s participation in high-level meetings and engagements with Nigerians in the diaspora, arguing that the Vice President was adequately representing Nigeria at the gathering.
He said Nigeria was still maintaining its position at the UNGA despite Tinubu’s absence, adding that the country was seated in the front row during the session.
“Are you saying that Nigeria is not making the impact it’s supposed to make globally? Must we have Tinubu here before we can make the impact?” Ibrahim asked.
The Nigerian envoy further disclosed that about 60 percent of those on the speaking list were foreign affairs ministers and vice presidents representing their countries.
He argued that under such circumstances, he would not recommend that Tinubu travel to New York merely to deliver his address.
Ibrahim said the situation would have been different if most of the speakers were presidents.
“If the speaking list is 90 percent President, of course, maybe the President can come,” he said.
Vice President Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the UNGA and has also participated in several high-level and bilateral engagements during the General Assembly.
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