UNGA: Tinubu Enjoys Unimpeded US Transit, Have No Case to Answer – Jimoh Ibrahim
Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, says President Bola Tinubu and members of his family enjoy unimpeded transit and cannot be arrested in the United States while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Ibrahim, who is also Chairman of the United Nations Committee on Budget and Administration, said this in […]
Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has stated that President Bola Tinubu and his family can freely travel to and from the United States while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) without facing any restrictions or potential arrest. In a statement released by the Nigerian UN mission in New York, Ibrahim explained that the protection from transit impediments, as per Section 11 of the 1947 UN-U.S.
Agreement, ensures that members of the UN delegation and their families, UN officials, and other invited persons are not subject to any restrictions on their movement within the UN headquarters district. This provision applies to US federal, state, and local authorities who are required to refrain from imposing any limitations on the movement of such individuals during official business.
Ibrahim emphasized that attending the UNGA is primarily a matter of national priority and noted that over 60% of the current speaking list consists of vice presidents and foreign ministers representing their respective countries. In light of this, presidents can delegate representation when necessary. Ibrahim recalled a previous instance where a Nigerian president was once restricted to a 10-kilometre radius from the UN headquarters due to a drug-related allegation, which was never proven.
He stressed that an allegation does not constitute a crime and that criminal accusations must be proven beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law before any conviction can be made. Ibrahim further clarified that social media efforts to criminalize or seek the arrest of President Tinubu would be futile, as US law-enforcement authorities may invite individuals to provide information or statements during investigations but cannot make such information public without due process.
The envoy urged Nigerians to uphold their national flag with pride and support the economic transformation efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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