Mahama leaves for New York to attend 81st UN General Assembly

Former Nigerian diplomat Joe Keshi has argued that President Bola Tinubu's participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is inconsequential, provided that Nigeria's interests are adequately represented. Keshi made his remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he emphasized that the Vice President leading the Nigerian delegation would be sufficient representation for the country.

He contended that the debate surrounding Tinubu's attendance at the 80th session of the UNGA had detracted from the pressing issues before the international body. "It amazes me we’re engaged in some innocuous debate whether the president attends or whether he does not attend or whether he has lost the opportunity to sit beside Donald Trump," Keshi remarked.

"In the process, we’ve left the most important issues." Keshi advocated for judging Nigeria's participation based on the quality of representation and the issues it advances, rather than the president's personal attendance at the global gathering. He maintained that Nigeria's presence at the UNGA remained the priority, irrespective of who headed the delegation.

"There are times in this country that the president of Nigeria or the leaders of Nigeria did not attend UNGA, and the heavens didn’t fall. 'Yes, it is true that Buhari probably attended all. Of course, what came out of Buhari’s attendance at the end of the day?'" Keshi inquired. "What we need to understand, and the most important thing is that as long as a Nigerian delegation or Nigeria is represented, Nigeria as a country is attending the United Nations General Assembly.

'All these debates that if the president is not there, it’s a big shame or whatever it is. For goodness’ sake, it’s irrelevant." Keshi underscored that if the vice president is leading the delegation, that should be the primary focus.