UNGA 81: Tinubu can’t attend to speak for just 15 minutes – Jimoh Ibrahim

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has disclosed the reason behind President Bola Tinubu’s inability to attend the ongoing 81st UN General Assembly and speak for a mere 15 minutes. Ibrahim stated that Tinubu can't attend UNGA as a speaker and limit his speech to 15 minutes, while most of the speakers on the speaking list are vice presidents and Foreign Affairs ministers.

Currently, Tinubu is on an extended vacation in Paris, and Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the UNGA.

During an appearance on TVC’s Beyond Headlines, Ibrahim mentioned that he had meetings with US UN Ambassador, British Ambassador, and Singapore Ambassador. He questioned the purpose of Tinubu’s visit to UNGA, pointing out that presidents are only allowed a 15-minute speech. Ibrahim argued that Vice President Shettima is attending high-level meetings on neutral ground, and Nigeria should not send its President to embassies without a meeting scheduled in Nigeria House.

He further expressed disappointment in the current state of affairs at UNGA, questioning whether Nigeria is truly making the global impact it should. Ibrahim pointed out that America, ranked 26th, didn't attend UNGA as a president, but rather gave a lecture and left. He asked if Nigeria is neglecting its responsibility to make a global impact merely because President Tinubu is absent.