Tinubu’s UN absence didn’t affect Nigeria’s position — Jimoh Ibrahim

Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has defended President Bola Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly, stating that it did not impact Nigeria's prominent position at the event. At Channels Television's Politics Today, Ibrahim explained that over 60% of the officials slated to speak at the assembly were represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers, making Tinubu's travel to New York unnecessary for a 15-minute speech.

Vice President Kashim Shettima stepped in to represent Tinubu and delivered Nigeria's national statement.

Ibrahim also highlighted that major countries, such as South Africa, China, and Russia, were not represented by their presidents at the gathering. Earlier, he had pledged to secure a seat close to the United States President Donald Trump's at the General Assembly. Ibrahim defended the arrangement, emphasizing that Nigeria occupied the sixth position in the front row of the assembly chamber.

He noted that Trump's brief presence on the podium did not hinder Nigeria's position and criticized the notion of Trump sitting far behind Nigeria.

Referring to the controversy surrounding Tinubu's four-week stay in Europe, Ibrahim dismissed the criticism as unfounded, pointing out that the President did not breach any constitutional provisions. He clarified that working leave differs from absolute leave and that leaders cannot be treated like machines. After Tinubu's return to Nigeria, Shettima led the delegation to the UNGA and participated in various high-level engagements.