Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has defended the country’s prominent seating position at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, despite President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the gathering in New York.
Ibrahim had previously said he had secured a front-row seat for Nigeria, close to where US President Donald Trump was expected to sit during the General Assembly.
However, Tinubu did not attend the UNGA and was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led Nigeria’s delegation and delivered the country’s national statement.
Speaking during a television interview on Tuesday, Ibrahim said he would not have advised Tinubu to travel to New York after it became apparent that more than 60 per cent of scheduled speakers were being represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers.
He argued that it would not have been necessary for Tinubu to leave other responsibilities at home simply to deliver a speech lasting about 15 minutes.
Ibrahim also noted that several world leaders, including the presidents of South Africa, China and Russia, were not present at the gathering.
He maintained that Shettima’s presence ensured that Nigeria was properly represented.
‘I Delivered on My Promise’
Ibrahim strongly defended his earlier claim that Nigeria would occupy a prominent position in the General Assembly chamber.
He argued that Trump himself did not remain in the chamber after delivering his address and therefore did not occupy the seat Ibrahim had previously referred to.
“You have to thank me and commend my effort. I said Nigeria will be in the front seat, was Nigeria not in the front seat?” Ibrahim asked.
He added that Nigeria occupied the sixth position in the front row, describing the achievement as significant given the number of member states at the United Nations.
“Do you think it is easy for a country to sit at number six in the front row? Don’t you know it is a country sitting at number 193 and your country is sitting at number six?” he said.
Ibrahim said the seating arrangement demonstrated Nigeria’s diplomatic standing at the gathering and insisted that he had fulfilled the commitment he previously made regarding the country’s position.
He had earlier explained that Nigeria would retain its designated front-row position even with Shettima representing Tinubu.
The envoy also said Tinubu would address the United Nations at an appropriate time.
Ibrahim Defends Tinubu’s Four-Week Stay in Europe
The discussion also covered Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe and criticism from opposition figures over his absence from Nigeria.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures had questioned the President’s prolonged absence and raised issues concerning Section 145 of the Constitution and the procedure for transferring presidential functions to the Vice-President.
Ibrahim, however, rejected the suggestion that Tinubu violated the Constitution.
“The president hasn’t committed any offence. Did he breach any provision of the Constitution?” he asked.
He argued that a working leave should be distinguished from an absence in which a president is completely unable to perform official duties.
“A working leave is completely different from absolute leave, if we understand that distinction, what are you worrying about?” Ibrahim said.
He added that public officials also need periods of rest, saying, “Human beings are not machines.”
The Presidency had initially announced that Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week annual vacation.
The President travelled to London before proceeding to Paris, where he held official engagements. His stay was later extended, resulting in his missing the 81st UN General Assembly.
During his absence, Shettima represented him at the UNGA and participated in several high-level meetings and engagements on behalf of Nigeria.
The Presidency maintained that Tinubu’s absence would not diminish Nigeria’s role or diplomatic presence at the international gathering.
Tinubu eventually returned to Nigeria from Paris on Tuesday, arriving in Lagos aboard Nigerian Air Force One.
After landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, he was asked about his time away from the country.
“I enjoyed myself. Fantastic,” the President said.
Tinubu was also asked about concerns raised by some Nigerians regarding his health during his extended stay abroad.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” he responded.
He added that political rumours would continue but said he was back and ready to resume his duties.
“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain, I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” Tinubu said.
Source: Channels Television.
