‘Do You Think It Is Easy?’ Jimoh Ibrahim Defends UNGA Achievement

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has defended his earlier claim that he secured a prominent position for Nigeria at the 81st UN General Assembly.

Ibrahim had earlier said President Tinubu would have a seat close to US President Donald Trump.

Tinubu ultimately did not attend the UNGA. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria instead. The development led to questions about Ibrahim’s earlier statement.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ibrahim explained that the important point was not whether Trump personally remained in his assigned seat. He said Nigeria retained a front-row position, number six.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ibrahim said Trump delivered his address and left the assigned seating area. He also said more than 60 per cent of leaders scheduled to speak were represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers.

He therefore questioned whether Tinubu needed to travel to New York simply to deliver a 15-minute address.Ibrahim said: “I delivered on the fact that Nigeria will sit in the front row, number six.”

He also asked whether he should be commended for securing that position.

His comments are part of the continuing debate over Tinubu’s absence from UNGA81 and Nigeria’s diplomatic representation at the gathering. ValidViewNetwork reports.