By: Tunji Okunlola
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has said more than 60 per cent of the countries listed to speak at the ongoing 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) are being represented by their vice presidents or foreign ministers rather than their heads of state.
In a statement issued by the Nigerian Mission to the UN in New York, Ibrahim also assured that Nigeria would keep its designated position at the Assembly, including its front-row seat, while Vice President Kashim Shettima represents President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ibrahim, who also chairs the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other senior government officials would join the Vice President at the high-level session.
He said it is not unusual for countries to send senior officials when their presidents cannot attend.
“The Vice President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are adequately positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly and participate fully in the diplomatic engagements surrounding the session,” he said.
The envoy explained that President Tinubu will not attend in person because he is currently in France on annual leave.
“The absence of the President should not be interpreted as Nigeria being inadequately represented. Our delegation will continue to participate fully in the proceedings,” Ibrahim said.
He urged Nigerians to view the country’s participation in the wider context of diplomatic representation, adding that Nigeria would continue to play its full role at the General Assembly.
Discover more from CLARITYNEWSNG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
