UN General Assembly: ‘Why Tinubu’s presence is irrelevant’ – Joe Keshi

A former Nigerian diplomat, Joe Keshi, has said President Bola Tinubu’s presence at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, is irrelevant as long as Nigeria is adequately represented.

Keshi made the remark on Tuesday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show.

According to Keshi, the Vice President leading the Nigerian delegation would be sufficient representation for the country.

The former diplomat said the debate over Tinubu’s attendance at the 80th session of the UNGA had distracted Nigerians from the critical issues before the international body.

“It amazes me we’re engaged in some innocuous debate whether the president attends or whether he does not attend or whether he has lost the opportunity to sit beside Donald Trump,” Keshi said.

“In the process, we’ve left the most important issues.”

Keshi argued that Nigeria’s participation should be judged by the quality of its representation and the issues it advances, rather than whether the President personally attends.

The former diplomat maintained that Nigeria’s presence at the global gathering remained the priority, regardless of who led the delegation.

“There are times in this country that the president of Nigeria or the leaders of Nigeria did not attend UNGA, and the heavens didn’t fall.

“Yes, it is true that Buhari probably attended all. Of course, what came out of Buhari’s attendance at the end of the day?” Keshi asked.

“What we need to understand, and the most important thing is that as long as a Nigerian delegation or Nigeria is represented, Nigeria as a country is attending the United Nations General Assembly.

“All these debates that if the president is not there, it’s a big shame or whatever it is. For goodness’ sake, it’s irrelevant.”

“And if the vice president is there leading the Nigerian delegation, for us, that’s the most important thing we should focus on,” he said.