Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu could be arrested or restricted by US authorities if he attends the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Ibrahim said the Nigerian Mission to the UN had received no communication from the US government indicating that Tinubu would face any such restriction.
He based his position on Section 11 of the 1947 UN-US Headquarters Agreement, which he said provides for the unhindered transit of representatives of UN member states and their families to and from the UN headquarters district.
The ambassador made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday by Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.
His comments followed renewed speculation on social media that Tinubu could face arrest or legal action during the UNGA.
Ibrahim said allegations of criminal conduct should not be confused with convictions established through due process.
“Social media cannot criminalise or arrest President Bola Tinubu,” he said, arguing that allegations must be subjected to due process and proved beyond reasonable doubt.
He also said US law-enforcement agencies could invite individuals to provide information during investigations, but stressed that such interactions did not amount to a criminal conviction.
President need not attend every UNGA session
Ibrahim also explained that a president was not required to personally attend every UNGA engagement.
He said the invitation was extended to member states, allowing countries to decide who would represent them.
According to him, more than 60 per cent of the current UNGA speaking list comprised vice presidents and foreign ministers representing their countries.
He said the arrangement showed that countries could delegate representation when necessary.
The envoy nevertheless urged Nigerians to uphold the national flag and support what he described as the economic transformation agenda of the Tinubu administration.
His clarification came amid continued debate over whether Tinubu would attend the UNGA and speculation over possible legal restrictions on his movement in the United States.