Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has declared that President Bola Tinubu and his family members cannot be arrested in the United States and enjoy unhindered transit to and from the country. The statement, issued through the Office of Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, comes amid ongoing social media speculation about the president's status during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
UN Mission Confirms No US Restrictions on Tinubu
Ibrahim, who also chairs the United Nations Committee on Budget and Administration, said the Nigerian Mission has received no notification from the US government indicating any restriction on Tinubu's movement during the UNGA. He referenced Section 11 of the 1947 Agreement between the United Nations and the United States, which protects representatives of member states and their families from impediments to transit to and from the UN headquarters district.
According to the envoy, the provision requires US federal, state, and local authorities to refrain from imposing restrictions on the movement of representatives of member states, their families, UN officials, officials of specialised agencies, and other persons invited to the headquarters district on official business.
UNGA Attendance and Delegation of Representation
Ibrahim also noted that attendance at the UNGA is ultimately determined by national priorities. He pointed out that more than 60 per cent of those currently listed to speak at the assembly are vice presidents and foreign ministers representing their countries. He argued that presidents could delegate representation where necessary, implying that Tinubu's absence or reduced presence should not be misconstrued.
The ambassador stressed that an allegation does not amount to a criminal conviction. He argued that accusations must be established through due process and proved beyond reasonable doubt before a person can be found guilty. He dismissed social media efforts aimed at portraying Tinubu as liable to arrest in the United States, saying such attempts would ultimately fail.
US Law Enforcement Procedures and Public Information
Ibrahim further explained that US law-enforcement agencies may invite individuals to provide information or statements during investigations and may collect identifying details, including personal and family history, educational records, and fingerprints. According to him, such information may be used to establish links between individuals, groups, and networks, but remains protected and is not necessarily made public in investigations involving financial or other criminal offences.
The envoy urged Nigerians to continue to respect the national flag and support what he described as the economic transformation being pursued under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His remarks come as the UNGA continues, with world leaders and representatives gathering in New York for diplomatic engagements.
