UNGA: Buhari’s ex-aide praises Nigeria’s career diplomats

Former Presidential media aide, Laolu Akande, has commended Nigerian career diplomats for their crucial role in upholding Nigeria’s prominence at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He made these remarks during Inside Sources, a Channels Television programme he hosts weekly. Akande’s comments followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to prioritize domestic issues, which led to his absence from the global summit.

Speaking during the My Take segment of the programme broadcast from New York, Akande acknowledged the challenges posed by President Tinubu’s absence. “But, his absence here [in New York] created a bit of challenge for Nigerian diplomats at the United Nations. They are concerned that since Nigeria is now being represented by the Vice President, the normal protocol will mean all the more than 70 presidents as heads of state who are attending the meeting physically will have to speak before the Vice President,” he said.

The traditional expectation is that heads of state attending the UNGA in person receive priority in the speaking order. This year, with over 70 presidents present, Nigeria, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, risked losing its Day One speaking slot, which was originally secured under the assumption that President Tinubu would attend. “This posed a bit of a challenge for Nigerian diplomats here at the UN,” Akande remarked. “There was concern that since Nigeria was represented by the Vice President, the protocol would push Nigeria down the speaking order, as the heads of state present would speak first.”

Given Nigeria’s significant role on the world stage, losing such a prominent speaking position would have been a diplomatic setback. Akande emphasised the importance of Day One speaking slots, as they allow countries to present their priorities early on, gaining the attention of world leaders and international media.

“At the end of the day, we must give kudos to the Nigerian diplomats at the Permanent Mission here at the UN. They pulled off a great thing. They managed to keep the prominent Day One speaking slot for Nigeria,” he stated. He credited the competence and experience of these career diplomats for averting a potential crisis.

Despite initial concerns, Nigerian diplomats adeptly navigated UN protocols and leveraged their networks to secure Nigeria’s critical speaking position. “These are career diplomats that got this done,” Akande noted, suggesting that President Tinubu should consider appointing more career diplomats to substantive ambassadorial roles worldwide.

The successful maneuver by Nigerian diplomats to maintain the UNGA speaking slot for Vice President Shettima has garnered praise from international observers. As Vice President Shettima addressed the UNGA on behalf of Nigeria, he carried the weight of these diplomatic efforts, enabling Nigeria to remain a visible and influential player in shaping global policy discussions.