Civil society groups throw weight behind Jimoh Ibrahim's United Nations nomination

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By Luminous Jannamike

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ABUJA — A coalition of civil society organisations has backed the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, urging Nigerians to avoid ‘premature judgement’ as scrutiny around the nomination grows.

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The move, involving the National Good Governance Advocacy Network and other groups, comes as debate over the appointment gathers momentum, with the coalition stepping in to push back against criticism and shape the conversation.

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At a press conference in Abuja, the coalition’s convener, Dr Emmanuel Agabi, said the groups had come together to state their position clearly on the nomination.

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“We are here to affirm our confidence in his capacity to represent our country with distinction. This is not a rebuttal driven by sentiment, but a statement grounded in facts, perspective, and national interest,” he said.

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Agabi added that the role of Permanent Representative to the United Nations goes beyond holding office, pointing to the level of responsibility and engagement it demands.

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“The position of Permanent Representative to the United Nations is one of immense responsibility. It demands more than presence. It requires intellect, experience, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of global systems,” Agabi said.

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The coalition cited Ibrahim’s background in business and public service, including his tenure as senator for Ondo South and his work across key Senate committees such as appropriations, finance, education, gas and the Niger Delta.

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It also pointed to his roles in regional and continental bodies, including the ECOWAS Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament, as part of his exposure to multilateral engagement.

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The groups linked the appointment to the policy direction of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

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“Leadership is defined not only by policies but by the quality of individuals entrusted with responsibility. This appointment is a decision rooted in judgment. It is informed by an understanding of the demands of global representation. It is aligned with Nigeria’s aspiration to engage more effectively on the international stage,” Agabi added.

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The coalition called for a more measured public conversation, urging Nigerians to focus on fairness and the broader national interest as debate over the nomination continues.

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