Trump can embarrass him — Ex-NIIA DG speaks on Tinubu’s absence at UN General Assembly

Former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, has said that the absence of President Bola Tinubu from the United Nations General Assembly in New York may be strategic.

Featuring on ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Akinterinwa said US President Donald Trump could embarrass Tinubu if he had attended.

“Tinubu’s absence may be strategic, Trump can embarrass him unnecessarily. Trump thinks after action. He is such a man who can thoroughly embarrass our President, find unnecessary excuses for whatever.

“This is because Nigeria appears to be towing a sort of independentist line when it comes to the conduct and management of international affairs. And Trump does not like this.

“In this case, this is the second time our President is not attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

“But what does that really mean? Is it that Tinubu is scared of going? The ideal thing is for him to be there,” Akinterinwa said.

Trump can embarrass him — Ex-NIIA DG speaks on Tinubu’s absence at UN General Assembly