CSOs ask Tinubu to review Jimoh Ibrahim’s ambassadorial posting over alleged graft litigation

Jimoh Ibrahim

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has petitioned President Bola Tinubu and António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), over Jimoh Ibrahim’s appointment as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN.

Postings for Ibrahim, the former senator, alongside other ambassador designates were announced last month.

A permanent representative to the UN is the designated head of a country’s diplomatic mission to the multilateral body, acting as the primary ambassador to the organisation, particularly at the New York City headquarters, and representing their country’s interests in UN meetings.

However, TheCable understands that CSOs have since kicked at the senator’s appointment.

In a petition seen by TheCable, the CSOs said Ibrahim’s nomination as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN is a matter of “significant national and international consequence”.

The petition had 117 signatories including Yiaga Africa, Hope Behind Bars Africa, Media Rights Agenda, Womanifesto, Accountability Lab Nigeria, ActionAid Nigeria, and Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative.

“The Permanent Mission is the sovereign voice of over 220 million Nigerians within the multilateral system. Its credibility is directly linked to the integrity, legal standing, and public record of its representative,” the CSOs said.

On Wednesday, Ibrahim said he had received his letter of credence and had being cleared. It marks the official commencement of his duties as a UN permanent representative.

‘CORRUPTION, UNPAID LABOUR’