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A coalition of civil society groups led by the National Good Governance Advocacy Network, NGGAN, has dismissed calls for the review of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s ambassadorial posting as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Some civil society organizations, CSOs, including Yiaga Africa, Hope Behind Bars Africa, Media Rights Agenda, Womanifesto, Accountability Lab Nigeria, ActionAid Nigeria and Stand to End Rape, had kicked against the posting, pointing to Ibrahim’s role at NICON Insurance.
However, addressing journalists on Monday, the coalition of civic groups led by NGGAN backed Ibrahim’s appointment, describing him as a true Nigerian and global citizen well-suited for the demanding diplomatic role.
Convener of the Coalition, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, insisted that Ibrahim has what it takes to discharge the responsibility.
“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.
“Dr. Ibrahim has built institutions across various sectors as a businessman, contributing to economic development and creating opportunities for Nigerians. His legislative experience includes serving as Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, where he actively participated in national policy discourse.
“He served on key Senate committees such as Appropriations, Finance, Gas, Education, NDDC, Capital Market, Diaspora and NGOs, Trade and Investment, Housing, and Niger Delta.
“Beyond national politics, Dr. Ibrahim served as Nigeria’s Representative in the ECOWAS Parliament and as an Executive Member of the Pan-African Parliament. These roles provided him with direct exposure to regional diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and continental policy coordination,” Agabi said.
He added that Ibrahim has the required exposure to operate effectively within the United Nations system, where diplomacy relies on negotiation, consensus building, and strategic engagement.
According to the coalition, President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Dr. Ibrahim reflects a commitment to selecting individuals based on competence, experience, and strategic value.
“Leadership is defined not only by policies but by the quality of individuals entrusted with responsibility,” Agabi added.
The coalition urged Nigerians to avoid premature conclusions that undermine institutional authority and called for a national discourse guided by balance, scrutiny, fairness, and recognition of merit.
The civil society coalition equally urged all stakeholders to support leadership decisions that strengthen Nigeria’s voice in the international community. It also called on Nigerians to remain focused on unity, progress, and collective national development.
Coalition backs Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s UN envoy, dismisses calls for review of posting
