Coalition defends Jimoh Ibrahim’s UN appointment, rebukes Odinkalu’s criticism
A coalition of civil society organisations, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice (CCSG-PSGEJ), has defended the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, criticising comments made by human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, James Okoronkwo, the group described Odinkalu’s remarks about the appointment as unwarranted and dismissive of the senator’s qualifications.
The coalition argued that Ibrahim possesses the academic and professional background required for the diplomatic role, citing his educational experience at Cambridge University, Oxford University and the London School of Economics.
“If a Cambridge doctorate and Oxford training are not enough to represent Nigeria at the UN, we wonder what Professor Odinkalu’s criteria are,” the group said, adding that academic excellence should not be dismissed by what it described as a “professional critic class.”
The group also pointed to Ibrahim’s legislative and international exposure, noting his previous role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and his involvement in global parliamentary engagements.
According to the statement, such experience positions him for effective representation of Nigeria’s interests at the international level.
The coalition further accused Odinkalu of maintaining a pattern of criticism against government actions, while acknowledging his right to express dissenting views.
“Nigeria needs doers at the UN, not just talkers,” the group said, adding that Ibrahim’s background in business, law and international relations would help advance Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests.
