By Chioma Vivian Jame

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice has noted with concern the growing misinformation and deliberate attempts to cause panic around the participation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

We wish to state categorically and without ambiguity that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be arrested while on official diplomatic duty at the United Nations General Assembly.

Our position is grounded on law, diplomacy, and national interest:

Diplomatic Immunity: As Head of State, President Tinubu enjoys full diplomatic immunity and courtesies under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the UN Headquarters Agreement, and international customary law. This protection covers his person, delegation, and official engagements throughout UNGA.

Sovereign Representation: The President represents over 230 million Nigerians at the highest global forum. Any suggestion to the contrary undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and standing in the comity of nations.

No Pending Criminal Case: The Presidency has clarified that the matter before a US District Court is a civil FOIA records-disclosure case, not a criminal trial, charge, or indictment. The deliberate conflation of both is mischievous and irresponsible.

We condemn in the strongest terms those spreading falsehoods to heat up the polity ahead of 2027. Nigeria is facing real challenges — insecurity, economic reforms, and nation-building — that demand unity, not distractions.

We therefore call on:

Media Houses: Verify facts before publication. Avoid sensationalism that threatens national peace.

Political Actors: Debate policies, not rumors. Our democracy is better served by ideas, not propaganda.

Citizens: Be discerning. Do not share unverified claims that can cause unnecessary tension.

Nigeria’s presence at UNGA is to attract investment, deepen partnerships, and project our voice on peace, climate, and development. We urge all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support the President’s diplomatic mission and to reject narratives designed to embarrass our country on the world stage.

The Coalition remains committed to Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice. We will continue to lend our voice in defense of truth, national interest, and democratic values.

Signed
Comrade James Okoronkwo
National Coordinator
Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice