Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), has praised President Bola Tinubu’s intelligence, caution and strategic approach, comparing him favorably to former U.S President Donald Trump despite Tinubu’s absence from this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Akinterinwa emphasized that Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UNGA should not be seen as a sign of weakness or diminished global influence.
“When you are on equal footing with your counterparts, how can anyone claim Donald Trump is better than Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu? He is not,” Akinterinwa stated.
“Tinubu is as intelligent, if not more so, than Trump. He is more cautious and takes a more strategic approach.”
The former NIIA chief explained that diplomatic protocol plays a crucial role in determining leaders’ interactions at international forums.
“In diplomacy, water always finds its own level. A vice president attending such events cannot easily engage with leaders senior to him,” he said.
Akinterinwa also suggested that the dynamics of global politics, especially the attitudes of the United States, influence such interactions.
He described Trump as unpredictable and critical of countries that pursue independent foreign policies.
“Trump tends to act first and think later. He has been known to embarrass our president unnecessarily. Because Nigeria is charting an independent path in foreign affairs, Trump disapproves. He wants to maintain his image as the leading power in global politics,” Akinterinwa added.
President Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 and delivered Nigeria’s national statement.
However, he skipped the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025, respectively, sending Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria and deliver the national address on his behalf.
