The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has applauded the emergence of Prof. Tijjani Muhammad – Bande, as the President of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA.
The Ministry’s Acting Spokesperson, Friday Akpan, in a statement in Abuja said the election is a positive development and demonstrates the confidence in Nigeria’s ability to pilot the affairs of the global institution.
Ambassador Bande, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was the sole candidate for the position. He was elected by acclamation at the 87th plenary session of the Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
He is the second Nigerian to hold the office after Joseph Garba, a retired military officer and diplomat, who led the UNGA between 1989 and 1990.
”Prof. Muhammad-Bande is the second Nigerian to occupy the position. Major- Gen. Joseph Garba (Rtd) was the President of the 44th session of the United Nations General Assembly between 1989 and 1990,” the foreign ministry statement said.
Prof Muhammad-Bande will officially take over from the current President, María Garcés at the next UNGA meeting in September.
