US President’s Request to Meet Tinubu Amidst Election Controversy Draws Criticism
ABUJA/Nigeria: Comrade Timi Frank, the Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has spoken out against the alleged request by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, to meet with President Bola Tinubu. Frank deemed the request inappropriate and condemned it, citing the ongoing controversy surrounding Tinubu’s legitimacy following the contested 2023 Presidential Election.
The proposed meeting, anticipated to occur on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, has raised suspicions within Frank’s camp. Frank highlighted the fact that Tinubu’s legitimacy is currently under question due to legal challenges against the election outcome.
Frank accused Biden’s move of contradicting the United States’ proclaimed commitment to democracy and the sanctity of elections. He emphasized that the request, conveyed by US Presidential envoy and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee, contradicts the principles of democracy upheld by the US government.
During a recent meeting with Tinubu, Ambassador Phee reportedly stated, “President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership.”
Frank expressed his concerns, stating, “This move by Biden is certainly anti-American stance on rule of law and a bad example in collaborations in view of the pendency of suits challenging the declaration of Tinubu as President and multiple investigations ongoing concerning his integrity, true identity and academic records both in Nigeria and USA.”
He further criticized the invitation, asserting that it is an affront to consider Tinubu the sole African leader requested for a meeting by Biden, given the legitimacy concerns and allegations of a fraudulent election.
Frank, who also holds the position of Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) in East Africa and the Middle East, expressed disappointment in the timing of the invitation. He argued that, considering the ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal, the US should withhold such a meeting until the legal challenges regarding Tinubu’s legitimacy are resolved.
Frank urged Biden to reconsider the invitation, suggesting that the US collaborate with legitimately recognized African leaders for mutual benefits rather than engaging with potentially questionable administrations. He raised concerns about the potential impact on regional stability, citing recent military coups in Niger Republic and reports of instability in Gabon.
In conclusion, Frank called for respect for the Nigerian judicial system and stressed that discussions concerning the West African sub-region should be conducted only after the legitimacy of President Tinubu is determined by the courts. He cautioned against legitimizing contested administrations, which he claimed has historically contributed to coups in the African sub-region.
Frank reaffirmed the need for a respectful and mutually beneficial approach in diplomatic and business relations between the US and Nigeria, emphasizing that the interests and views of the Nigerian people should be considered.
