Tinubu, Trump Possess Same Level of Intelligence and Strategy -former NIIA DG, Akinterinwa

Former director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, has described President Bola Tinubu as equally intelligent, cautious, and strategic as former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite his decision to skip this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Akinterinwa emphasized that Tinubu’s absence should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness or diminished global influence.

“At the end of the day, when you are seen to be at par with your colleagues, in which way are you going to say that Donald Trump is better than Bola Tinubu of Nigeria? He’s not. And I can tell you that Tinubu is as intelligent, if not more intelligent than Trump. He is more cautious and more strategic in his approach,” he stated.

Akinterinwa further explained that in international relations, hierarchy plays a crucial role in leader interactions, noting that protocol often determines who engages with whom at global forums.

“In diplomacy, water must always find its own level. When you are not the president of a sovereign state, the extent to which you can meet with sovereign leaders is limited. A vice president going there cannot easily interact with people who are senior to him,” he added.

He also highlighted that global political dynamics, particularly U.S. foreign policy attitudes, can influence engagements. Using Trump as an example, Akinterinwa described him as unpredictable and dismissive toward nations pursuing independent foreign policies.

“Donald Trump thinks after action, not before action. He is a president that can thoroughly embarrass our own president, finding unnecessary excuses. Because Nigeria appears to be charting an independent line in international affairs, Trump doesn’t like this. He wants to be seen as primus inter pares in global politics,” Akinterinwa noted.

President Tinubu had attended the 78th UNGA in 2023, delivering Nigeria’s national statement in New York. This year, for the 79th UNGA in 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria and delivered the country’s statement on Tinubu’s behalf.