The Federal Government has rejected criticism and speculation surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, insisting that Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation with the President’s full mandate.
In a statement issued by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, the government said Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him at the General Assembly, where the Vice President will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
“Nigeria will therefore be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session,” the government said.
It added that Shettima’s engagements in New York would advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The government said Tinubu is currently on annual leave and maintained that his decision to delegate Shettima was neither unusual nor a diminution of Nigeria’s diplomatic standing. The Presidency separately announced that Tinubu had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The statement followed criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned Tinubu’s absence from UNGA for the third consecutive year and asked whether the President’s past legal history in the United States had any connection with his decision not to attend. Atiku, however, said he was not asserting that Tinubu was legally barred from entering the United States.
Responding, the Federal Government said it had noted recent political commentary by Atiku and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him, accusing them of seeking to attribute what it described as “false and baseless motives” to Tinubu’s absence.
“Political opposition and robust public debate are legitimate features of democracy. However, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact,” the government said.
It urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing issues affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.
The government also reaffirmed Nigeria’s relationship with the United States, saying bilateral ties span trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and extensive people-to-people relations.
“That relationship is conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with partisan commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations acting on behalf of political clients,” the statement said.
The government consequently urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion and unsubstantiated speculation.
“Nigeria will be fully represented in New York. Nigeria’s interests will be vigorously advanced. And the work of strengthening the country’s relationships with its international partners will continue,” it added.
Shettima arrived in New York on Monday ahead of the General Debate, which begins Tuesday. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Thursday, September 24.
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