Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly, saying Vice President Kashim Shettima can adequately represent him.
Lawal said there was no reason to make an issue of Tinubu’s decision not to attend the global gathering, stressing that the Vice President would deliver the President’s message. “The message is the sole president message that the VP is going to deliver.”
The governor said political leaders routinely delegate responsibilities when they are unable to attend events, citing his own experience at the state level. “I’ve had these issues even at state level where in most cases they always want to see the governor. But of course you have the deputy. So in a situation where there’s something that makes it impossible for you to attend, of course you always delegate.”
Lawal said he believed there was a reason Tinubu could not attend the UN General Assembly and urged Nigerians to give the President the benefit of the doubt. “I’m sure there must be a very strong reason why he’s unable to make it. So let’s give him that benefit of, you know… No problem.”
He said Shettima’s presence at the General Assembly meant Nigeria would still be represented at the high-level gathering. “At least the vice president will be there to represent the president.”
Lawal added that Nigerians would support Shettima in representing the country at the international event “And we’re all here to also back him up. Certainly. At a national level.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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