Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed disappointment and concern over President Bola Tinubu's absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for three consecutive years. In a statement, Atiku said Tinubu's absence has adversely affected Nigeria's image and reputation globally. He noted that a seat was secured for Tinubu near US President Donald Trump at the UNGA, but the President refused to occupy it, sending Vice President Kashim Shettima instead.
Atiku Abubakar questioned whether President Tinubu's documented history with US law-enforcement agencies has become a burden on Nigeria's foreign relations. He referenced a case in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where the US government instituted forfeiture proceedings concerning funds held in multiple accounts in Tinubu's name and associated companies. The case involved allegations of narcotics trafficking and money laundering, resulting in the forfeiture of approximately $460,000 to the US government.
The former Vice President emphasized that the UNGA is a crucial diplomatic gathering where presidents and prime ministers defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and shape global decisions on trade, security, and development. He argued that Tinubu's repeated absence from the UNGA has consequences for Nigeria, including lost opportunities for investment, trade partnerships, and economic growth. Atiku stated that Vice President Shettima may represent Nigeria capably, but cannot permanently substitute for the President's personal authority, visibility, and responsibility.
Atiku Abubakar also criticized the Tinubu administration for spending up to $9 million of Nigeria's scarce foreign exchange on American lobbyists to improve its standing before the US government and people. He questioned the effectiveness of this expenditure, given Tinubu's repeated absence from the UNGA. Atiku wondered if the lobbyists failed or if Tinubu's American baggage is too heavy for any public-relations firm to carry.
The former Vice President invited troubling questions about President Tinubu's persistent avoidance of the United States, citing concerns about his American academic claims and documented drug-related forfeiture history. Atiku asked if Tinubu is afraid of renewed scrutiny or uncomfortable appearing on American soil amid continuing public interest in the narcotics drug-related forfeiture proceedings.
Atiku Abubakar described President Tinubu's conduct as presenting a glaring contrast between the image he cultivated at home and the timidity he displayed on the international stage. He emphasized that Nigeria's President cannot continue to treat the country's seat at the world's biggest diplomatic table as an inconvenient appointment that can be endlessly outsourced.
The criticism from Atiku Abubakar comes as Nigerians face significant economic pressures, including a severe cost-of-living crisis. He argued that the economic and diplomatic consequences of Tinubu's absence are being paid by Nigerians, with fewer investments, businesses, and jobs resulting from his repeated absence from the UNGA. The situation has raised concerns about the impact on Nigeria's economy and international reputation.
Key points
- - Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu for missing UNGA for three consecutive years. - The absence has adversely affected Nigeria's image and reputation globally. - The situation has raised concerns about the impact on Nigeria's economy and international reputation.
