Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for a full explanation from President Bola Tinubu regarding his repeated absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku expressed concern over the implications of Tinubu's absence on Nigeria's foreign relations and economic opportunities. He noted that Tinubu has missed three consecutive UNGA sessions, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria in his stead.
Atiku emphasized the significance of the UNGA, describing it as a crucial diplomatic gathering where world leaders defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and shape global decisions. He argued that while Vice President Shettima may represent Nigeria capably, the President's absence undermines the country's visibility and authority on the global stage. Atiku questioned whether Tinubu's documented history with US law-enforcement agencies has become a burden on Nigeria's foreign relations.
According to Atiku, the consequences of Tinubu's absence are far-reaching, with Nigeria losing opportunities for investment, trade partnerships, and development finance. He noted that the country's economy is already facing significant challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis, and that the President's absence exacerbates these problems. Atiku also highlighted the reported $9 million spent by Tinubu's administration on American lobbyists, questioning the effectiveness of this expenditure.
Atiku described as extraordinary the reported announcement by Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, that he had secured Tinubu a seat near US President Donald Trump. However, Atiku noted that Tinubu abandoned this opportunity, sending Vice President Shettima instead. He criticized the contradiction between securing a strategic seat and the President's absence, describing it as scandalous.
Atiku also raised questions about Tinubu's motivations for avoiding the UNGA, suggesting that he may be afraid of scrutiny abroad due to controversies surrounding his American academic claims and documented drug-related forfeiture history. He expressed concern that Tinubu's behavior may be a reflection of his priorities, projecting bravado at home but appearing terrified of international scrutiny.
The former Vice-President emphasized that the economic and diplomatic consequences of Tinubu's absence are being felt by ordinary Nigerians, with reduced capital inflows and a weaker naira contributing to the country's economic challenges. He argued that the President's absence on the global stage has real-world implications, affecting the lives of Nigerian citizens.
Atiku concluded by questioning whether Tinubu's behavior is acceptable for a President, suggesting that Nigeria deserves a leader who can confidently engage with the international community. He reiterated the need for a full explanation from Tinubu regarding his repeated absence from the UNGA.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu's repeated absence from UNGA, citing concerns over Nigeria's foreign relations and economic opportunities.
- Tinubu has missed three consecutive UNGA sessions, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria in his stead.
- Atiku questions whether Tinubu's documented history with US law-enforcement agencies has become a burden on Nigeria's foreign relations.
