African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for a full explanation from President Tinubu regarding his repeated absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, President Tinubu has missed the 79th, 80th, and 81st UNGA sessions. The ADC candidate believes this pattern of absence requires an honest explanation from the President.
The Presidency has announced that Vice President Kashim Shetimma will lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st UNGA and represent President Tinubu at the event. Shetimma has previously represented the President at the assembly. Atiku Abubakar argues that while Vice President Shetimma may represent Nigeria capably, the President's personal authority, visibility, and responsibility cannot be substituted by representation by delegation.
Atiku Abubakar emphasizes the significance of the UNGA, describing it as one of the world's most important diplomatic gatherings. The assembly brings together representatives of the UN's 193 member states, providing a platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and shape global decisions on trade, security, and development.
The ADC candidate highlights the consequences of President Tinubu's absence on the global stage, stating that it has economic and diplomatic implications for Nigeria. He argues that the President's repeated absence from UNGA results in missed opportunities for investment, trade partnerships, and development finance, ultimately affecting ordinary citizens.
Atiku Abubakar recalls that Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had secured a seat for President Tinubu near the US President, Donald Trump, during a previous UNGA session. However, the President failed to attend, raising questions about his priorities and commitment to Nigeria's international engagements.
The former Vice President also questions the effectiveness of Nigeria's lobbying efforts in the United States, citing the $9 million spent on American lobbyists to improve the country's standing. Atiku Abubakar wonders what exactly Nigerians gained from this expenditure, given President Tinubu's repeated absence from UNGA and other international events.
Atiku Abubakar's concerns about President Tinubu's persistent avoidance of the United States have raised troubling questions, with some speculating that the President may be afraid of facing diplomatic challenges or scrutiny on the international stage. The ADC candidate's statements have sparked a national debate about the President's priorities and commitment to Nigeria's global engagements.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands explanation from President Tinubu over repeated absence from UNGA
- President Tinubu's absence from UNGA has economic and diplomatic implications for Nigeria
- Atiku Abubakar questions the effectiveness of Nigeria's lobbying efforts in the United States
