Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an explanation from President Bola Tinubu regarding his decision to miss the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York for the third consecutive year. Atiku's demand comes as Tinubu mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation to the assembly. This move has raised questions about the potential impact on Nigeria's foreign relations and economic opportunities. Atiku's concerns are rooted in the significance of the UNGA as a platform for global leaders to engage in diplomatic efforts.
Atiku Abubakar highlighted the importance of the UNGA, describing it as one of the world's most critical diplomatic gatherings. He emphasized that the assembly provides a unique opportunity for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and shape global decisions on trade, security, and development. Atiku argued that representation by delegation cannot permanently substitute for the personal authority, visibility, and responsibility of the President. He expressed concerns that Tinubu's repeated absences may undermine Nigeria's influence on the global stage.
Atiku Abubakar also questioned the economic implications of Tinubu's absence, noting that UNGA sidelines offer opportunities for leaders to engage investors, development partners, and other governments. He argued that when a President makes himself absent from that stage for three consecutive years, his country loses opportunities for investment and economic growth. Atiku linked Tinubu's absence to Nigeria's reported $9 million engagement of a U.S. lobbying firm, DCI Group, to promote Nigeria's security efforts and maintain U.S. support for counterterrorism efforts.
The $9 million lobbying deal has raised questions about the administration's priorities, with Atiku asking why the government would invest heavily in improving Nigeria's standing in Washington while the President repeatedly stays away from the UNGA in New York. Atiku also referenced a 1993 forfeiture case in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in which Tinubu was involved in a case related to narcotics trafficking and money laundering. Although there is no announced legal restriction preventing Tinubu from traveling to the United States, Atiku questioned whether his past legal controversies had influenced his decision to avoid the UNGA.
Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, responded to Atiku's concerns, stating that it is not unusual for countries to delegate representation to senior government officials when their presidents are unable to attend. Ibrahim noted that more than 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the ongoing 81st session of the UNGA are being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers. He explained that Vice President Shettima and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are adequately positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly.
Atiku Abubakar criticized what he described as a contrast between Tinubu's domestic political posture and his international engagements. He argued that Nigeria's diplomatic influence, economic interests, and international reputation must not be subordinated to Tinubu's personal history. Atiku demanded that the Presidency state whether Tinubu was free to travel to the United States and explain the reason for his third consecutive absence from the UNGA.
The 81st UNGA session highlights Africa's significant challenge in securing climate financing, with a yearly gap of $247 billion. As global leaders discuss pressing issues, including climate change, Atiku's concerns over Tinubu's absence have sparked a national conversation about Nigeria's diplomatic engagement and the President's role on the global stage. Atiku directly questioned Tinubu, asking why he refused to occupy a reportedly secured seat near former U.S. President Donald Trump and what exactly he is afraid of in America.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar questions President Tinubu's absence from UNGA, citing concerns over Nigeria's foreign relations and economic opportunities.
- Tinubu's absence from UNGA has raised questions about the potential impact on Nigeria's influence on the global stage and its economic growth.
- The 81st UNGA session highlights Africa's significant challenge in securing climate financing, with a yearly gap of $247 billion.
