Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a full explanation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding his absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States for the third consecutive year. Atiku's spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, released a statement on Sunday, expressing concern over the President's repeated absence. According to reports, Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA.
The President's absence had been speculated upon earlier, with Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, initially stating that Tinubu would attend the 81st UNGA. However, a presidential spokesperson later confirmed that Tinubu would not be attending, with Shettima leading the delegation instead. Atiku questioned whether Tinubu's documented history with United States law enforcement agencies had become a burden on Nigeria's foreign relations.
Atiku emphasized that Tinubu's absence could no longer be dismissed as a coincidence or routine delegation, but rather constituted a pattern of presidential evasion requiring an honest explanation. He noted that the President's absence on the global stage has significant consequences, including missed bilateral meetings, courting investors, and negotiating trade partnerships. The UNGA provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries' interests and shape global decisions.
The UNGA is one of the world's most important diplomatic gatherings, bringing together representatives of the UN's 193 member states. Atiku stressed that representation by delegation cannot permanently substitute for the personal authority, visibility, and responsibility of the President. He urged Tinubu not to treat Nigeria's seat at the world's biggest diplomatic table as an inconvenient appointment that can be endlessly outsourced.
Atiku highlighted the economic consequences of Tinubu's absence, stating that his country loses opportunities and that investment does not follow silence. He noted that international capital does not pursue a country whose leader repeatedly abandons the room in which consequential economic relationships are being built. The cost of this absence is eventually transferred to ordinary citizens, with fewer investments leading to fewer businesses and jobs.
The economic pressures caused by Tinubu's absence are being felt by Nigerian families, who are experiencing the worst cost-of-living crisis in living memory. A weaker naira raises the cost of imports, production, transportation, and food. Atiku emphasized that the economic and diplomatic consequences of Tinubu's absence are being paid by Nigerians, and that a President may surrender his seat, but a nation cannot escape the bill.
Atiku concluded by stating that if there is no impediment to Tinubu's attendance, the Presidency must explain this serial absenteeism. If an impediment exists, Nigerians have a right to know. The former Vice President's statement has sparked a national conversation about the importance of presidential presence on the global stage and the consequences of absence.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands explanation from President Tinubu over his third consecutive absence from the UNGA.
- Tinubu's absence has significant consequences, including missed bilateral meetings and lost investment opportunities.
- The economic pressures caused by Tinubu's absence are being felt by Nigerian families, who are experiencing a severe cost-of-living crisis.
