Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to explain his decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Atiku's statement, released on Sunday, questioned whether Tinubu's past controversies in the United States have become a burden on Nigeria's foreign relations. This is Tinubu's third consecutive absence from the UNGA, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading Nigeria's delegation instead.
Atiku emphasized the importance of the UNGA, describing it as a unique platform for presidents to defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and shape global decisions. He argued that representation by delegation cannot permanently substitute for the personal authority, visibility, and responsibility of the President. According to Atiku, Tinubu's repeated absences require an explanation, particularly given the opportunities for bilateral meetings, partnerships, and advancing Nigeria's interests.
The former vice president also raised concerns about the economic implications of Tinubu's absence, stating that UNGA sidelines provide opportunities for leaders to engage investors, development partners, and other governments. Atiku claimed that Nigeria loses opportunities when its President is absent, and that international capital does not pursue a country whose leader repeatedly abandons the room in which consequential economic relationships are being built.
Atiku referenced Nigeria's reported $9 million engagement of a US lobbying firm, DCI Group, to communicate Nigeria's security efforts and maintain US support for counterterrorism efforts. He questioned the value of this investment, asking what exactly Nigerians purchased with that money and why the administration would spend millions of dollars lobbying Washington while Tinubu repeatedly stays away from the UNGA in New York.
Atiku also touched on Tinubu's past legal controversies in the United States, specifically a 1993 forfeiture case in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The case involved funds connected to drug-trafficking proceeds and money laundering, resulting in the forfeiture of approximately $460,000 to the US government. Although there is no announced legal restriction preventing Tinubu from traveling to the US, Atiku questioned whether his past legal issues have influenced his decision to avoid the UNGA.
The former vice president criticized the contrast between Tinubu's domestic political posture and his international engagements, stating that Nigeria's global standing should not be subordinated to the President's personal circumstances. Atiku urged the Presidency to state whether Tinubu is free to travel to the US and explain the reason for his third consecutive absence from the UNGA. He also directly questioned Tinubu, asking what exactly he is afraid of in America.
Atiku concluded by demanding more transparency and accountability from the Presidency, stating that Nigerians deserve more than silence, evasions, and another empty presidential seat at the United Nations. The 81st UNGA begins its high-level General Debate on September 22, with Vice President Shettima leading Nigeria's delegation in Tinubu's absence.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar questions President Bola Tinubu's absence from the 81st UNGA, citing potential links to past US controversies.
- Tinubu's repeated absences from the UNGA may have economic implications for Nigeria, including missed opportunities for investors and development partners.
- Atiku urges the Presidency to explain Tinubu's absence, suggesting that personal circumstances should not subordinate Nigeria's global standing.
