The Federal Government of Nigeria has responded to comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding President Bola Tinubu's non-participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly Session in New York. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris stated that President Tinubu mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA. This move aims to ensure Nigeria's full representation throughout the high-level session.
According to Minister Idris, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations, and development partners. The Vice President carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His engagements in New York will focus on advancing Nigeria's priorities, including peace and security, economic development, climate action, and sustainable development.
The Federal Government noted that recent political commentary by Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him questioned President Tinubu's non-attendance and sought to impute false and baseless motives to it. The Government urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria's international relationships and national reputation. Minister Idris emphasised that speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact.
President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, and his decision to ask the Vice President to lead Nigeria's delegation is neither unusual nor a diminution of the country's diplomatic standing. The Federal Government encourages Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion, and unsubstantiated speculation. This approach aims to promote responsible discussion and accurate information dissemination.
Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with the United States, which encompasses trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability, and extensive people-to-people ties. The relationship is conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with partisan commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations acting on behalf of political clients.
The Federal Government assured that Nigeria would be fully represented in New York, while its interests will be vigorously advanced and the work of strengthening the country's relationships with its international partners will continue. With Vice President Shettima leading the delegation, Nigeria's priorities and national statement will be effectively presented to the international community.
The government's response aims to provide clarity on President Tinubu's absence and Vice President Shettima's role at the UNGA. By addressing Atiku's comments and providing information on Nigeria's representation, the Federal Government seeks to maintain transparency and promote a positive national image.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st UNGA Session in New York.
- The Federal Government responded to Atiku Abubakar's comments on President Tinubu's non-participation at the UNGA.
- Nigeria's relationship with the US is conducted through established diplomatic channels, not partisan commentary.
