The Nigerian federal government has clarified that the country will be fully represented at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria's delegation. Idris made the statement in response to comments by opposition figures and public commentators.
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. 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.
The minister condemned political commentary by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation questioning Tinubu's non-attendance and seeking to impute false and baseless motives to it. Idris urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria's international relationships and national reputation. Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with the United States, encompassing trade and investment, security cooperation, and democratic institutions.
Idris further urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion, and unsubstantiated speculation. He stated that Nigeria will be fully represented in New York, and the country's interests will be vigorously advanced. The work of strengthening the country's relationships with its international partners will continue.
Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, also responded to Atiku's concerns, stating that more than 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the global gathering are being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers. Ibrahim said the Vice President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are adequately positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly.
President Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. The Presidency stated that the President had remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct the affairs of the country throughout his absence. Vice President Shettima was delegated to represent President Tinubu at some official engagements, including the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had challenged President Tinubu over his third consecutive absence from the UNGA, stating that repeated delegation could not substitute for the President's personal authority and visibility at a major international diplomatic gathering. The Presidency dismissed criticism by Atiku and a United States-based lobbying firm, describing the insinuations surrounding the President's non-attendance as baseless and irresponsible.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has clarified that Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- The government has condemned comments by opposition figures and public commentators questioning Tinubu's non-attendance, urging them to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria's international relationships and national reputation.
- More than 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the global gathering are being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers.
