Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a statement on his X handle, Obi praised Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama for attending the global gathering and addressing world leaders on issues affecting Ghana, Africa, and the international community. Obi described Mahama's address as a demonstration of effective leadership.
Obi contrasted Mahama's participation with Tinubu's absence, questioning why the Nigerian President was not at the UN General Assembly. He noted that Tinubu has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UN General Assemblies, despite Nigeria being Africa's most populous nation with over 200 million people. Obi argued that the Nigerian President should have been representing the country and providing leadership at an international gathering where major global and African issues were being discussed.
Tinubu's absence is linked to his extended working vacation in Europe, which began on August 30. The Presidency initially announced that he would spend three weeks on annual leave before returning home. However, after about a week in London, Tinubu travelled to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency later announced that he had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima was assigned to represent Tinubu at the 81st UN General Assembly, delivering Nigeria's national statement at the gathering. However, Obi said Shettima's attendance did not answer his question about Tinubu's absence. Obi called on Nigerians to pray for Tinubu's return and for the President to resume his leadership responsibilities in addressing the challenges confronting the country.
The President's prolonged absence has generated a political and constitutional debate. Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides for a written declaration by the President to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or when unable to discharge the functions of his office. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the constitutional arrangements surrounding Tinubu's absence, asking who is exercising presidential authority after the expiration of the initial three-week leave.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected suggestions that Tinubu is no longer in charge of the country, arguing that modern technology makes it possible for the President to issue directives from abroad. Akpabio insisted that Tinubu is still in power and running the affairs of Nigeria.
Obi ended his message by restating his belief that Nigeria could achieve political and national renewal. He emphasized that a new Nigeria is possible. The President is now expected to return to Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, after a four-week working vacation in Europe, and will remain in Lagos for official duties before returning to Abuja.
Key points
- Peter Obi questions President Bola Tinubu's absence from the 81st UN General Assembly.
- The absence has generated a political and constitutional debate.
- Tinubu's return has been delayed, with the President expected to return to Lagos on September 29.
