The Obidient Movement has expressed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. In a statement, the group questioned the President's explanation that he is attending to domestic priorities, including the economy and security, as sufficient reason to justify his absence from the global gathering. This move has sparked debate, especially given Tinubu's recent extended stay in Europe and his engagements in France.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu is currently on annual leave and focusing on domestic issues. However, the Obidient Movement argues that this explanation raises further questions. The group noted that Tinubu had earlier indicated he would attend the UNGA but later chose not to, sparking curiosity about what changed his plans. The Movement also pointed out that Tinubu's absence contrasts with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the UNGA while Tinubu remained in France.
The Obidient Movement emphasized the significance of the UNGA as a platform for Nigeria to present its interests before the international community and engage directly with world leaders. The group highlighted that the UNGA provides an opportunity for discussions on global issues affecting Nigeria and Africa. They also noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the General Assembly in 2024 and 2025, raising questions about Tinubu's absence this year.
The Movement linked Tinubu's absence to longstanding public controversy surrounding his past in the United States. They argued that this historical controversy continues to generate public debate and questioned the message such controversies send to young Nigerians about integrity and accountability in public office. The group presented the issue as a matter of transparency rather than an established explanation for Tinubu's absence.
The Obidient Movement urged the Presidency to clarify why Tinubu would not attend this year's gathering after earlier indications that he would personally represent the country. They asked the President to explain his absence from the United States, clarify his travel and official engagements, and provide Nigerians with the facts surrounding the decisions that have kept him away from the United Nations General Assembly for three consecutive years.
The group criticized what it described as the government's tendency to respond to legitimate questions with political attacks and distractions rather than directly addressing the issues raised. According to the Movement, Nigeria is facing a crisis of public trust, and the conduct of political leaders is being closely watched by young Nigerians. They emphasized that leadership should involve setting standards of transparency, accountability, and responsible public service.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu's absence from the UNGA is not an indication of disengagement from governance, with Shettima attending the gathering on his behalf while the President remains engaged with domestic affairs. However, the Obidient Movement insisted that Nigerians deserved a clearer explanation for the President's decision, stressing that transparency from those entrusted with the highest offices of the country is not optional, especially with another general election approaching.
Key points
- The Obidient Movement questions President Tinubu's decision to skip the UNGA, citing insufficient reasons.
- The group criticizes the government's response to legitimate questions, calling for transparency and accountability.
- The Movement links Tinubu's absence to longstanding public controversy surrounding his past in the United States.
