Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Obi contrasted Tinubu's absence with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama's participation in the global gathering, where Mahama delivered Ghana's national statement. Mahama addressed issues including global governance, Africa's representation in international institutions, and Ghana's economic recovery.
Obi described Mahama's address as "remarkable," demonstrating what leadership can achieve when combined with competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, and character. He then questioned why Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, was not present at the gathering. Obi highlighted that Nigeria has over 200 million people, more than Ghana, and emphasized the significance of the president's presence on the global stage.
The former Anambra State governor stated that Nigeria's president ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, particularly during a time when Nigeria faces significant domestic and international challenges. Obi's comments were made in a post on his Facebook page, where he also mentioned that Vice President Kashim Shettima's presence at the UNGA did not answer the question of Tinubu's absence.
The Federal Government has stated that President Tinubu mandated Vice President Shettima to represent him at the UNGA and lead Nigeria's delegation. Shettima was authorized to deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements. His participation included meetings focused on Nigeria's priorities and strengthening the country's role in multilateral cooperation.
Obi, however, maintained that the question of Tinubu's absence remains unanswered. He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President's return and for his leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the country. This is not the first time Tinubu has missed the UNGA; he has been absent for three consecutive years.
The absence of Tinubu and presence of Shettima at the UNGA have raised some concerns, including constitutional implications. While Shettima's participation was in line with the President's mandate, some have questioned the reasons behind Tinubu's continued absence from the global gathering.
The development has sparked a national conversation about leadership, representation, and the role of the President on the international stage. As Nigeria continues to face domestic and international challenges, the country's leadership and representation at global gatherings have become increasingly important.
Key points
- Peter Obi questions President Tinubu's absence from the 81st UNGA.
- Obi contrasts Tinubu's absence with Ghanaian President Mahama's participation in the UNGA.
- The absence of Tinubu has raised concerns about leadership and representation.
