Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, has downplayed the significance of President Bola Tinubu's absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). According to Anyim, the arrangement for President Tinubu to sit side by side with US President Donald Trump would not have made any difference. He argued that the US leader's schedule for the event was set a year ahead, making a meaningful discussion unlikely.
Anyim emphasized that President Tinubu's absence from the event should not be an issue, as Nigerians are aware that their leader is currently on leave. Vice President Kashim Shettima is in charge in the President's absence and has been assigned to represent Nigeria at the UNGA. Anyim noted that there is nothing that compels the President to attend the General Assembly, and the Vice President can effectively represent the country.
Anyim expressed his confusion over the noise surrounding President Tinubu's absence from the UNGA. He stated that the President's vice can undertake assignments, and in this case, represent Nigeria at the UNGA. The former Senate President added that the structure of UNGA includes the General Assembly and side meetings, which can be bilateral or multilateral.
According to Anyim, the General Assembly statement is simply a reading of a country's statement, which can be done by the Vice President. He questioned what President Tinubu would be losing by not attending the General Assembly, unless there were scheduled side meetings that he could not attend. Anyim emphasized that the President's absence does not necessarily impact Nigeria's representation.
Anyim also commented on the planned seating arrangement between President Tinubu and US President Donald Trump. He said that sitting together with President Trump would not make a difference, as the US leader's schedules are typically planned a year ahead. Anyim downplayed the significance of the seating arrangement, stating that it would not have led to a meaningful discussion.
The former Senate President noted that the Vice President can effectively represent Nigeria at the UNGA, even in the absence of the President. He added that the Foreign Minister can also undertake such assignments. Anyim's comments come as some have raised concerns over President Tinubu's absence from the UNGA, which marks the third time in nearly four years that he has missed the event.
Anyim's remarks may help alleviate concerns over President Tinubu's absence from the UNGA. The President's decision to skip the event has sparked debate, with some questioning the message it sends to Africa and the world. However, according to Anyim, the President's absence does not necessarily have significant implications for Nigeria's representation or international relations.
Key points
- President Tinubu's absence from UNGA does not impact Nigeria's representation.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima can effectively represent Nigeria at UNGA.
- The seating arrangement with US President Donald Trump would not have made a difference.
