Reloaded News Desk
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing him for the third consecutive year.
Atiku raised the issue in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following the Presidency’s announcement that Shettima would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA.
He noted that Tinubu was also absent from the 79th UNGA in 2024 and the 80th in 2025, when Shettima represented Nigeria.
Atiku questioned whether issues connected to Tinubu’s history with United States authorities had any bearing on the President’s repeated absence from the annual gathering.
He also argued that while the Vice President could constitutionally and diplomatically represent Nigeria, the President’s personal participation at a major international gathering carries a different level of visibility and authority.
The Presidency has not indicated that the President’s absence is connected to the issues raised by Atiku.
The Federal Government has instead presented Shettima’s participation as part of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement at the General Assembly, with the Vice President scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in bilateral and high-level meetings.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is taking place under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Category: Politics / Nigeria
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