FG DEFENDS TINUBU’S ABSENCE FROM UNGA, SAYS SHETTIMA HAS FULL PRESIDENTIAL MANDATE

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Federal Government has clarified the circumstances surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level session.

Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.

It is the third consecutive time Tinubu has delegated his Vice President to represent him at the gathering, a decision that has attracted criticism from opposition figures, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the President’s absence.

However, in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday, the Federal Government said Nigeria would be fully represented throughout the high-level session.

It stressed that Shettima is carrying the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“His engagements in New York will advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation,” the statement said.

The Federal Government added that Tinubu is currently on annual leave, stressing that his decision to ask the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation was neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.

“The Federal Government has noted recent political commentary by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him, questioning President Tinubu’s non-attendance and seeking to impute false and baseless motives to it.

“Political opposition and robust public debate are legitimate features of democracy. However, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact. The Government urges political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.

“Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with the United States, encompassing trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and extensive people-to-people ties.

“That relationship is conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with partisan commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations acting on behalf of political clients.”

The government urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion and unsubstantiated speculation.

“Nigeria will be fully represented in New York. Nigeria’s interests will be vigorously advanced. And the work of strengthening the country’s relationships with its international partners will continue,” the statement concluded.

This keeps the political claims attributed to the Federal Government while making the report more direct and publishable.