The Federal Government has clarified recent public commentary surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Tinubu has delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level session, where the Vice President 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 that Tinubu has delegated the Vice President to represent him at the UN General Assembly, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the President’s absence and called for an explanation.
However, in a statement issued on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government said Nigeria would be fully represented throughout the high-level session.
It stressed that Shettima was attending the gathering with 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 was currently on annual leave, stressing that his decision to delegate the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation was neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.
The statement also addressed comments by Atiku and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him, which the government said had questioned Tinubu’s absence and attributed motives to the decision.
“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 said.
It urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing issues affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.
The government also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, describing it as 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 statement said.
The Federal 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.
