Atiku demands explanation as Tinubu misses UNGA for third consecutive year

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provide a full explanation for his repeated absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States. This is the third consecutive year Tinubu has missed the event. Atiku's spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, detailed this in a recent statement. The DAILY POST reports that Tinubu recently directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, confirming his third consecutive absence.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, had previously stated that Tinubu would attend the 81st UNGA, despite ongoing speculation. In response to Tinubu’s absences, Atiku questioned whether the President’s alleged history with United States law enforcement agencies has become a hindrance to Nigeria’s foreign relations. He emphasized that Tinubu’s absences are no longer a coincidence but a consistent pattern of presidential evasion, which requires an honest explanation.

Atiku pointed out that the UNGA is one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings in the world, where representatives from the UN’s 193 member states convene. He stated that presidents and prime ministers use this platform to defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and influence global decisions on trade, security, and development. Atiku argued that Vice President Shettima’s delegation, while capable, cannot fully substitute for the personal authority, visibility, and responsibility of the President.

He stressed that presidential absences from the global stage carry significant consequences. The UNGA is not merely a ceremonial event but a crucial forum where leaders engage in bilateral meetings, court investments, negotiate trade partnerships, mobilize development finance, and advocate for their countries. When a president repeatedly fails to attend such critical gatherings, it results in lost opportunities for Nigeria.

Investment does not occur when there is silence, and international capital does not pursue a country whose leader consistently abandons the diplomatic stage.

The economic implications of these absences are severe. With fewer investments, businesses suffer, leading to job losses. Reduced capital inflows place additional pressure on the local currency, causing the naira to weaken. This, in turn, increases the cost of imports, production, transportation, and food, exacerbating Nigeria's already dire cost-of-living crisis.

Atiku concluded by urging Tinubu to explain the reasons behind his serial absenteeism, stating that if there is no impediment, the Presidency must provide an explanation. However, if there is an impediment, Nigerians have a right to know the details.