{
  "id": 8946841,
  "title": "Why Shettima is representing Tinubu at UNGA – Minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/why-shettima-is-representing-tinubu-at-unga-minister",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T15:26:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/why-shettima-is-representing-tinubu-at-unga-minister/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has clarified that Vice President Kashim Shettima was sent by President Bola Tinubu to represent him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly due to the President's current annual leave. Idris stated that Shettima was carrying the full mandate of both the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, countering claims that Tinubu's absence would weaken Nigeria's diplomatic standing. In a statement on Monday, the minister assured that Tinubu's decision to appoint Shettima as the delegation leader was not unusual and did not diminish Nigeria's international presence. According to Idris, Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York, where he will deliver Nigeria's national statement and engage in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements. The 81st UNGA General Debate, themed \"Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,\" will take place from September 22 to 28, 2026.",
  "summary": "The Minister of Information has explained that VP Kashim Shettima is representing President Tinubu at the UNGA because the president is on annual leave. Read More: https://punchng.com/why-shettima-is-representing-tinubu-at-unga-minister/",
  "key_points": [
    "Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Tinubu at UNGA",
    "Shettima appointed due to Tinubu's annual leave",
    "Minister Idris clarifies Shettima's full presidential mandate"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Who’s in charge of Nigeria now’ – Sowore questions as Tinubu, Shettima desert Aso Rock",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/whos-in-charge-of-nigeria-now-sowore-questions-as-tinubu-shettima",
        "published": "2026-09-21T15:11:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Why Shettima is representing Tinubu at UNGA – Minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/why-shettima-is-representing-tinubu-at-unga-minister-8952516",
        "published": "2026-09-21T15:58:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}