The Federal Government has clarified Nigeria’s representation at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following questions over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the high-level meeting.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said President Tinubu had mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the General Assembly.
According to the statement, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The Federal Government said Nigeria would therefore remain fully represented throughout the high-level session.
“Vice President Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.
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It added that the Vice President’s engagements in New York would focus on advancing Nigeria’s priorities in areas including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
Idris also noted that President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, stressing that his decision to delegate the Vice President to lead the Nigerian delegation was neither unusual nor a reduction in the country’s diplomatic standing.
The government also addressed recent comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him regarding Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly.
While acknowledging that political opposition and public debate are legitimate features of democracy, the government urged political actors to distinguish between verified information and speculation.
It said unsubstantiated claims should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established facts, particularly when they concern Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.
The Federal Government further reaffirmed the importance of Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, citing areas including trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
It stressed that Nigeria’s relationship with the US is managed through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should be distinguished from partisan commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations.
The government urged Nigerians and the media to differentiate between verified information, legitimate political opinions 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 added.
