Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Obi raised the issue in a statement on Monday, September 28, after watching an address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the global gathering.
Obi compares Ghana, Nigeria at UNGA
Obi praised Mahama’s address, describing it as a demonstration of what leadership can achieve when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character are brought together in the service of a nation.
He then questioned why Nigeria’s President was not personally present at the UNGA, given Nigeria’s population and position on the African continent.
“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people—more than Ghana—whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi asked.
According to Obi, Tinubu’s absence from the global gathering has raised questions about Nigeria’s representation and leadership at a time when the country is facing domestic and international challenges.
Shettima represented Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu and led Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA.
The Federal Government said Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him and participate in high-level engagements on Nigeria’s behalf.
Shettima subsequently delivered the national statement prepared for Tinubu at the General Debate on September 24, including Nigeria’s position on reforms of global institutions and other international issues.
Obi, however, maintained that Shettima’s presence did not resolve his question about the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” he said.
Obi calls for prayers for Tinubu
Obi also called on Nigerians to continue praying for Tinubu’s return and leadership in tackling the challenges confronting the country.
“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation,” he said.
He ended the statement with his familiar political message: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
The controversy comes as Tinubu remains outside Nigeria after travelling to Europe on August 30 for a planned three-week working vacation.
The Presidency has subsequently indicated that his return date was extended, with reports saying he is expected back in Nigeria on September 29.
