Be mindful of nation’s reputation – FG cautions opposition over demarketing Nigeria over Tinubu’s absence from UNGA

The Federal Government has cautioned opposition politicians against making claims it says could damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally amid criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris issued the warning in a statement addressing public debate over Tinubu’s decision to delegate Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation. Idris said Tinubu is currently on annual leave and maintained that his decision to send Shettima to the UN gathering should not be interpreted as diminishing Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.

“President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, and his decision to ask the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation is neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing,” Idris said. According to the minister, Shettima has been given the president’s full mandate to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly.

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. “Vice President Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Idris said.

He added that Shettima’s engagements would focus on Nigeria’s priorities, including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation. “Nigeria will therefore be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session,” the minister said.

Idris also responded to criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and what the government described as a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him. The minister said the government had noted commentary questioning Tinubu’s absence and accused the critics of seeking to attribute what he described as “false and baseless motives” to the president’s non-attendance.

“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,” Idris said. “The Government urges political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.”

Atiku had questioned Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the UN General Assembly for the third consecutive year and called on the presidency to explain whether there was any legal, diplomatic, medical or personal reason preventing him from travelling to the United States.

The Federal Government has rejected those suggestions, maintaining that Tinubu’s absence is connected to his annual leave and that Shettima is authorised to represent the country fully at the gathering. Idris also emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.

“Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with the United States, encompassing trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and extensive people-to-people ties,” he said. The minister said the relationship is conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with partisan political commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations.

He urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, political opinion and unsubstantiated claims when discussing the president’s absence and Nigeria’s international relations. The 81st UN General Assembly General Debate is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, with Shettima representing Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation.