By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The Federal Government, in a statement issued on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organizations and development partners.
According to the statement, the Vice President would represent the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with his engagements focused on Nigeria’s priorities in peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The government said President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, adding that his decision to delegate the Vice President to lead the Nigerian delegation was neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.
The clarification followed recent public commentary by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organization retained by him concerning the President’s non-attendance at the UN General Assembly.
The government said political opposition and robust public debate were legitimate features of democracy, but cautioned against presenting speculation as established fact.
“The Government urges political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation,” the statement said.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, covering areas including trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
It said the relationship was conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should be distinguished from partisan commentary or the activities of private lobbying organizations acting on behalf of political clients.
The government urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion and unsubstantiated speculation.
It assured that Nigeria would be fully represented at the UN General Assembly and that the country’s interests would continue to be advanced while efforts to strengthen its relationships with international partners remained ongoing.
