UNGA: FG faults Atiku, lobbyists over Tinubu absence claims

The Federal Government has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying organisation over what it described as speculation surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Monday that while political opposition and robust public debate were legitimate, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as fact.

The government’s position followed criticism of Tinubu’s absence by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the President’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly for the third consecutive year.

Idris spoke as Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in New York to represent Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level session, where he is expected to deliver the country’s national statement during the General Debate.

The minister said the Federal Government had taken note of Atiku’s comments and those of the US-based lobbying organisation retained by him, urging political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing issues concerning Nigeria’s international relations and national reputation.

“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.

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

The minister also stressed that Nigeria’s relationship with the US covered trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability, and people-to-people ties.

He said the relationship was conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with “partisan commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations acting on behalf of political clients.”

“The Federal Government therefore encourages Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion and unsubstantiated speculation,” the statement added.

The Federal Government, however, insisted that Nigeria is fully represented at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Idris said Tinubu’s decision to mandate Shettima to represent him was neither unusual nor a diminution of Nigeria’s diplomatic standing, noting that the President is currently on annual leave.

Shettima, who arrived in New York on Monday to lead Nigeria’s delegation, is expected to deliver the country’s national statement during the General Debate and participate in high-level engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.

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Speaking on his arrival in New York, Shettima said Nigeria’s engagements at the global gathering would be guided by the country’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and Tinubu’s advocacy for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today.

“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper.”

Shettima arrived in New York alongside the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior government officials.

On arrival, he was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb Jimoh Ibrahim.

During the General Debate, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues and priorities with direct implications for peace and security, development, economic growth and global cooperation.

According to the statement, Nigeria is expected to use the engagements to reinforce its positions on the reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger representation for Africa in global decision-making.

Defending Tinubu’s absence, the Federal Government insisted that Nigeria will be “fully and effectively represented” at the 81st UNGA.

The PUNCH recalls that Shettima had represented the President at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025.

In July, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb Ibrahim, said the President had confirmed his attendance and was expected to address world leaders at this year’s event.

Ibrahim had also disclosed that arrangements had been made for Tinubu to sit close to United States President Donald Trump.

A provisional programme released in August had also shown Tinubu listed to address the General Debate on September 23.

However, Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a three-week holiday in Europe, following which the Presidency announced that Shettima would attend in his stead.