Information Minister Says Nigeria’s Interests Will Be Fully Represented at 81st General Assembly
The Federal Government has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, saying Vice President Kashim Shettima has been given full authority to represent Nigeria.
Shettima 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.
It is the third consecutive UNGA at which President Tinubu has delegated Shettima to represent him, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement on Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria would be fully represented throughout the high-level session.
The minister said Shettima’s engagements would advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
Idris said President Tinubu was currently on annual leave and described the decision to delegate the Vice President as neither unusual nor a diminution of Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
The Federal Government also criticised recent comments by Atiku and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him, saying political debate should not turn speculation into established fact.
It urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing issues concerning Nigeria’s international relations and national reputation.
The government also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, covering trade and investment, security, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
It stressed that Nigeria’s diplomatic relations are conducted through established government channels and should be distinguished from partisan commentary and private lobbying activities.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, political opinion and unsubstantiated claims, insisting that Nigeria’s interests would continue to be advanced at the UNGA.