Tell Nigerians why you are avoiding visit to US, UNGA absence – Atiku to Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC and former Vice President from 1999 to 2007, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain to Nigerians why he has been avoiding travels to the United States.

He also challenged him to explain the reason he has avoided visit to the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA since he became president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Atiku stated through a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu, noted that Tinubu has declined to attend the 79th session in 2024, the 80th in 2025 and the 81st in 2026, and was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima on each occasion.

Atiku insisted on Tinubu’s explanation on these three occasions despite the strategic importance to the nation.

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According to him, the United Nations General Assembly presents the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings which brings together the representatives of the UN’s 193 member states and provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries’ interests, negotiate partnerships and shape global decisions on trade, security and development.

He said the personal presence of the President at the UNGA meeting carries authority and visibility that delegation cannot fully replace.

“At UNGA there are opportunities for bilateral meetings, investment drives, trade partnerships and development finance negotiations.”

Atiku opined that the presidential absence could rob the nation of investment and economic opportunities.

Atiku quoted the statement of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on securing a seat for the President at the General Assembly, and wondered why the seat was not utilised.

He also questioned the rationale for committing up to $9 million to American lobbyists to improve Nigeria’s standing in the United States while the President did not attend the UNGA in New York.

“What exactly did Nigerians purchase with that money? Why spend millions of dollars lobbying Washington while staying away from New York?” Atiku asked.

Atiku asked the Presidency to state whether there is any impediment to the President’s travel to the United States and to disclose the real reason for the third consecutive absence.

“If there is no impediment, the Presidency must explain this serial absenteeism. If an impediment exists, Nigerians have a right to know,” he said.

“Nigeria is bigger than any individual. Our diplomatic influence, economic interests and international reputation must be protected.”

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