Presidency Defends Tinubu’s UNGA Absence, Replies Atiku and Obi

The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, saying he can effectively govern Nigeria from anywhere in the world.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the statement while reacting to criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Atiku had questioned Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA for the third consecutive year, while Obi also expressed concern over the President’s decision not to personally attend the international gathering.

Responding to the concerns, Onanuga said the President’s physical location did not prevent him from exercising his constitutional responsibilities.

He argued that advances in communication technology had made it possible for a president to coordinate government affairs, communicate with officials and take decisions while outside the country.

Onanuga said Tinubu remained in charge of Nigeria’s affairs despite his decision not to travel to New York for the UNGA.

He also defended the decision to send Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the global gathering, describing it as part of the normal functioning of government.

According to him, Nigeria’s interests would be adequately represented through the delegation led by Shettima, who was expected to participate in high-level meetings and deliver the country’s national statement.

The Presidency rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence from the annual gathering amounted to a failure to engage with the international community.

Onanuga said the President had continued to hold diplomatic engagements and pursue Nigeria’s interests through other channels, adding that attendance at every international event was not the only measure of a president’s diplomatic activities.

Atiku had earlier demanded an explanation for Tinubu’s repeated absence from the UNGA, arguing that the gathering provides heads of government with opportunities for direct engagement with world leaders, investors and international institutions.

Obi also questioned the decision, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s participation at major international forums.

The Presidency, however, maintained that Tinubu’s absence would not affect the administration’s ability to conduct government business or represent Nigeria’s interests internationally, insisting that the President remained fully in control of the country’s affairs.