Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Obi raised the issue in a statement on Monday on his Facebook page, after watching an address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the global gathering.
He praised Mahama’s address, describing it as an example of leadership, and contrasted Ghana’s participation at the UN with Tinubu’s absence.
Obi asked where the President of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was as world leaders gathered for the annual UN meeting.
“Where is Nigeria’s President?” Obi asked, noting that Tinubu had not personally attended the UN General Assembly during the past three sessions.
He argued that Nigeria, given its population and position on the continent, should have its President providing leadership and representing the country at major international engagements.
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However, Tinubu had formally delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA. The Federal Government said Tinubu was on annual leave and that Shettima was mandated to represent him at the gathering.
Shettima subsequently delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Assembly on Tinubu’s behalf, addressing issues including global security, terrorism, economic development and reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Obi, however, maintained that Tinubu’s absence from the global gathering raised questions about presidential leadership and Nigeria’s visibility on the international stage.
He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President and for effective leadership in addressing the challenges facing the country.
Obi concluded by restating his political message that “a new Nigeria is possible.”