News Investigators/ The Federal Government says Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s representation of President Bola Tinubu at UNGA is neither unusual nor a diminution of Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
Mr Idris said Tinubu mandated Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
He said Tinubu was currently on annual leave and had entrusted Shettima with the full mandate of the President and Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders and development partners.
Idris said Nigeria would therefore be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session of the General Assembly.
He said Shettima’s engagements would advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action and reform of the global financial architecture.
The minister added that the delegation would promote sustainable development and international cooperation, in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy and development interests.
Idris said the Federal Government had noted recent political commentary by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him.
He described alleged motives attributed to Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UNGA as “false and baseless.”
The minister acknowledged that political opposition and robust public debate remained legitimate features of democracy.
“However, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact,” Idris said.
He urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing issues affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.
Idris said Nigeria valued its longstanding relationship with the United States, covering trade, investment, security cooperation, energy and democratic institutions.
He added that the relationship also covered regional stability and extensive people-to-people ties between both countries.
The minister stressed that Nigeria-US relations were conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels.
He said such relations should not be confused with partisan commentary or activities of private lobbying organisations acting for political clients.
Idris urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion and unsubstantiated speculation.
He reiterated that Nigeria would be fully represented in New York and that the country’s interests would be vigorously advanced.
NAN
