By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York.
Obi raised the issue on Sunday in a post on his X handle after watching an address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the global gathering.
In a statement by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Office, POMR, Idris Zekeri, the former Anambra State governor asked: “Where is Nigeria’s President?”
Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, said he was concerned about Tinubu’s absence from what he described as an important global platform.
He said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, ought to have its President represented at major international engagements.
“Here is the remarkable address delivered by Ghana’s dynamic President, John Dramani Mahama, at the 81st UNGA. As the international community commends this distinguished leader, many are asking: Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people — more than Ghana — whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi wrote.
He added: “Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing and guiding the continent at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings.
“Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally?
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: where is the President?”
The Presidency had announced on September 21 that Tinubu had extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
According to the State House, Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation before proceeding to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore.
The Presidency also said Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct the affairs of the country while away.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima was mandated to represent Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA.
Shettima subsequently delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate of the 81st UNGA on Thursday on behalf of the President.
Obi said the circumstances warranted continued prayers for the President’s return and effective leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the country.
“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation, but let us hope that a New Nigeria is possible and will be O-K,” he said.
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