The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu’s decision to send Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly is because the President is currently on annual leave.
Idris, in a statement on Monday, said Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stressing that Tinubu’s absence would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the UN General Debate, as well as participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
The minister said Shettima’s engagements would focus on Nigeria’s priorities, including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The 81st UN General Assembly General Debate is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28 in New York, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Idris also addressed public criticism over the President’s absence from the gathering of world leaders, saying the Federal Government had taken note of comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him.
