In a statement reflecting on Nigeria’s absence from the highest level of diplomatic representation at the United Nations, former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Obi drew attention to the address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the global gathering, describing it as a notable presentation that demonstrated what effective leadership could achieve when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character are brought together in the service of a nation.
According to Obi, Mahama’s participation at the UNGA provided an opportunity to reflect on the role national leaders play in representing their countries and advancing their interests on the international stage.
Against that backdrop, Obi asked where the President of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was as world leaders gathered in New York to discuss major global issues.
“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people, whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi asked.
He argued that Nigeria, given its population, economic importance and position in Africa, should have its President actively participating in major international engagements such as the United Nations General Assembly.
Obi expressed concern that Tinubu’s absence from the global gathering came at a time when Nigeria was dealing with several significant challenges, both within the country and internationally.
He questioned the implications of the President’s absence, particularly regarding Nigeria’s representation in discussions involving international cooperation, security, economic development and Africa’s role in global affairs.
The former governor acknowledged that Vice President Kashim Shettima was present at the 81st UN General Assembly and was representing Nigeria at the gathering.
However, he maintained that the presence of the Vice President did not remove the question surrounding the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” Obi stated.
His comments come amid public discussion over the President’s absence from the UNGA and the decision to have the Vice President represent Nigeria at the annual global gathering.
The United Nations General Assembly provides an important platform for heads of state and government to present their countries’ positions on international issues and engage with other world leaders, governments and international institutions.
For Obi, Nigeria’s participation at such events should also be viewed in the context of the country’s leadership responsibilities within Africa and the wider international community.
He used Ghana’s participation to illustrate his point, noting that Mahama’s address had attracted attention and commendation and, in his view, demonstrated the importance of leadership at major international forums.
Obi, who signed off his statement with his familiar message, “A new Nigeria is POssible,” concluded by calling for prayers for the President’s return and for 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,” he said.
His statement therefore combines a question about presidential representation at the United Nations with a broader reflection on leadership and Nigeria’s role in international affairs.
