The Obidient Movement has challenged President Tinubu to explain his absence from the United States and three consecutive UN General Assemblies.
The Obidient Movement, a political support group backing Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain why he has stayed away from the United States and the United Nations General Assembly for three consecutive years.
In a statement by its Media and Communications Directorate, the group questioned why Tinubu remained in France while world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, travelled to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation, beginning in London before travelling to Paris. The Presidency said on September 21 that the vacation had been extended by a few days and that the President was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, where he is scheduled to deliver the country’s national statement.
The Obidient Movement, however, argued that Tinubu should personally explain his decision not to attend the gathering.
“The decision by Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to once again stay away from the United States and the United Nations General Assembly raises serious questions that the Nigerian Government must answer,” the group said.
It argued that Tinubu’s presence in France while Macron was attending the UNGA raised questions about the Nigerian President’s priorities.
The Presidency has confirmed that Tinubu met Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré during his stay in France.
The group said the UN General Assembly remained an important platform for Nigeria to present its interests, engage other world leaders and participate directly in discussions affecting the country, Africa and the wider international community.
It also raised questions about whether Tinubu’s absence was connected to concerns about travelling to the United States, but provided no evidence establishing such a restriction.
The Presidency has rejected that suggestion. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, said there was “absolutely no impediment” preventing Tinubu from travelling to the United States. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN has also said the Nigerian Mission received no notification from US authorities of any restriction on the President’s movement for UNGA.
The Obidient Movement nevertheless demanded further explanation from the President about his travel and official engagements.
“Tinubu must therefore explain his absence from the United States, clarify his official engagements, and provide Nigerians with the facts surrounding the decisions that have kept him away from the United Nations General Assembly for three consecutive years,” the group said.
“At a time when Nigeria is preparing for another general election, transparency from those entrusted with the highest offices of the country is not optional. Nigerians deserve answers.”
The Federal Government has separately maintained that Nigeria is fully represented at the 81st UNGA, saying Shettima carries Tinubu’s full mandate and that delegating the Vice President does not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
