By Daily Review Online
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned the whereabouts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his continued absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Obi raised the question on Sunday after watching an address by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the ongoing global gathering.
In a statement issued by his media office, POMR spokesman Idris Zekeri Jnr, said Obi expressed concern that Nigeria’s President was not physically present at the UNGA, while Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the country.
“Where is Nigeria’s President?” Obi asked in a post on his X handle, according to the statement.
He noted that Ghana’s President Mahama had delivered what he described as a “remarkable address” at the 81st UNGA, prompting questions about Nigeria’s representation at the global forum.
“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 said.
The former Anambra State governor further questioned Tinubu’s absence, particularly against the backdrop of what he described as significant challenges confronting Nigeria at home and abroad.
“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,” he said.
“Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally?”
Obi acknowledged that Vice President Shettima was present in New York to represent Nigeria but maintained that questions remained over the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: where is the President?” he asked.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for Europe to begin a three-week working vacation as part of his annual leave. The State House subsequently announced on September 21 that the President had extended the vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The Presidency said while away, Tinubu had remained in contact with officials at home and continued directing the affairs of the country. It also said the President had delegated Shettima to represent him at some official engagements, including the 81st UNGA.
Obi, however, urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President’s return and leadership.
“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.