Presidency Confirms Tinubu’s Absence From UNGA

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not physically attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Presidency has confirmed.

Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman to Vice President Kashim Shettima, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying Tinubu had directed Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level General Debate.

The development follows the Presidency’s earlier announcement that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after his three-week vacation in Europe.

Tinubu had initially been listed as the 10th speaker for the morning session on the second day of the high-level General Debate scheduled for Wednesday, September 23.

However, a provisional list of speakers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicates that Shettima will represent Nigeria during the General Debate.

The 81st Session of the UN General Assembly began on September 8, while the high-level week is scheduled for September 22 to 29 in New York City.