The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu for skipping the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, marking his third consecutive absence from the global forum since assuming office in 2023. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary Osa Director, expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing pattern of presidential disengagement from international diplomacy and domestic governance. The NDC highlighted that Nigerians were initially told Tinubu would attend the UNGA, only for the Presidency to announce on September 20 that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead Nigeria’s delegation instead.
The opposition party raised alarms over Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria, which it claims has lasted more than three weeks, creating what it calls a “governance vacuum.” It pointed to Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that the President must submit a written declaration to the National Assembly whenever he is away from the country or unable to perform his duties. The NDC argued that this constitutional provision has not been followed, questioning the legality and transparency of the President’s current travel arrangements.
The party also challenged the official explanation that Tinubu could not travel to New York “to speak for just 15 minutes,” emphasizing that UNGA offers far more than formal speeches. It stressed that the platform provides critical opportunities for direct diplomatic engagements, economic partnerships, and strategic dialogues with world leaders—opportunities that, according to the NDC, are being missed under the current leadership. “A nation of over 200 million people cannot be run by delegation and press release. Nigeria deserves a President who is present,” the statement read.
In addition to demanding full disclosure of Tinubu’s whereabouts and health status, the NDC called for immediate compliance with constitutional requirements and an end to what it termed “informal, unconstitutional rule from abroad.” The party warned that continued absences without proper justification risk undermining public trust and national stability. It urged the Presidency to prioritize transparency and accountability in all matters concerning the Chief Executive’s movements and responsibilities.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges and regional security concerns, the NDC’s criticism underscores growing public scrutiny over leadership presence and constitutional adherence. The upcoming months will likely see increased pressure on the government to address these concerns, especially as international engagements remain vital to the country’s development and global standing.
Leave a Comment