Tinubu Cancels US Trip Under Pressure, Sends  Shettima To UNGA

By Ayodele Oni

As the UN General Assembly begins its session on Tuesday, the Presidency announced on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.

A statement by the special Adviser media to the president, Bayo Onanuga stated that the President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

It added that President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday, after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, will remain behind to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

“The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.”