Atiku’s UNGA Claims Irresponsible, Says Presidency

The Presidency has described as irresponsible the insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s non-attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this in a release on Monday, while announcing that President Tinubu would return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his working vacation by a few days.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he began his working vacation before travelling to Paris, France.

During his stay in Paris, the President met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice and Universal Music Group.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu has continued to keep in touch with developments at home and direct the affairs of the nation while away.

It cited the President’s order for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other actions.

The Presidency also disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Tinubu at the United Nations General Assembly, where he will present Nigeria’s national statement.

It added that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, would continue to represent the President at official events.

On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.