The Federal Government has cautioned opposition politicians against making statements that could damage Nigeria’s reputation before the international community.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the warning on Monday while clarifying issues surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Idris said Vice President Kashim Shettima had been mandated by Tinubu to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation at the high-level session.
According to him, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
“Nigeria will therefore be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session,” the minister said.
He added that Shettima was attending the UNGA with the full mandate of the President and would advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
Idris said Tinubu was currently on annual leave and described his decision to delegate the Vice President to lead the Nigerian delegation as neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.
The minister said the Federal Government had taken note of recent comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation reportedly retained by him concerning Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA.
Idris said political opposition and robust public debate were legitimate features of democracy but warned against presenting speculation as established fact.
“However, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact,” he said.
He urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing issues that could affect Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.
Idris also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, noting that the partnership covers trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
The minister maintained that Nigeria would remain fully represented at the UN General Assembly despite Tinubu’s absence.