President Tinubu Arrives Nigeria, Citizens Question Post-UNGA Activities

Toba Owojaiye Reporting 

President Bola Tinubu’s return to Nigeria has put an end to the speculation that swirled around his whereabouts for the past week following his participation in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Throughout this period, his travel plans remained undisclosed, causing uncertainty.

President Tinubu was accompanied by key officials, including Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, during his attendance at the UNGA. However, his silence on his location after departing New York on September 22nd raised concerns among the public.

Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale refrained from providing any information about Tinubu’s whereabouts, which only fueled speculations further. There were unverified reports suggesting that the President might have flown to Paris from New York.

During his time in the U.S., President Tinubu addressed the UNGA, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to the UN’s goals of peace, security, human rights, and development. In his capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS, he sought international support to address political and economic challenges in the region, including the threat of violent extremism.

President Tinubu also engaged with Nigerian diaspora communities, encouraging their contributions to the nation’s progress and discussing measures with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to combat the illicit siphoning and smuggling of Africa’s mineral resources. He expressed concerns that human rights concerns were being used as a shield for those engaging in such activities.

Notably, President Tinubu rang the bell at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System in New York, symbolizing Nigeria’s presence on the global financial stage.

With his return, President Tinubu resumes his presidential duties in Nigeria ahead of the 1st October Independence Day celebration, putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding his post-UNGA activities.