Joe Keshi says Tinubu’s UNGA attendance irrelevant if Nigeria represented

Former Nigerian diplomat Joe Keshi told Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu’s presence at the 80th United Nations General Assembly is unnecessary as long as Nigeria is adequately represented, suggesting the Vice President could lead the delegation. Keshi said, “It amazes me we’re engaged in some innocuous debate whether the president attends or whether he does not attend… All these debates that if the president is not there, it’s a big shame… For goodness’ sake, it’s irrelevant.” He argued that Nigeria’s participation should be judged by the quality of its representation and the issues it advances, not by personal attendance, noting that past presidents have missed UNGA without consequence. The article, published September 22, 2026 by Francis Ugwu, highlights Keshi’s view that the debate over Tinubu’s attendance distracts Nigerians from critical international discussions. Keshi urged Nigerians to focus on substantive outcomes—such as treaties, development partnerships, or security agreements—rather than symbolic presence, stating that the VP leading the delegation would suffice for Nigeria’s place at the global gathering. Will you assess Nigeria’s UNGA engagement by the deals secured and issues raised, or does the president’s personal attendance still matter to you?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/22/un-general-assembly-why-tinubus-presence-is-irrelevant-joe-keshi/