Nigeria Socioeconomic turmoil: Tinubu to skip UNGA

In apparent reaction to the disquiet in the camp of the “owners of Nigeria”, President Bola Tinubu has decided to skip the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), opting to focus on Nigeria’s pressing domestic challenges. President Tinubu who has been on a junket, visiting country capitals in Europe, Asia and North America while the country literally burns, says the current decision to cool heels at home is in deference to the gigant Maiduguri flood that has taken over 30 lives and affecting over a million people.   Irked by the apparent indifference of President Tinubu to the suffering of Nigerians due his economic policies, some former military rulers and strategic generals, so-called ‘owners of Nigeria,’ gathered in Minna at the hilltop home of former President Ibrahim Babangida to sketch an alternative to a second term of President Tinubu.   A statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, which disclosed President Tinubu’s decision, also said Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation in his place   The President’s move is seen as a prioritization of local concerns over international diplomacy, as President Tinubu aims to address the immediate needs of Nigerians affected by the floods.   The UNGA, scheduled to take place from September 24 to 28, 2024, will feature discussions on sustainable development, peace, and human dignity.   VP Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend key sideline events, and engage in bilateral meetings, ensuring the country’s interests are represented on the global stage.   “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.   “The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.   “President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants 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”, the statement said.  

Tinubu okays N108b for states to tackle flooding, erosion

Throwing money at the problem in the typical Nigerian fashion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N108 billion for the states to combat natural disasters. Each state is entitled to N3 billion. This is coming on the heels of massive flooding ravaging states in the North. Many Southern states are at risk. Besides flooding, erosion is rampant across the country, especially in the Southeast. Kaduna is also currently battling with erosion. Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has also predicted more rainfall and likelihood of more flooding as the year rolls to an end. Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose capital city is reeling under the flooding that followed the collapse of Alau Dam water channels, confirmed yesterday he had received N3 billion from the Federal Government to battle the humanitarian crisis. According to him, no fewer than one million people have been displaced by the gory situation. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who temporarily relocated to Maiduguri to support the efforts of the state government to assist victims of the flooding, returned to the Presidential Villa and hosted House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen yesterday. Shettima described the situation in Maiduguri as a “national calamity”. Shettima told the speaker: “The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues. “Recently, he approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.” The speaker promised that the House would give all necessary support to assist the victims. He said: “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected.. “Insha Allah, it will come to pass, and people will go back to their normal lives and businesses as if it did not happen because we and you will make sure that we provide all the palliatives for them to regain their means of livelihood.” Shettima praised Abbas for his “stellar leadership in the National Assembly”, adding that despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn-in, the Speaker has been able to keep the flag flying.