- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has cut down official delegates ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
This was disclosed, yesterday, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
According to the statement, Tinubu had issued directive to heads of government agencies through the office of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who communicated the directive during a one-day retreat held yesterday.
The President, according to Gbajabiamila, said those without any business at the UN General Assembly should desist from attending.
He stressed that the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance as agitated by the #EndBadGovernance protesters.
“During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.
“From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal business.
“I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. Id you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” Gbajabiamila said.
Recall that Nigeria recorded the highest number of representatives from Africa with 1441 delegates during last year’s Convention on Climate Changed tagged COP28 and held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).