Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an explanation from President Bola Tinubu over his third consecutive absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), questioning whether issues surrounding the President’s history with United States authorities have affected Nigeria’s foreign relations.

His comments followed Sunday’s announcement by the Presidency that Tinubu had mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said Tinubu was absent from the 79th UNGA in 2024 and the 80th in 2025, with Shettima representing him on both occasions.

He said Shettima would again lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session in 2026, arguing that the pattern could no longer be dismissed as routine delegation.

“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together the representatives of the UN’s 193 member states and provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries’ interests, negotiate partnerships and shape global decisions on trade, security and development,” Atiku said.

He said while Shettima could represent Nigeria, repeated delegation could not substitute for the President’s personal authority and visibility at a major international diplomatic gathering.

Atiku also argued that UNGA provided opportunities for leaders to hold bilateral meetings, pursue investment and trade partnerships, mobilise development financing and engage on issues affecting their countries.

He said repeated presidential absence could therefore affect Nigeria’s ability to maximise such opportunities, with possible economic implications for the country.

“The cost is eventually transferred to ordinary citizens: fewer investments mean fewer businesses and fewer jobs,” Atiku said.

The former vice president also questioned reports that Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had secured Tinubu a seat close to United States President Donald Trump at the General Assembly.

“The seat was secured, but the President disappeared,” Atiku said.

He also questioned the reported spending of up to $9 million on American lobbyists by the Tinubu administration, asking why Nigeria would spend millions of dollars on lobbying efforts in the United States while the President repeatedly stayed away from the UN gathering in New York.

“What exactly did Nigerians purchase with that money?” Atiku asked.

Atiku subsequently raised questions about Tinubu’s past legal history in the United States, citing forfeiture proceedings in Case No. 93 C 4483 before the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

According to Atiku, the case involved funds held in accounts in Tinubu’s name and those of associated companies, which the court documents alleged were connected to narcotics trafficking and money laundering.

He said the proceedings eventually resulted in the forfeiture of approximately $460,000 to the United States government.

Atiku said the history had prompted questions about whether it had any connection with Tinubu’s repeated absence from UNGA.

“Nigerians are therefore entitled to ask whether Tinubu’s three consecutive UNGA absences have anything to do with this documented American history,” he said.

However, Atiku said he was not claiming that Tinubu was legally barred from entering the United States.

“We are not asserting that Tinubu is legally prohibited from entering the United States. The Presidency has announced no such restriction,” he said.

He added that if there was no legal, diplomatic, medical or personal impediment to Tinubu’s attendance, the Presidency should explain the decision to stay away from the General Assembly.

Atiku also questioned whether the President’s past US legal controversies had affected Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Washington.

“Has one man’s personal history become a burden on Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement?” he asked.

The former vice president further criticised what he described as a contrast between Tinubu’s domestic political posture and his absence from major international diplomatic engagements.

He argued that Nigeria should be more visible at major international forums and questioned the decision to send the Vice President to represent the country for a third consecutive year.

“If there is no impediment, the Presidency must explain this serial absenteeism. If an impediment exists, Nigerians have a right to know,” he said.

“Nigeria is bigger than Bola. Our diplomatic influence, economic interests and international reputation must not be subordinated to Tinubu’s American baggage.

“After committing up to $9 million to American lobbyists, Nigerians deserve more than silence, evasions and another empty presidential seat at the United Nations.

“Mr Bola, your seat was reportedly secured near President Donald Trump. Why did you refuse to occupy it?

“What exactly are you afraid of in America?” Atiku queried.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.

The President, in a statement on Friday, said that the government would not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty, or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care.

President Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should lose his life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment, or dereliction of duty, describing the development as a grave matter that requires urgent investigation and accountability.

“While the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in custody,” he was quoted as saying in the statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody. Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care.”

“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” the President added.

He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of people held in the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” the President said.

He directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or attempts to frustrate the establishment of the truth.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.

He also appealed for calm among the families and communities affected by the tragedy, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.

“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” Tinubu added.

The President’s order came after Thursday’s protest linked to the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the NSCDC, in Minna.

One of the survivors alleged that the suspects were kept in a small room, adding that an unpleasant substance was sprayed before the cell was locked.

Following the unrest, Governor Umaru Bago declared a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the State capital, saying that the curfew takes effect immediately after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers and would remain in force until further notice.

Bago said the government has constituted a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The governor also announced the suspension of all mining activities across Niger State pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.

Similarly, the Ministry of Interior said it had suspended the state commander of the NSCDC.

Following the opening of applications from eligible candidates living with disabilities, for scholarships to pursue legal qualifications, the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF), a not-for-profit organisation, founded by US-based philanthropist, Mr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, and dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, leadership and inclusion, has announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarships, fellowships and academic awards.

Now in its fourth year, OSF has continued to deepen its investment in Nigeria’s deaf and hard-of-hearing community while expanding pathways for students with disabilities in the legal profession.

The 2026 awards also mark a new milestone with the introduction of the Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Scholar-Practitioner Award, supporting a legal practitioner pursuing doctoral studies in Law.

Founded in 2022, OSF is grounded in a simple but enduring conviction: talent is universal, but opportunity is not. The Foundation seeks to close that gap by investing not merely in education, but in people whose knowledge, leadership and service can create opportunities for others.

PROF. KONYINSOLA AJAYI, SAN SCHOLAR-PRACTITIONER AWARD 

For the first time, OSF is extending its investment in legal education beyond the undergraduate level through the Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Scholar-Practitioner Award.

The new award recognizes a legal practitioner pursuing a Ph.D. in Law, bridging two worlds essential to the future of justice: the practical experience of the legal profession and the rigorous inquiry of advanced legal scholarship.

• Isioma Osakuni — Ph.D. in Law, University of Ibadan — Inaugural Recipient

The establishment of the Scholar-Practitioner Award represents a natural evolution of the Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Fellowship. It broadens OSF’s vision from helping students enter the legal profession to supporting practitioners seeking to contribute to its intellectual development through advanced research and scholarship.

PROF. KONYINSOLA AJAYI, SAN FELLOWSHIP 

The Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Fellowship is OSF’s flagship investment in developing a more inclusive legal profession. Expanded in 2025 to include law students with disabilities beyond the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, the fellowship recognizes that the pursuit of justice is strengthened when the legal profession reflects the breadth of the society it serves. The recipients are:

• Abubakar Nura — Law, Bayero University Kano
• Amala Njelita — Law, University of Calabar

OPEOLUWA SOTONWA FOUNDATION GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP 

The Foundation’s core scholarship program continues OSF’s foundational commitment to Deaf and hard-of-hearing students pursuing higher education across Nigeria. The 2026 scholars represent a broad range of disciplines, from education and computer science to political science, entrepreneurship and the arts. The recipients are:

• Auwalu Mohammed — English Education, Gombe State University
• Wende Terungwa — Special Education/PHE, Federal University of Education Pankshin
• Farida Dalhatu — Political Science, Umar Musa Yar’dua University, Katsina
• Fuhad Abdulrasaq — History and International Studies, University of Ilorin
• Irimiya Samaila — Special Education, University of Calabar
• Amina Nasiru — Entrepreneurship, Kaduna State University
• Abosede Josephine Akilo — Special Education, Federal College of Education in affiliation with University of Ibadan
• Toheeb Olajuwon Balogun — Political Science, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Mujahid Adamu — Education-English, Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa
• Inerepamo Maxwell Pounana — Special Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
• Precious Onyinyechi Okonkwo — Special Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
• Nneoma Happiness Agbo — Economic Education, Peaceland College of Education Enugu
• Yusuf Anas — Educational Management, Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna
• Omopariola Opeyemi — Educational Management, Kwara State University
• Akinkunmi Sheriff Akinboade — Fine and Applied Arts, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Royal Adeh Obi — Special Education/Tourism, University of Calabar
• Oladipupo Emmanuel Adeyeri — Computer Science, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Bello Abubakar — Islamic Studies, Aminu Salah College of Education

MOST OUTSTANDING SCHOLARS 2026

Introduced in 2025, the Most Outstanding Scholar distinction recognizes one female and one male scholar whose academic achievement, leadership and perseverance distinguish them within the OSF community.

• Mutiyat Oreoluwa Raheem — Microbiology, University of Ilorin — Female Most Outstanding Scholar
• John Nworie Nte — Medicine and Surgery, University of Calabar — Male Most Outstanding Scholar

GRADUATE SCHOLARS 

OSF’s commitment does not end with undergraduate education. The Graduate Scholars program supports Deaf and hard-of-hearing scholars advancing into postgraduate study and developing expertise capable of influencing their professions, institutions and communities.

• Godwin Agianpuye — PGD/M.Sc., Computer Science, Wesley University, Ondo
• Auwalu Salisu Ismaila — M.Ed., Special Education, Bayero University, Kano
• Caroline Nwugo Onu — Ph.D., Christian Leadership, The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary

VOICES BEYOND SOUND – SOCIAL AND BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP 

Established in partnership with Greg and Annette Hudson, Voices Beyond Sound recognizes Deaf and hard-of-hearing students pursuing studies connected to social and business leadership. First featured in the 2025 awards, the initiative reflects a shared belief that leadership is not defined by how a person communicates, but by the ideas, resilience and impact they bring to society.

• Zulaihatu Sani — Business Administration, Gombe State University
• Qudus Ajiboye — Economics, National Open University of Nigeria
• Taiwo Eneyamire Abdul — Economics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Taiwo Hassan Alatilehin — Business Education, University of Ilorin

“Four years into this journey, we are seeing what becomes possible when opportunity meets determination,” said Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Founder of OSF. “Our scholars are studying medicine, law, education, science, technology, business, the arts and other disciplines. Some are beginning their higher-education journeys; others are advancing into master’s and doctoral study. What connects them is not disability, but possibility. Our responsibility as a Foundation is to ensure that talent is given room to become impact.”

“The introduction of the Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Scholar-Practitioner Award is especially meaningful. Justice requires not only lawyers who practice the law, but scholars who interrogate it, strengthen it and help imagine what it can become. By investing across that continuum—from the undergraduate law student to the doctoral scholar-practitioner—we are investing in the future of the profession itself.”

For more information about the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation and its programs, visit www.opeoluwasotonwafoundation.org.

About the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation

Established in 2022, the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking educational and leadership opportunities for Nigeria’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities while advancing targeted opportunities for students with disabilities. Through scholarships, fellowships, mentorship and advocacy, OSF invests in students and emerging leaders with the potential to transform their professions, communities and society.

The Foundation can be reached via:

Cassandra Sotonwa
Chief Operating Officer
Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation
opeoluwasotonwafoundation@gmail.com

The Foundation wishes all recipients a fruitful academic period.