US lobbying group Von Batten Montague York LC says President Bola Tinubu planned UN sideline meeting with President Donald Trump is dead. The group also says any US endorsement of Tinubu for Nigeria next presidential vote is off the table along with any White House visit.
The firm states Tinubu main goal was a face to face with Trump to win backing for the coming election. Those plans fell through after officials made clear he is seen as a problem for the United States. The effort cost nine million dollars in Nigerian public funds according to the statement.
It described the reported cancellation as unfortunate and claimed that Tinubu had effectively been told that he was a liability to the United States.
Tinubu has now confirmed that he will not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Vice President Kashim Shettima will instead lead Nigeria’s delegation to the gathering in New York.
Shettima is expected to represent Nigeria at the high level UN meetings and deliver the country’s national statement during the General Debate.
The decision means Tinubu will be absent from the UN gathering at a time when attention had been focused on a possible meeting between the Nigerian president and Trump.
The statement from Von Batten Montague York had urged Tinubu to change his mind and attend the UN General Assembly. With the President now confirming his absence and Shettima leading the Nigerian delegation, that possibility has been ruled out.
