BREAKING: Tinubu Stays Back Over Security Worries, Sends Shettima to G20 Summit

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn from his scheduled official trips to South Africa and Angola, opting instead to remain in the country to address rising security concerns. Consequently, Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to represent Nigeria at the G20 Leaders’ Summit holding in Johannesburg.

Shettima departed Abuja on Thursday, following the President’s directive.

According to the State House, Tinubu chose to monitor ongoing security developments, particularly the recent violent incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states. The President was initially billed to attend the 20th G20 Summit in South Africa before proceeding to Luanda for the 7th AU-EU Summit.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier announced the postponement of the President’s trip pending further security briefings on the Kwara church attack and the abduction of about 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi.

During Tuesday’s attack at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, at least three worshippers were killed when gunmen invaded the premises during a programme.

The tragedy prompted Tinubu to order the deployment of additional security operatives to the affected community.

Expressing concern over the spate of violence, Tinubu said:
“As Commander-in-Chief, I am depressed by the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes. I am equally pained that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls.”

Announcing the Vice President’s trip, his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said:
“Following the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stay back in Nigeria and attend to security concerns in the country, Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent the President at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.”

The Summit, scheduled for November 22–23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will gather leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies, including the African Union, European Union and major global financial institutions. President Cyril Ramaphosa had extended formal invitation to Tinubu.