Amid Growing Unrest, Buhari Departs To New York For UNGA 72

Amid mounting tension in Nigeria’s South East, the presidency has announced President Muhammadu Buhari’s departure on Sunday to New York, United States.

Presidential Spokesperson, Femi Adesina, announced on Friday that Buhari will be attending the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, at a period the South East region is boiling.

The WHISTLER reports that the announcement by the presidency comes at a time curfew had been declared in Abia, Plateau and Kaduna States owing partly to the recent deployment of soldiers to the region.

Recall that just within the first two days of commencement of the Nigerian military`s Operation Python Dance II (Egwu Eke II) in the region, some soldiers were alleged to have killed several members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The statement by Adesina revealed that President Buhari will, at the debate dubbed “Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet,” deliver the country’s National Statement before other world leaders.

He said Buhari, alongside the world leaders, will be hosted by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, to a welcoming reception.

The presidential spokesperson equally revealed that Buhari will, on the sideline, hold a lunch meeting with United States President, Donald Trump.

Adesina said, “Nigeria will participate in high level meetings on ‘Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Building Momentum for Change,’ the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a High Level Event organized by the African Union under its Theme of the Year: ‘Roadmap on the Demographic Dividend: from Commitment to Action,’ among others.

“At the events, President Buhari and members of his delegation will strive to project Nigeria as a strong moral force and responsible member of the international community.

“Nigeria’s commitment to global peace, security and development will also be reaffirmed and where necessary, the need for increased international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

“Other priorities for the Nigerian delegation at UNGA 72 include strengthening human rights institutions; the rule of law; support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of terrorist acts and recent flooding, and mitigating the effects of Climate Change.

“The Nigerian delegation will also canvass the support of UN member states for the Buhari Administration’s efforts towards combatting illicit financial flows in order to foster sustainable development.

“The President will be accompanied by the governors of Zamfara, Ebonyi and Ondo States, and key cabinet ministers,” said the presidential aide.