Shettima Jets Out, Heads to Gabon for President-Elect’s Inauguration

The New Diplomat
Writer

Ad

US denies visas for Palestinian officials before UN assembly

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has announced it is denying and revoking visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September. The announcement was made in a statement released by the US Department of State on Friday. “The…

2027: Crack as Tinubu’s Northern ally, Senator Marafa Dumps APC, accuses president of betrayal, neglect

By Obinna Uballa A major crack has emerged in President Bola Tinubu’s Northern political base as a key stakeholder and former Zamfara Central Senator, Kabiru Garba Marafa, together with his supporters, have all resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the president of betrayal and neglect. Marafa, who reportedly coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation…

Concerns escalated as NIPOST Raises Payment to $80 Customs Duty on US Shipment

By Abiola Olawale Nigerians sending parcels to the United States will now face a mandatory $80 prepaid customs duty beginning from August 29, 2025, as announced by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). This new charge, equivalent to its Naira value, applies to all non-document shipments, including parcels and packages, and will be collected at the…

Ad

By Abiola Olawale

Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Saturday, May 3, 2025, to attend the inauguration of Gabon’s President-elect, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, in Libreville.

It was gathered that Shettima jetted out of the country to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima’s attendance highlights Nigeria’s support for Gabon’s peaceful democratic transition.

The statement added that Shettima’s visit is expected to strengthen Nigeria-Gabon diplomatic ties, with the Vice President scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the inauguration ceremony.

The statement reads in part: “Nigeria remains supportive of the peaceful democratic transition in Gabon and reaffirms the government’s broader strategic interest in promoting democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa.

“The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration.”

The New Diplomat reports that Nguema, who has served as Gabon’s interim leader since August 2023, secured a landslide victory in the April 12, 2025, presidential election, garnering 58,074 votes—94.85% of the total ballots cast, as confirmed by Gabon’s Constitutional Court.

He outperformed seven challengers, with former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze trailing at 3%.

The Army General and former junta leader, who toppled Ali Bongo in August 2023, ending 55 years of dynastic rule by the Bongo family, officially takes the presidential reins after leading a 19-month transition government.

Several African heads of state are expected to attend the inauguration in a 40,000-capacity stadium, north of the capital, Libreville.

They include Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo from Equatorial Guinea.

Ad

X whatsapp