By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to his cabinet members, directing that only designated officials are allowed to attend the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.
This order was issued by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja.
He reeled out this instruction during his address at a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.
In his address, Gbajabiamila explained that the decision was taken to cut down the number of Nigeria’s delegates to the 79th UNGA in September.
According to him, the move is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.
He said: ”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.
”During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in the cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.
”From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their businesses.
”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” he said.
The Chief of Staff also urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.
