President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a sudden decision to cancel his scheduled attendance at the G20 Leaders Summit in South Africa, choosing instead to remain in Nigeria to address escalating security concerns. Vice President Kashim Shettima will now lead the Nigerian delegation to the important international gathering.
Security Crisis Forces Presidential Change of Plans
The Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu opted to stay in the country to receive comprehensive briefings on recent security incidents, particularly focusing on developments in Kebbi and Kwara States. Stanley Nkwocha, the senior special assistant to the president on media and communications in the office of the vice president, explained that the president had initially postponed the trip while awaiting updates from security agencies before making the final decision to cancel.
According to the official statement, the change in plans became necessary due to emerging domestic priorities that required the president's direct attention. The security situation has demanded immediate presidential oversight following serious incidents that have shaken the nation in recent days.
Shettima Steps In as Nigerian Representative
Vice President Shettima had already departed Abuja for Johannesburg on Thursday before the announcement was made public. He will now represent Nigeria at the two-day summit scheduled to hold at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from November 22 to 23.
Nkwocha emphasized that the Vice President will participate in all sessions and bilateral meetings scheduled for Nigeria during the summit. Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria immediately following the conclusion of the international gathering.
Background: Recent Security Incidents Prompt Action
The decision comes against the backdrop of disturbing security developments across the country. In one particularly alarming incident, armed attackers abducted 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko district of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi state.
This attack occurred around 4-5am on Monday, November 17, when gunmen invaded the school while firing shots into the air. Police personnel stationed at the location engaged the intruders, but the attackers successfully entered the compound and fled with the students.
The Kebbi state police command confirmed that one resident, identified as Hassan Makuku, was killed during the assault, while another man, Ali Shehu, sustained hand injuries.
In a separate but equally concerning development, at least 16 vigilante members were killed and more than forty residents abducted following coordinated attacks by bandits across several communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger state. These incidents occurred between Sunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, forcing many villagers to flee their homes.
The G20 Summit, convened at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who currently chairs the global economic bloc, brings together leaders from the world's twenty largest economies along with representatives of the European Union, the African Union and major financial institutions.
Nigeria's participation at this high-level forum remains crucial for advocating stronger support for developing economies, particularly in areas relating to reforms in global finance, energy transition and debt sustainability.
