Real reason behind Tinubu’s absence from COP28 Summit

Concerns emerged following President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28) Climate Change Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Scheduled to address world leaders alongside other heads of state on Friday, the President’s non-appearance prompted inquiries into Nigeria’s stance and contributions at the summit.

At COP 28, heads of state and governments were slated to present their national plans and commitments in combatting climate change. The high-level segment, named the ‘World Climate Action Summit,’ spanned December 1 and 2, with over 80 world leaders slated to speak, including President Tinubu at number 36 on the list.

However, President Tinubu did not deliver his remarks on either day of the summit, despite being accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

Reports indicated that President Tinubu had left the plenary room for a scheduled meeting with another president around 4:10 pm on the first day, which did not materialize. Subsequently, he returned to his hotel room and later engaged with Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz to expand Nigeria’s grid capacity for improved electricity supply.

To affirm Nigeria’s presence at the summit, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, occupied President Tinubu’s chair and was poised to speak on his behalf. However, when the time came after Nikos Christodoulides’ address, Nigeria was skipped, and the next leader was called to the podium.

Organizers explained that representatives could only read the president’s speech on the ninth day of the session, clarifying the protocol.

Earlier statements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding Nigeria’s preference for action over speeches contradicted the actual scenario, as those not intending to speak had not registered on the UN’s list of speakers.