Vice-President Kashim Shettima has had to cancel his trip to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa. Initially, President Bola Tinubu had designated him to represent Nigeria at this important gathering of world leaders.
The summit is currently taking place and began on October 21, running until October 26. It was an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its leadership and engage with other nations on various issues.
However, complications arose when a foreign object struck Shettima’s plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York. This incident resulted in damage to the aircraft, specifically the cockpit windscreen.
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In light of this unfortunate event, the presidency issued a statement on Thursday night announcing the cancellation of Shettima’s trip. Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson, confirmed the details surrounding the incident.
To ensure Nigeria is still represented at the summit, President Tinubu acted swiftly. He approved a ministerial delegation to take Shettima’s place at the event in Apia, Samoa’s capital.
The delegation will be led by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining Nigeria’s presence and participation in international discussions.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima and Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar have made their way back to Nigeria following the incident. Their return underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate attention to the aircraft.
The summit continues without Shettima, but Nigeria’s interests will still be represented through the ministerial delegation, ensuring that the country remains engaged in crucial dialogues on a global platform.
