Shettima Returns To Nigeria After AU Summit

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola.

According to Ireporter Online, Shettima participated in the high-level continental meeting, where Nigeria advocated stronger African-led approaches to resolving conflicts and addressing security challenges across the continent.

During the summit, the Nigerian delegation supported initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts without excessive dependence on external intervention.

Nigeria also raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa, calling for urgent and collective action by African countries to address the situation.

The Nigerian government further expressed support for the Luanda Action Plan and called for greater commitment by AU member states towards strengthening the continent’s peace and security framework.

Nigeria also emphasised the importance of sustainable funding for African peace and security mechanisms, as well as greater African ownership of initiatives designed to address conflicts and instability on the continent.

Following the conclusion of his official engagements in Angola, Shettima departed for Nigeria and arrived in Abuja on Monday.

His return came amid comments by the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who had questioned the simultaneous absence of President Tinubu and the Vice-President from the country.

Speaking at the G100 Summit of opposition political parties in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed criticised the President’s absence and questioned who was overseeing the affairs of the country while both the President and his deputy were outside Nigeria.

The PRP chairman also made allegations concerning controversies surrounding the President and his foreign engagements.

He questioned the situation, asking who was effectively in charge of the country while both top executive officials were away.

Shettima’s return to Abuja now means the Vice-President is back in the country following his participation in the African Union summit in Angola.