By Henry Umoru

A non-partisan socio-cultural organization group under the aegis of the Northern Alternative Forum (NAF) has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his bold decision to shelve attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States, geared towards promoting the welfare and development of Northern Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday by its national chairman, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, NAF, popularly referred to as ‘Northern Mafias’ noted that President Tinubu’s decision to stay back after participating in the Forum on Africa and China (FOCAC) and attend to domestic matters is a refreshing departure from the past.

Recall that President Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.

In his stead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual summit.

According to a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, Tinubu “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,”

The statement is titled ‘Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly.’

NAF Chairman further said, “We are impressed that President Tinubu has chosen to prioritise pressing domestic issues over attending the UNGA, an epoch gathering of world leaders. By deploying Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him, President Tinubu has demonstrated a unique brand of leadership that puts the nation’s interests above personal considerations.”

Ibrahim who noted that President Tinubu has shown that he is a leader that puts the interest of the citizens first, said, “If it were past leaders, they would have jumped on the plane to attend UNGA without hesitation, but President Tinubu has shown that he is a leader who puts Nigeria first.”

According to the Northern group, the President’s visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, to witness the extent of damage caused by flooding, despite sending Vice President Shettima earlier and dispatching relief materials, is a testament to his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, adding, “This gesture demonstrates that President Tinubu is a leader who feels the pulse of his people and is willing to take concrete actions to address their needs.”

NAF while  urging  President Tinubu to extend this gesture to other affected areas, particularly Katagum in Bauchi State, where flooding has also wreaked havoc, said, “We appeal to Mr. President to visit Katagum and assess the situation firsthand, ensuring that necessary support is provided to affected communities.”

Ibrahim who appealed to President Tinubu not to scrap the Humanitarian Ministry in the next cabinet reshuffle as being insinuated in the media, stressed that it is the only ministry under the renewed hope administration that demonstrates that the president is a welfarist.

Ibrahim added: “The Ministry plays a strategic role in addressing humanitarian crises and providing succor to vulnerable Nigerians. Retaining this Ministry will demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.”

The group also urged the President to keep up the good job of providing people-centered, purposeful and result-orientated leadership.

NAF Chairman said, “We hail President Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s development. We urge him to keep up the good work and continue prioritizing the needs of Nigerians.

“Stay focused on the job. Refuse to be distracted by the antics of failed oppositions, who are bent on sabotaging the administration to score cheap political points. Nigerians know the truth. They’re not blind, deaf or dumb. Even those who can’t see, can hear. Nigeria’s fortune is changing forever.

“We also call on all past presidents and their vice presidents, as well as elder statesmen and top senior citizens, to join hand with President Tinubu to move Nigeria forward in terms of growth and development for benefit of all Nigerians.”