Vice President Kashim Shettima’s planned attendance at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) summit in Samoa has been cancelled.
Gatekeepers News reports that Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, announced that the cancellation was prompted by damage to the vice-president’s aircraft.
According to Onanuga, the incident occurred when a “foreign object” struck the cockpit windshield during a stopover at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
“President Tinubu, acting promptly, has approved a ministerial delegation to represent Nigeria at the summit in the Samoa capital of Apia while the plane’s repair has commenced,” Onanuga said.
“The delegation, which will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, is being led by the minister of environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal.”
Following this, Shettima and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar have returned to Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu had appointed Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation at the summit. This year’s theme focuses on resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the Commonwealth advantage, and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth among member countries.
Shettima was scheduled to participate in the People’s Forum, engage with global leaders on development issues, and attend various bilateral meetings and executive sessions.
The summit is taking place from October 21 to October 26.
