Femi Adesina: Buhari to transit through London on US trip

President Muhammadu Buhari will leave for New York on Sunday to join other world leaders at the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said  “President Buhari will transit through London on his way back to the country”.

Buhari returned to the country from the UK, where he received medical treatment, on August 19. He spent 104 days in London.

It is not clear if he is “transiting” through London for another round of medical treatment.

The presidential spokesman said the high point of the president’s visit would be his participation in the general debate during which he would deliver the country’s national statement.

According to him, the theme for this year’s debate is: ‘focusing on people: striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet’.

Adesina said the president would join other world leaders at the welcoming reception to be hosted by Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, and that he would also hold a bilateral meeting with the UN scribe.

“Equally, the Nigerian leader will hold a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, along with other world leaders,” he said.

“During the general-assembly, Nigeria will participate in high level meetings on ‘prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse: building momentum for change,’ the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, a high level event organised by the African Union under its theme of the year: ‘roadmap on the demographic dividend: from commitment to action,’ among others.

“At the events, President Buhari and members of his delegation will strive to project Nigeria as a strong moral force and responsible member of the international community.

“Nigeria’s commitment to global peace, security and development will also be reaffirmed and where necessary, the need for increased international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

“Other priorities for the Nigerian delegation at UNGA 72 include strengthening human rights institutions; the rule of law; support for internally-displaced persons (IDPs) as a result of terrorist acts and recent flooding, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

“The Nigerian delegation will also canvass the support of UN member states for the Buhari administration’s efforts towards combating illicit financial flows in order to foster sustainable development.

“The president will be accompanied by the governors of Zamfara, Ebonyi and Ondo states, and key cabinet ministers.”