Why Buhari cannot be represented at foreign meetings – Lai

Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed yesterday said it is in the interest of Nigeria that President Muhammadu Buhari attends meetings that require his presence outside Nigeria, saying that so far, only the president exudes the kind of personae that attracts the confidence of world powers.

Mohammed, who was a guest at a radio and television live programme in Kaduna hosted by Liberty Radio and Television, said sending representatives to such meetings as some people have suggested would not be as effective as having the president attending them in person.

He said it would be unfair to attribute the president’s readiness to honour such invitations to a desire for pleasure, saying that at the president’s age, such things do not matter to him.

“Many world leaders are saying now that Nigeria has a leader with integrity, they have the confidence to discuss with us even on the issue of the looted funds, so sending a representative cannot achieve that much,” he stated.

Mohammed explained that each of the President’s trips is necessary, saying shortly after assuming office, President Buhari had to travel to neighbouring countries to seek their collaboration on the fight against insurgents, then later to the G-7 countries, saying his reputation as a sincere leader with integrity is what makes the world leaders invite him to such meetings.