Former Senate President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Pius Anyim, says President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the ongoing 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York should not be a cause for concern.

Anyim made the statement on Monday while speaking on ARISE NEWS’ Prime Time programme.

President Tinubu, who was initially expected to return to Nigeria after a short working vacation, extended his stay abroad for a private visit and other engagements.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently representing Nigeria at the UN General Assembly in New York.

According to Anyim, the Vice President has the constitutional capacity to represent Nigeria at the gathering, adding that the President’s absence should not be made an issue.

He explained that the UN General Assembly consists of the main assembly as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings held on the sidelines.

Anyim said the President’s absence would only be significant if there were specific engagements requiring his personal attendance.

He also dismissed concerns that Tinubu’s absence could prevent him from meeting United States President Donald Trump, noting that high-level meetings of such nature are usually scheduled in advance.