Unknown Object Strikes Vice President Shettima's Plane, Halting Commonwealth Summit Participation
By Wisdom Tide
October 25, 2024
Vice President Kashim Shettima was set to represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, but an unexpected incident forced a change in plans.
Sudden Disruption in Vice President Shettima’s Travel Plans
President Bola Tinubu had initially appointed Vice President Shettima to represent Nigeria at the summit in Samoa. However, during a stopover at New York’s JFK Airport en route to the Pacific island, a foreign object struck Shettima’s plane. This incident reportedly damaged the aircraft’s cockpit windscreen, making it unsafe for further travel.
Announcement from the Presidency
Late Thursday, the presidency announced that Shettima’s trip to Samoa had been canceled due to the unexpected damage to his plane. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the foreign object inflicted significant damage to the cockpit’s windscreen, necessitating immediate repairs.
Nigeria’s New Representation at the Summit
In light of the incident, President Tinubu swiftly appointed a ministerial delegation to attend the summit on behalf of Nigeria. The delegation will be led by Balarabe Abass Lawal, the Minister of Environment. Onanuga explained that the President’s decision ensured Nigeria’s continued participation and representation at the high-level summit, which is scheduled to run from October 21 to October 26 in Apia, Samoa.
Return to Nigeria
Vice President Shettima, alongside Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, has returned to Nigeria from New York following the incident. This abrupt change in travel plans highlights the President’s quick action to secure Nigerian representation and maintain the nation’s diplomatic commitments despite unforeseen challenges
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