President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, cancelled his scheduled trip to Niger Republic.

Background:

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had announced on Sunday that Buhari would join some world leaders for the 59th Proclamation of Republic of Niger ceremony in Tahoua, Niger.

He said Buhari will be accompanied by Governors Aminu Masari, Ibrahim Gaidam and Kashim Shettima of Katsina, Yobe and Borno states.

What is happening:

Shehu, however said Buhari cancelled the trip.

He said the President was fully satisfied with his discussions with President Mahamadou Issoufou during the weekend

He added that after a telephone discussion with Issoufou on Sunday evening, Buhari decided to send the three governors of Katsina, Yobe and Borno states as well as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to represent him.

The presidential spokesman added, “President Buhari felt satisfied that he had had useful discussions with his friend and brother, President Mahamadou Issoufou, in the course of the weekend meeting in Abuja, of the Economic Community of West African States.

“After a phone call last (Sunday) night, between the leaders, President Buhari decided to send a delegation made up of the three governors of Katsina, Yobe and Borno states along with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to represent him.”

Why it makes sense:

Sending a representative will allow the President stay in Nigeria and attend to more pressing matters, including fuel scarcity and the Libyan slave trade.

Azeez