Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has asked the Presidency to give Nigerians a definite return date for President Bola Tinubu from his Umrah trip to Saudi Arabia.
Ibe stated this on Thursday in a post on his X handle, hours after the Presidency announced Tinubu’s departure for Makkah.
President Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday for Makkah to perform Umrah, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said the visit gave the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress, and that he was expected back next week.
Ibe said that, while it is good to pray, faith must be accompanied by action.
‘It is good to pray and maintain a relationship with Almighty God, the author and finisher of our faith. But faith must be accompanied by action. Nigerians need prayers, and they also need competent leadership,’ he said.
He wished Tinubu a spiritually rewarding pilgrimage and urged him to focus on governance on his return.
‘Prayers for peace must be matched by effective action against insecurity. Prayers for prosperity must translate into policies that ease hardship, create jobs and help families put food on their tables,’ Ibe said.
He said Nigerians deserve a definite return date and an explanation for any change in itinerary.
‘The Presidency says he is expected back next week. Nigerians deserve a definite return date and a timely explanation of any change to his itinerary,’ he said.
Ibe said the trip should conclude as announced.
‘In keeping with Atiku Abubakar’s call for transparency, we expect this journey to conclude as announced, without an unexplained detour to France or elsewhere. If medical treatment becomes necessary, the Presidency should communicate honestly about any implications for his return and ability to discharge his duties,’ he said.
He referenced the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s prolonged absence, saying Nigeria must not relive uncertainty and constitutional crisis.
‘If this trip constitutes a vacation, or if President Tinubu becomes unable to discharge his duties, he must comply with Section 145 by notifying the National Assembly so that Vice-President Kashim Shettima can serve as Acting President,’ he said.
Ibe also said Tinubu’s recent Kaduna campaign appearance raised questions about his health and stamina, which required credible information.
‘As this administration approaches four years in office, Nigerians are entitled to demand greater presence, accountability and measurable results. Mr President, pray for Nigeria. Then return and do the work Nigerians elected you to do,’ he added.