The Presidency on Wednesday introduced that President Bola Tinubu will immediately (Thursday) depart Abuja for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to carry out Umrah, at the same time as former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, demanded every day photographic and video proof of the president’s actions throughout the pilgrimage.
The presidency acknowledged that Tinubu would use the Islamic pilgrimage within the Holy City to hope for the nation and provides him the chance to hunt God’s steerage.
According to a press release by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the go to would additionally present the president with a possibility for religious reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” the assertion mentioned.
The assertion added that earlier than departing Abuja, Tinubu was scheduled to fee gear acquired by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The presidency mentioned the Nigerian chief was anticipated again within the nation subsequent week after finishing the religious train.
But Atiku, in a press release issued on Wednesday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Phrank Shaibu, questioned the president’s declared vacation spot, alleging that intelligence obtainable to him prompt that Tinubu may journey to France after making a quick look in Makkah.
The former vice chairman challenged the presidency to offer present, date-stamped images and movies exhibiting Tinubu on the Kaaba and collaborating within the rites of Umrah, insisting that Nigerians deserved verifiable proof of his presence within the holy metropolis.
“If President Tinubu is truly travelling to pray for Nigeria, the Presidency should release clear, current, date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing him at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah,” Atiku mentioned.
He added that Nigerians have been entitled to know the president’s full itinerary and every day engagements, arguing {that a} journey introduced as a religious mission on behalf of the nation was a matter of public curiosity.
Atiku additionally raised questions concerning the president’s well being and an alleged $20 billion mortgage request involving a French enterprise associate, calling on the presidency to handle the problems and disclose the main points of the journey.
He mentioned he and different Nigerians would be part of the president in prayers for the nation’s peace and progress, however warned in opposition to treating a declared spiritual endeavor with out the seriousness and transparency it deserved.
“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” Atiku mentioned, including that Nigerians deserved a clear account of the president’s actions throughout the pilgrimage.
“Nigerians are entitled to know the president’s daily engagements and how the trip is being funded,” the previous vice chairman identified.
Emmanuel Addeh
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