Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Presidency to provide daily, date-stamped photographs and videos of President Bola Tinubu performing the rites of Umrah in Makkah. Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council. The demand comes amid allegations that President Tinubu's actual destination might be France, rather than Saudi Arabia.
Atiku alleged that credible intelligence available to him suggested that France might be the President's actual destination, raising the possibility that Tinubu could make only a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France. He questioned whether the journey was connected to Tinubu's health and a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner. Atiku urged the Presidency to address the concerns transparently and disclose the President's complete itinerary.
The former Vice President emphasized that Nigerians deserve verifiable evidence of the President's presence in Makkah, as well as a transparent account of his daily engagements throughout the pilgrimage. Atiku stated that if the President was genuinely travelling to pray for Nigeria, the Presidency should publish clear, current, and date-stamped photographs and videos daily showing him at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah.
Atiku Abubakar also cautioned against invoking the name of Almighty Allah in vain, insisting that any spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of the nation should be treated with sincerity and transparency. He maintained that a presidential trip presented as a mission for the country was a matter of public interest, stressing that Nigerians were entitled to know the President's engagements and how the trip was being funded.
The demand for transparency comes as Nigerians continue to seek clarity on the President's trip. Atiku said that he and other Nigerians would join Tinubu in offering prayers for the peace, stability, and progress of the country. However, he emphasized that the Presidency must respond directly to the questions raised and provide the evidence necessary to allay public concerns.
Atiku's statement has sparked a renewed debate about the need for transparency in presidential trips. The former Vice President urged the Presidency to prioritize transparency and accountability in its dealings, particularly when it comes to matters of public interest. He emphasized that Nigerians have the right to know how their leaders are conducting themselves, especially on trips abroad.
The development is likely to increase scrutiny of President Tinubu's trip, with many Nigerians calling for more transparency from the Presidency. Atiku's demand for daily video proof of the President's Umrah trip has raised questions about the level of transparency and accountability in the current administration. The Presidency has yet to respond to Atiku's demands.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands daily, date-stamped photographs and videos of President Tinubu's Umrah trip
- Atiku questions President Tinubu's destination, alleging it might be France instead of Saudi Arabia
- Atiku urges the Presidency to disclose the President's complete itinerary and clarify the purpose of the trip
