Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has clarified that the President's upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia is for the lesser Hajj, also known as Umrah. This contradicts claims by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore that Tinubu was planning a foreign trip for medical treatment. Olusegun made the statement on his X handle in response to Sowore's post.
Sowore had expressed concerns about Nigeria's state and raised questions about Tinubu's health. He tweeted that indications suggested the President was planning a trip to Saudi Arabia amid growing health concerns. Sowore also mentioned that five governors, some ministers, and prominent businessmen were reportedly being assembled for the trip to give it an official appearance.
Olusegun refuted Sowore's claims, stating that Tinubu's trip was for spiritual purposes. According to Olusegun, the President will perform the lesser Hajj, a practice common among Muslims, to offer supplications for Nigeria and commit his re-election journey to God. Olusegun also pointed out that Tinubu had performed Umrah twice in 2022, before significant events.
Olusegun highlighted Tinubu's recent activities to demonstrate his fitness and capability to perform presidential duties. The President had attended several events, including a re-election campaign rally in Kaduna, a meeting with former AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, and a meeting with the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority.
Tinubu also chaired a Federal Executive Council meeting, where significant decisions were made. Olusegun argued that these activities demonstrated the President's good health and contradicted Sowore's claims of Tinubu's ill health. Olusegun expressed confidence in Tinubu's ability to continue serving as President.
The President's trip to Saudi Arabia is seen as a regular practice among Muslims, particularly before significant events or milestones. Olusegun emphasized that Tinubu's decision to perform Umrah was a strategic move, given the positive outcomes of his previous trips. The President's re-election campaign is ongoing, with various stakeholders involved.
The clarification by Olusegun aims to alleviate concerns about Tinubu's health and the purpose of his trip. The President's commitment to his duties and his re-election campaign is evident in his recent activities. The trip to Saudi Arabia is expected to be a spiritual exercise, with the President seeking divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria.
Key points
- President Tinubu's trip to Saudi Arabia is for the lesser Hajj, not medical treatment.
- The President's aide refutes claims of Tinubu's ill health, citing recent activities.
- Tinubu has performed Umrah twice in 2022, before significant events.
