The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia is for medical treatment. Instead, President Tinubu will perform Umrah, a Lesser Hajj, and pray for Nigeria and his re-election bid. This clarification was made by the Special Assistant to the President on social media, Dada Olusegun.
Olusegun challenged a social media post by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, who portrayed the planned pilgrimage as a medical trip. Sowore drew comparisons with circumstances surrounding the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. Olusegun rejected the suggestion, stating that Tinubu's planned journey to Makkah was consistent with his religious practice before major political milestones.
According to Olusegun, seeking divine guidance before an important undertaking is a regular practice among Muslims. He recalled that Tinubu performed Umrah twice in 2022, first ahead of the All Progressives Congress presidential primary and later before the presidential election. On both occasions, Tinubu's prayers were answered, Olusegun said.
To counter claims about the President's health, Olusegun pointed to a series of recent public and official engagements. These include Tinubu's visit to Kaduna, which marked the flag-off of the President's re-election campaign, as well as separate audiences with former African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Ola Awakan.
Olusegun also referred to Tinubu's chairing of the Federal Executive Council meeting, where consequential decisions were taken. He stated that a "sick person" would not have been able to accomplish these itineraries, adding that the President is in good health. Olusegun accused Sowore of wishing the President ill and declared that no evil would befall Tinubu.
The presidential aide emphasized that Tinubu's trip to Saudi Arabia is a spiritual exercise, aimed at seeking divine guidance and blessings for the country and his re-election bid. He described the President as "fit as a fiddle" and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the country.
The clarification by the Presidency has put to rest speculation about President Tinubu's health and the purpose of his trip to Saudi Arabia. The President's commitment to his re-election bid and his faith has been reaffirmed, and Nigerians have been assured of his good health and well-being.
Key points
- President Tinubu's trip to Saudi Arabia is for Umrah and prayer, not medical treatment.
- The Presidency has countered claims about the President's health, citing recent public and official engagements.
- Tinubu's practice of seeking divine guidance before major milestones is a regular part of his faith.
