Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to provide clarity on his return from Makkah, warning against uncertainty over his availability to govern Nigeria.
Ibe, who speaks for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, raised the concern in a post on X following Tinubu’s departure for the pilgrimage.
He recalled the prolonged absence of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, arguing that Nigerians deserve transparency about the President’s travel plans and his ability to discharge his constitutional responsibilities.
Ibe said prayers for Nigeria should be accompanied by concrete government action to address insecurity and economic hardship.
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“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,” he wrote.
The ADC chieftain also called on the Presidency to provide a definite return date and communicate any changes to Tinubu’s itinerary, including circumstances involving medical treatment that could affect his return or ability to perform his duties.
He further cited Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge his functions, allowing the Vice-President to perform those functions as Acting President.
Ibe warned that Nigerians should not be left uncertain about who was exercising presidential authority, insisting that the administration should be assessed on its presence, accountability and performance.
“Mr President, pray for Nigeria. Then return and do the work Nigerians elected you to do,” he stated.
His comments come amid renewed political debate over presidential travel, constitutional procedures for transferring authority and the government’s response to insecurity and the rising cost of living.
