President Bola Tinubu’s departure from Abuja to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the Umrah (lesser Hajj) pilgrimage has triggered widespread commentary on Nigerian X (formerly Twitter).
The official video of his send-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport—where six Northern governors saw him off at his presidential aircraft—went viral, driving “departure” into the platform’s trending topics.
Presidency says he’s going to pray for Nigeria
The Presidency’s statement that President Tinubu is going to Makkah to “pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and economic progress” sparked intense public criticism. Netizens expressed frustration that the administration is resorting to spiritual exercises rather than implementing sound economic policies to address domestic inflation and hardship.
Health rumour
Opposition figures, including Kenneth Okonkwo, and political commentators questioned whether the trip was a cover for a medical visit. Presidential aides promptly dismissed these claims, insisting the President is “fit as a fiddle”.
The Atiku Abubakar campaign organization publicly demanded daily video evidence of the President during his stay in Saudi Arabia to ensure transparency regarding his activities and health status.
The President is expected to return to the country next week following the completion of the pilgrimage.
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