By Haruna Salami
Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against allowing his trip to Makkah to create uncertainty over his return and capacity to discharge his presidential responsibilities.
Ibe, in a post on X, recalled the prolonged absence of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, warning that Nigeria must not experience a similar situation.
He stressed that Nigerians deserved transparency regarding Tinubu’s travel plans, expected return date and ability to continue governing the country.
The aide to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) argued that while prayers for the nation were important, they must be accompanied by concrete measures to address insecurity and economic hardship.
“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,” Ibe wrote.
He urged the Presidency to communicate a definite return date for Tinubu and provide updates on any changes to his itinerary, including possible medical treatment that could affect his return or ability to perform his duties.
Ibe also cited Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, 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.
He noted that the constitutional provision allows the Vice-President to serve as Acting President in the circumstances specified by the Constitution.
According to him, Nigerians should not be left uncertain about who is exercising presidential authority or whether the President is available to perform his constitutional duties.
The ADC chieftain maintained that the Tinubu administration should be assessed on the basis of its presence, accountability and tangible results, particularly in addressing the country’s security and economic challenges.
“Mr President, pray for Nigeria. Then return and do the work Nigerians elected you to do,” Ibe stated.
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