Nigerians have rained rebukes on the media team of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over claims that he travelled to Europe on working visit.
In a press release entitled “President elect Bola Tinubu departs Nigeria for Europe on working visit“, issued by one Tunde Rahman from the “Office of the President-elect”, the media team wrote:
“President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday afternoon left Nigeria for Europe on a working visit.
“He will use the opportunity of the trip to finetune the transition plans and programmes, and his policy options with some of his key aides without unnecessary pressures and distractions.
“During the visit, the President-elect will engage with investors and other key allies with the goal of marketing investment opportunities in the country and his administration’s readiness to enable a business-friendly climate through policies and regulations.
“Already, meetings with multi-sectoral actors in Europe’s business community including manufacturing, agriculture, tech and energy have been lined up.
“Tinubu hopes to convince them of Nigeria’s readiness to do business under his leadership through mutually-beneficial partnerships premised on jobs creation and skills acquisition.
“Reviving the country’s economy forms a major plank of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the meeting is part of his efforts to re-establish Nigeria’s importance in the global economic chain and create empowering opportunities for the country’s huge youth population.
“The President-elect has hitherto promised to hit the ground running and the visit is reflective of his commitment to the promise as he has already begun talks with global actors in the important areas of the economy and security.
“Before he left the country, Asíwájú Tinubu met with the House of Representatives candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker endorsed by his party, the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who were presented to him by Joint Task Team of the House.
“He is scheduled to return shortly for preparations towards his official swearing in as the 16th President of the country on May 29, 2023.”
Nigerians react:
Reacting to the statement, Nigerians lambasted the media handlers over evident lies, insisting Tinubu went to continue the medical checkup he embarked upon during his last medical trip.
See a few responses below:
Senator Shehu Sani, @ShehuSani:
“Some say Asiwaju traveled for Medicals. Some say Asiwaju travelled for foreign investors. Let me add my own: Asiwaju traveled to watch PSG vs Ajaccio match. May God forgive those of us who may have lied.”
Inibehe Effiong, @InibeheEffiong:
“Tinubu does not have the constitutional standing and authority to exercise the functions of the office of President or any executive function whatsoever. He has not taken oath of office and cannot be meeting with investors on behalf of the country. Another season of LIES loading.”
Mgbojikwe, @cuppydat:
“Tinubu departs Nigeria for Europe. No country listed. Supposedly won and should be sworn in less than 3 weeks. In what capacity is he meeting with foreign investors? As a drug lord or what? Everything about him is vague. His children own homes abroad. He’s getting treatment abroad but you are over here screaming Ronu on top begging and have never smelt a plane.”
IPC Justice, @ipcjustice:
“We condemn Onanuga’s statement which is a blatant attempt to deceive the Nigerian people. He is trying to make it seem like Tinubu’s trip to France is a “working visit” when it is clearly not. It is well-known that Tinubu has been suffering from various health issues, and it’s likely that he is traveling to Europe for medical treatment, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, it is important to be honest about the purpose of the trip with the Nigerian people.”
Naira exchanger, @Nairaexchanger:
“This is becoming a tasteless joke. This man Tinubu, has not been sworn in and he keeps running abroad for treatment. How can he be on a working visit when there is a sitting president? #tribunal”
Vhee, @Vhee11005639:
“PICC line needs to be replaced . Another one chance . From frying pan to fire.”
Dunke Tostevin, @DunTos16:
“Please can someone tell me how many days he was around for? I don forget. Up to a week? 10 days? Nigerian Kleptocracy.”
Jeff_Nnaka, @ChetamNnam:
“Gen Buhari’s RUINING OF NIGERIA ECONOMY AND LIVES OF NIGERIANS will be a child’s play compare to what is coming to Nigeria & Nigerians soon!”
Chief Oaikhena, @FabszekOaikhena:
“Europe is a Continent, not a country. Will he be floating around in Europe? “… of his key aides without unnecessary pressures and distractions”. So he can’t do such in Nigeria? Nigeria harbors unnecessary distractions right? Are you people not mad?”
Osquare, @osquare78:
“No wonder Shettima dey always shine eyes during campaign. Guy knows he’s d real president. Working visit kee all of una there. Govt neva start, una don alrdy dey lie recklessly. Not up to 2weeks he returned to Nig after one month away, he’s going to recharge his health again.
Eric Chimara, @EricChimara:
“Please when he returns, make sure that he wears long sleeves so we can’t see the battery charging port when he waves at the people.”
@nonchalant_07:
“Departs to Europe on working visit… The said country he is visiting is not mentioned… The person that invited him is not mentioned. Baba don go for medicals.”
