IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The associates of Bola Tinubu, have declined to mention which country Nigeria’s President-elect was flown to, but insisted it was not on medical emergency and he would soon return to the country.
The reaction comes after reports emerged that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress at the 2023 presidential election, had been flown abroad on a secret trip overnight.
The trip could complicate the ongoing transition phase in the country, according to two of his associates who related with Peoples Gazette on the matter.
They spoke under anonymity with The Gazette because Tinubu’s team was still deliberating a press statement on the matter.
Sahara Reporters was the first to report the news of Tinubu’s trip on Wednesday afternoon, with the online outlet citing its sources that said the new Nigerian leader was flown to Europe for medical treatment.
Sahara Reporters also said Tinubu, who was declared winner of Nigeria’s presidential election last month, took ill after months of uninterrupted political activities that peaked towards the end of the year-long campaign.
Bayo Onanuga, a spokesman for Tinubu, said in a message to The Gazette that his principal travelled abroad to rest and will soon return to the country.
“He travelled to rest after the hectic electioneering,” Mr. Onanuga said, adding: “he will soon return home.”
Nigerians have since reacted to the report, as anxiety set in over the health status of the nation’s President-elect.
A tweep, PidomNigeria said: “For those who insulted me, when i broke the news of Tinubu’s current health condition last week, let those curses return back to you, in 100 folds. Unless i was lying.
“The man has not been sworn in yet, but Nigeria has started spending tax payers money, on his failing health.
“My info’s are often like beer parlour gist, coming out from the mouth of a drunken man. You can doubt it, if you like. But just like prophecy, my info always come to pass. Those who know my now suspended account @Truthfully83 can confirm. I know my Intel.”
“African leaders should stay in Africa for medical treatment. They should use the services they put in place. Their lives are not worth more than any other African’s life. The West really needs to stop promoting medical tourism and exploiting African wealth,” @birgitomo reacted.
@Dan_skii tweeted: “Peter Obi was literally in different states week in week out for months and never needed to go abroad for rest. Very huge difference.”
@Amreyfx also wrote: “That’s how Buhari started his own tooo oooo please don’t let it happen ooo 🙏😭😭😭😭😭😭”