Pope Returns Home as Tinubu's Remote Work Week Continues

Last On Monday, President Bola Tinubu came back to Abuja following an 18-day working trip and retreat in Europe.

A few days prior, the Presidency had calming Nigerians' concerns, stating that he was managing national matters from afar and emphasizing that physical proximity did not hinder his capabilities.

We value the public's concerns and want to reassure all Nigerians that governance will continue uninterrupted. His brief departure is expected to last for around two weeks as previously stated.

He has kept up continuous contact with important governmental figures, managing significant nationwide issues, such as issuing instructions to law enforcement leaders to tackle rising dangers across various regions of the nation.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership… His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday,” the release read.

This statement came after public unease grew regarding the President’s location amid escalating murders across multiple states.

It fed into the time-tested remote work tradition of Nigerian Presidents dating back to the Yar’Adua years.

In my piece on May 12, 2024, I wrote that Nigerians have been traumatised by the familiar rhythm of long-distance relationships with their presidents.

Upon Tinubu’s arrival on Monday evening, the Villa neighborhood prepared itself for a busy week aimed at "making up" lost time.

In contrast, the following days witnessed the President operating from his private quarters, calling for his intelligence leaders and providing fresh directives.

Given that his return aligned with Pope Francis’s death, one might assume he was grieving for the Pope. However, apart from both serving as national leaders, there are no documented connections between these individuals.

It is safe to say the President, like most of his counterparts, holds His Holiness in the highest regard. That explained why Tinubu mourned the Pontiff through a personal statement.

He characterized the Pope as "a modest servant of God, an unwavering advocate for the impoverished, and a beacon of guidance for countless individuals."

Tinubu said, “His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians. Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis—a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.

His Holiness dedicated his service to the Church and its leader until his last days. In 2013, he gained worldwide attention with a call for compassion, encouraging everyone to recognize the presence of Christ in those who are marginalized, refugees, immigrants, and overlooked individuals.

He urged the influential to practice fairness, encouraged countries to embrace outsiders, and stressed that our shared dwelling—the Earth—is a treasure we need to safeguard for coming decades.

The President viewed the Pope as a tool for peace, one who profoundly exemplified Christ’s teachings of love towards both God and people.

“In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and between the rich and the poor. He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, consistently speaking against economic injustice and ceaselessly praying for peace and stability in troubled regions.

"His encyclicals were not just doctrinal and groundbreaking but also pertinent and timely. With his pastoral letters, the Pope provided spiritual insight and hope amidst an ever more complicated world. He outlined a course for the rejuvenation of all humankind through both his teachings and actions," he noted.

During Easter, Tinubu conveyed his happiness over the Pope's rapid recovery from an illness he had been suffering from.

“I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.

"Sadly, the Lord took him one day later, causing the world to lose its sharpest advocate for justice and combating climate change. We pray that the Almighty, who received his unwavering service, welcomes him into His everlasting embrace. While we grieve the passing of this esteemed Pope, let us honor his enduring legacy," stated Tinubu.

On behalf of the Nigerian government and its people, the President extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful.

At the same time, Pope Francis was laid to rest yesterday in front of 250,000 mourners and countless others observing online. His death has sparked renewed interest in papal succession, which is evident from the increased streaming numbers.

Over the four days following the announcement, Edward Berger’s political suspense novel adapted into a film titled "Conclave," which portrays the secret ballot process for selecting a new pope, amassed 6.9 million viewing minutes on Prime Video, marking a significant increase of 283 percent compared to the 1.8 million minutes recorded just one day prior to the news revelation.

In 2019, Netflix's drama "The Two Popes," which focuses on Francis' connection with Benedict XVI, saw an even more significant surge in popularity; the viewing time skyrocketed by 417%, increasing from 290,000 to 1.5 million minutes. This boost propelled the movie into Netflix's global top-10 catalog for the first time since its debut.

Media analytics firm Luminate attributed the surge to audiences “looking for a crash course in conclave politics” ahead of the real-life vote expected in Rome next month.

As Rome prepares for the Conclave, Nigerians hope their President will step out of his private chambers soon enough.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).