The Presidency has reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s fall when he slipped while trying to climb a special parade vehicle for inspection of guards parade to celebrate Democracy Day on Wednesday, June 12.
But the president, however, regained balance and continued his assignment without with dexterity
The incident, which happened
during a live telecast of the ceremony, quickly
went viral and followed by different comments and observations.
But in a swift reaction, the Presidency said the incident was not peculiar to him because though he is a leader, he is ‘’just a human being like others.’’
The Presidency’s statement is against the backdrop of the video of the slip which went viral on social media.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his X handle (formerly Twitter) @aonanuga1956, said President Tinubu is not a superman.
“President Tinubu is not a superman. He is human like all
of us. President Biden has had several slips in the last three years.
Even the younger Barack Obama slipped while president. Political leaders are humans. Slipping should not detract from the import of
Democracy Day celebration,” Onanuga posted.
Also, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, spoke in the
same vein on his X handle.
“Mr President missed his step
while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues,”
He added: “After the slip, President Tinubu was fully able to preside over the scheduled military activities marking this year’s Democracy Day as planned. Following his welcome to the ceremony by fanfare and national salute, he mounted the special parade vehicle for the inspection of guards as the special guest of honour.”
“The president witnessed the combined march-past in slow and quick times by the armed forces, before the Guards’ Brigade silent drill display.
“Along with other guests, he was also entertained by the mass band and cultural troupe displays before unveiling a portrait of himself
described as the world’s largest painting portrait on canvas.
“He presided over advances of the armed forces personnel in the review order,
before signing the Democracy Day register.”
While wishing him well, former Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote: “I was saddened to learn of President Tinubu’s unfortunate fall today. I wish him well. We achieve nothing by gloating about an accident that could well happen to
any of us.”
“We are all human beings, and while we profoundly disagree on how to move Nigeria forward. We must remember our common human frailty. Let us stay focused on the issues that will lead to a new Nigeria.”
He added: “May this moment serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and
the need for compassion, empathy, and unity in our pursuit of a brighter future for our great nation.”
Former Vice President, Atiku
Abubakar, who also wished him well, wrote: “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day.”
