By Adesakin Adefemi
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s brief stumble during a ceremonial march-past in Ankara, Turkey, has sparked controversy back home, but Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has downplayed the incident, saying Turkish officials are dismissing it as “silly” and “mischievous”.
The incident occurred as Tinubu joined the guard of honour alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, momentarily drawing attention before the programme continued smoothly.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, Turkish officials were shocked to learn that the incident had become a major talking point in Nigerian media, with some critics questioning the President’s health and fitness for office. “Not a single Turkish TV station reported the President’s accidental slip because it’s a non-issue,” Dabiri-Erewa wrote, emphasizing that the visit is being warmly celebrated across Turkey.
The Presidency has downplayed the incident, stating that Tinubu merely stepped on a metal object on the floor, causing him to lose his balance. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described it as a “mere stumble, thank God, not a fall,” urging Nigerians to disregard attempts to sensationalise the incident.
Despite the controversy, Tinubu has continued with his official engagements, holding bilateral meetings with Erdoğan and other senior Turkish officials. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation in defence, trade, investment, energy, and scientific research.
The Nigerian delegation includes senior officials such as Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa. A business forum is also planned to connect Nigerian and Turkish investors, with the aim of boosting trade and investment between the two countries.
Turkish officials have expressed surprise at the attention given to the incident, emphasizing that the visit is being warmly celebrated across Turkey. “One of them described it as ‘silly and mischievous’, and reiterated how their country was excited about the incredible success of the visit,” Dabiri-Erewa added.
The incident has sparked debate online, with some questioning the transparency of the official explanation and others dismissing it as trivial. Political activist Mahdi Shehu has challenged the Presidency’s explanation, describing it as “unintelligent and unschooled”.
The Presidency has urged Nigerians to disregard attempts to sensationalise the incident, maintaining that Tinubu remains fit and focused on his official duties. The visit is expected to yield positive outcomes, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
The success of the visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening Nigeria-Turkey relations, with potential benefits for trade, investment, and security cooperation. As the visit continues, all eyes will be on the outcomes of Tinubu’s meetings with Turkish officials.
