‘It’s Idobale for Democracy’ – Tinubu speaks on Eagle Square fall

Following an embarrassing moment at Eagle Square in commemoration of 25 years of Democracy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spoken about the incident which occurred on Wednesday morning in Abuja.

The Informant247 had earlier reported how President Tinubu missed his step and fell while walking into a vehicle that would convey him for a parade at Eagle Square in commemoration of Democracy Day.

The president, who had earlier delivered a nationwide broadcast, arrived at Eagle Square for the parade on Wednesday morning and was surrounded by men of the Armed Forces and some of his personal aides.

However, Tinubu, who wore a white native attire popularly known as agbada and his signature cap, struggled to save himself by holding on to the vehicle, but landed on the ground while his aides rushed to support him back to his feet.

Meanwhile, speaking at a dinner, the president referred to the fall as “Swagger”, saying social media is confused about it.

“Early this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on the social media. They are confused whether I was doing buga or doing babbaringa, but it is a day to celebrate Democracy while doing dobale for the day. I am a traditional Yoruba boy, I did my dobale,” he said.

The Wednesday incident has generated lots of controversies, amongst which is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, who reacted to the ugly incident.

Atiku, in his response, said, “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him. -AA.”

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential elections, has also reacted to the misstep of President Tinubu.

Obi reacting hours after the incident on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, expressed sadness over the incident.

“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.

“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,” Obi said.

Below are some other social media reactions to the fall:

Ibrahim Kalayi: “Why would anyone find it funny that the President tripped and fell? Let’s be guided please.”

Rachael Onyedi: “Old man, go and rest. You have done well for yourself and the generation unborn. What are you still looking for? You’re just there enjoying our suffering….”

Oluwa Fe: “Enemies within and enemies outside looking for the President’s mistakes as if the man isn’t human. They will never see anything good about him, just waiting for his mistake. Maybe that’s why God has always made him a winner in almost all his fights.”

Olayode Ogunmola: “I watched it live. He missed his steps, and it could happen to anyone! Joe Biden, the American President, once missed his steps while boarding a plane. We should wish our leaders well.”

Boma Ibim: “I hope our President is doing fine? Even as a young guy, I miss my steps, let alone someone like Baba Tinubu… It’s not a new thing. Even those abusing him can’t remember how many times they’ve missed their steps.”

Oyelere Tawfique: “This man just keeps on disgracing himself. Why not honourably tender a resignation letter? Is it a must? Our politicians and greediness, Sha. You’re old.”