Tinubu stumbles during reception in Türkiye

The Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday stumbled during a ceremonial march-past organised for his reception at the parade ground in Türkiye while walking alongside his Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Penpushing reports that a video posted on X by Turkish digital news platform Nefes Gazetesi showed that the incident occurred as the President joined the guard of honour, when he briefly stumbled to the ground.

The video equally showed that the ugly development drew momentary attention before the programme continued without disruption, however, the visiting President was quickly assisted by the Secret Service.

Penpushing also reports that the reception earlier commenced at about 5:00 pm local time with the simultaneous playing of the national anthems of both nations and a ceremonial 21-gun salute.

The Tinubu’s visit was first to the European nation, a reciprocal engagement following Erdoğan’s visit to Nigeria in October 2021 under late former President Muhammadu Buhari, while it aims to consolidate the long-standing cordial relations between Nigeria and Türkiye.

Penpushing reports that following the completion of the ceremonial formalities, the two Presidents withdrew into a closed-door bilateral meeting, where discussions on matters of strategic national importance were expected to hold.

The Special Adviser Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, reacting to the incident on his verified X handle, however, said that Tinubu is hale and hearty and proceeding with his scheduled state visit to Turkiye according to plan.

Penpushing further reports Dare added that the president proceeded from the ceremonial reception to scheduled bilateral meetings with President Erdogan and other senior officials, stating that the meetings are aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation across strategic sectors. .

“President Tinubu, after a stately welcome ceremony in Ankara, proceeded to scheduled bilateral meetings with the President of Türkiye and other senior government officials,” he said.

Penpushing also reports that on his part Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Nigeria’s President, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the official visit was equally aimed exploring new areas of cooperation to deepen a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.

The Presidential Spokesperson explained that Tinubu merely stepped on an object, resulting in a minor loss of balance, stressing that it wasn’t a big deal except for those who want to make mischief out of a fleeting incident.

“The President stepped on a metal on the floor, which made him lose his balance. This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of a fleeting incident. It was a mere stumble, thank God, not a fall,” he added.

Penpushing reports that Onanuga urged the public to disregard attempts to sensationalise the minor incident, stressing that the president remains fit and fully engaged.

The Special Adviser, it would be recalled, in a statement on Sunday emphasized that both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade, and investment during the visit.

Penpushing further reports that he added that the agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation, and protocol, among others.

The Special Adviser stated that a business forum is expected to be held on the sidelines of the visit to connect Nigerian and Turkish investors and unlock opportunities for mutual economic growth.

Penpushing also reports that top Nigerian government officials who received the President at his hotel include the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd).

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