By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
IN A VIRAL video of his fall at Eagle Square, Abuja, during the Democracy Day celebration on Wednesday morning, President Bola Tinubu has humorously described the incident as his “dobale” for democracy.
The video, which quickly spread across social media, captured the moment Tinubu stumbled while attempting to board the parade vehicle for the Democracy Day event.
During a dinner at the Presidential Villa’s Conference Centre, the President responded to the viral footage by referring to his fall as “swagger,” noting the confusion on social media about what had transpired.
“Early this morning, I had a swagger, and it was all over social media,” Tinubu remarked. “They are confused whether I was doing buga or babbariga, but today is a day to celebrate democracy while doing dobale. I am a traditional Yoruba boy; I did my dobale.”
The incident has elicited mixed reactions. Some sympathized with the President, recalling similar mishaps involving other world leaders, while others mocked the situation.
At the dinner, Tinubu also addressed the issue of minimum wage, stating that the government would only pay what it could afford and sustain.
“Minimum wage is going to be what Nigerians can afford, what you can afford, and what I can afford. They asked you to cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all,” he said.
Acknowledging the presence of opposition governors, including those from Akwa Ibom and Abia, as well as others from the ruling APC, Tinubu highlighted the unity beyond partisan lines.
“Everybody has forgotten the partisanship colour and embraced the green-white-green that depicts Nigeria. That is the value we hold dear; that is the baton we say we will hand over without stain to our children and grandchildren,” he emphasized.
The President also called on leaders and elder Nigerians to mentor the younger generation by instilling sound moral values. He promised to do everything within his power to reduce food prices, expressing hope that bandits would allow farmers to access their fields to produce food.
Tinubu took the opportunity to commend Customs officers in Kebbi and Ondo states for rejecting substantial bribes and arresting those vandalizing rail tracks. “Citizenship is not just the dictionary meaning of it; it is the actual character in us. Teach these ones to achieve it,” he concluded.
Prominent figures who spoke at the dinner about the events leading to the annulment of the June 12 Presidential election by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime included Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Sen. Shehu Sanni, and Dele Alake.
The event was also attended by Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Lawal Shuaibu, and other notable leaders.
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