Presidency Downplays Tinubu’s Stumble In Turkey As Minor Incident

THE Presidency, on Tuesday, January 27, downplayed President Bola Tinubu’s trip and stumble during a reception in Ankara, Türkiye, describing it as a minor incident that did not in any way disrupt his official engagements.
The incident occurred as Tinubu walked alongside his host, President Recep Erdogan, after what seemed like missed step, but he was quickly assisted by officials to regain his balance.
In his reaction to the incident, which was widely reported on social media, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President merely stepped on an object on the floor and only momentarily lost his balance, adding: “This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of the fleeting incident.”
Onanuga stated that the development was neither serious nor consequential, as Tinubu remained unharmed and continued with his scheduled programme, adding: “It was a mere stumble, thank God, not a fall.”
The President was reported to have remained fully engaged in his official activities in Ankara, holding meetings and participating in events lined up for the state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and strategic ties between Nigeria and Türkiye, after the incident.
His Senior Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, wrote in a post on his X handle: “Mr. President missed his step very briefly and has continued his bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“A live press conference is happening immediately after the bilateral.”
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, assuring that his principal was in great shape, as state visit proceeds smoothly, disclosed that the President immediately proceeded from the ceremonial reception to scheduled bilateral meetings with Erdogan and other senior government officials.
“President Tinubu, after a stately welcome ceremony in Ankara, proceeded to scheduled bilateral meetings with the President of Türkiye and other senior government officials from both countries,” he explained.