Eagle Square Mis-Step: ‘Social Media Is Confused’ – Tinubu Laughs Off Stagger

• Says ‘I Did My ‘Dobale’

President Bola Tinubu has laughed off the incident of his mis-step on Wednesday morning during the Democracy Day celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja,  saying; “I had a swagger and it’s on social media”.

Addressing issues around the stumble that got the social media abuzz, the President jokingly said most people mistook his misstep for the popular ‘Buga’ dance move or ‘Idobale’ which is the traditional Yoruba way of prostrating to greet elders

Speaking at the Presidential Villa during the June 12 Democracy Day dinner on Wednesday evening, the President, who referred to viral online video clips showing his momentary loss of footing trying to board a military vehicle to review the parade at the Eagle Square, said; “Earlier this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on social media.

“They were confused whether I was doing buga or babanriga”.

President Tinubu, while reviewing the incident from his perspective, dwelled more on the celebratory nature of Democracy Day and his deep-rooted cultural pride, saying lightheartedly; “It’s a day to celebrate democracy while doing ‘dobale’ for the day. I am a traditional Yoruba boy. I did my dobale”.

In a spectrum of opinions on the minor incident, the social media has been quite busy with mixed reactions.

Some of the social media reactions to the fall are captured below:

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.”

@Mr_francis55: “Oh no, God. Hope he didn’t injure himself.”

@dammygtnet: “I will never laugh at this. This can happen to anyone. Even Joe Biden once experienced the same. My issue with President Tinubu is about his insensitive policies, which the populace is suffering from. He should do better or be booted out.”

@DrJHHyat: “I hope Mr. President is fine. The state of the economy came to mind.”

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

Àràkunrin Olabisi (@OlabisiLaw): “It’s normal to fall. The most important thing was to rise again, which he firmly did. Nigeria will rise and be great again.”

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….”

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.”

Aisha Baggio: “A clear indication even God is not happy with this administration. People are dying of hunger and hardship, and the President is busy unveiling activities for Democracy Day. You people should have a rethink before it’s too late.”

@xfactum: “People are really looking for this man’s downfall.”

Maibitil Mni (@Maibitil_): “National Disgrace on National TV at Democracy Day. After blowing lies on TV, his body couldn’t hold those lies and chose to go down lowwwwwww for a minute.”

Captain MD@Lovedcarefully; “President with a sense of humor. Always nice to have. Needed from Leaders sometimes. He is not a Superman, he is just another man. These things happen. Nice that he spoke about it and laughed it off 💪