Daniel E. Evbotokhai
The recent slip of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spurred heated discussion and brought up important issues regarding his health, actual age, leadership skills, security, traditional fashion, and the future of our country. This article examines the matters arising and the concomitant challenges or prospects for a democratic nation like Nigeria.
The phrase “Presidential Slip” describes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s experience at Eagle Square, Abuja. The 72-year-old president fell while ascending the steps of the Parade Van to make his way around Eagle Square on Democracy Day, June 12. The security guards moved quickly and assisted him back to his feet. This less-than-three-minute incident instantly took over social media, with Nigerians rejoicing and content creators making fun of it and making money out of it. This begs the question, “Why the jubilation?” “Don’t people slip?” What is so unique about the president slipping off his feet? Is he the first president to slip off at a public function?
Swinging the pendulum down memory lane shows that the then-United States President Gerald Ford slid Air Force One in 1975 while visiting Vienna, Austria, for talks with Egyptian President Anwar Sada. In fact, there have been more severe cases, like that of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who, in 2004, fell off the stage in Santa Clara, Cuba. Castro broke his knee and arm in the fall. Again, in February 2015, Zimbabwe’s 90-year-old President Robert Mugabe fell down from a staircase as he walked off a podium after addressing supporters at Harare International Airport. More so, the present American president, Joe Biden, has tripped three times on Air Force One stairs while scaling the steps to Atlanta to meet with Asian-American community leaders in a massacre. There have been many such antecedents in the past. Then, what has made Tinubu Slip special and an antics for mockery?
The slip of President Tinubu reminds Nigerians about the pre-electoral issues of his health and age. Research in the sciences shows that age comes with several physical and physiological changes that increase the likelihood of slipping or falling. Age comes with a decline in muscle mass, strength, flexibility, and mobility. Science also reveals that certain medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or impaired balance. In addition, psychological diagnosis shows that certain cognitive changes or dementia can affect judgement, increasing the risk of falls. Would any of these scientific or psychological projections have informed that incidence? In any case, they simply point to the actual age and health condition of the president.
Similar to this, on May 7, 2024, Nigerians began to worry again about Tinubu’s health when he failed to come home a few days after attending the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia. In response to those worries, the Minister of Health, Dr. Alausa, noted that Tinubu is healthy and that his absence has nothing to do with his health. Nevertheless, the occurrence of him falling off his feet speaks even more to the concerns expressed regarding his health.
We also need to investigate the security professionals assigned to Mr. President. Concerns have been expressed regarding the security personnel in this country due to incidents of negligence, ineptitude, and corruption. This president’s one-time error points to the inefficiency in the system. Were they on guard? It also raises concerns about the country’s overall safety in the face of terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and bandits. That one act of careless conduct highlights the degree of carelessness or negligence of our security personnel on critical matters.
In addition, we can’t overlook the place of our traditional fashion in this venture. The fashion and wear of the Nigerian presidency have been a subject of interest and debate. Nigerian presidents often wear traditional clothing, such as the Agbada, Babanriga, and Kaftan, which showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. This fashion, no doubt, promotes local fabrics such as Adire, Ankara, and Aso Oke. However, without downplaying the textile industry and cultural identity, the president should be encouraged to vest in smart wear that would project a professional image for certain occasions and needs.
It’s important to remember that agabada has a distinct cultural significance and beauty of its own and that it might be better suited to some traditional or cultural settings. For national events where cultural differences can be an issue, suits are more appropriate. Not the Yoruba or Hausua, but the entire country, celebrates Democracy Day. On public occasions, suits are more practical and generally simpler to move around in. Had he been wearing a suit on that particular day, he most likely would have taken precise measures to prevent a fall.
More so, the incident also points to the weak status of the Nigerian economy.The economy since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exacerbated, especially with the removal of fuel subsidies. The masses have been going through severe economic hardship, hunger, and injustice. His fall metaphorically explained the fall of the nation, the lack of structure and stamina, the financial imbalance, struggles, and tears of the common man.
The fall of Mr. President should serve as a cautionary tale for leaders to prioritise the needs of the people, promote democratic values, and maintain a high level of integrity and accountability. This is important because, at the time of his fall, many Nigerians were jubilant, an act that relates to an even greater grievance towards the president. It is believed that some Nigerians wish he had died.
Therefore, it behoves us not only to discuss and evaluate his actions, but we must also make an effort to take positive steps to contribute to the achievement of the national objectives. Like it is said in the stations of the Cross, precisely the seventh station, it reads, “From this fall, learn to persevere in doing good; never say I can’t go on.” Hence, Bola Ahmed Tinubu should swiftly do good to save the nation from the verge of failure and total fall. All of us must learn to persevere in doing good and contribute towards the development of society.
