Turkish officials were surprised Nigerian media focused on Tinubu’s stumble – Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said Turkish officials were taken aback by the attention Nigerian media gave to President Bola Tinubus brief stumble during his official visit to Trkiye, describing the controversy as unnecessary. Dabiri-Erewa made the remark on Wednesday, January 28, while responding to a post by X user, Oguntoye Opeyemi, popularly known as Equityoyo, who questioned why the incident dominated discussions in Nigeria. On ground here in Ankara, their officials were shocked to learn that it was an issue in Nigerian media and blogs, Dabiri-Erewa wrote. She explained that Turkish officials dismissed the debate, with one of them characterising the focus on the moment as silly and mischievous, while stressing that Tinubus visit was widely regarded as a success in Trkiye. One of them described it as silly and mischievous, and reiterated how excited their country is about the incredible success of the visit by @officialABAT, which is all over their media here, she added. Opeyemi, in his post, also noted that the incident did not feature in Trkiyes mainstream media, pointing out that no Turkish television station reported the presidents accidental slip. President Tinubu briefly stumbled on Tuesday during a ceremonial march-past held in his honour at the parade ground in Ankara. The moment occurred as he stepped forward to join the guard of honour but did not disrupt the event. Video footage, first shared by Turkish digital outlet Nefes Gazetesi and later circulated on X, showed Tinubu walking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan before momentarily losing his balance. He was quickly supported by security personnel. Tinubus visit, his first official trip to Trkiye, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas including defence, trade, investment, energy, media and scientific research.  The post Turkish officials were surprised Nigerian media focused on Tinubus stumble Abike Dabiri-Erewa appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.