Denge Josef Onoh, former Southeast Spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, has responded to criticism following President Tinubu’s brief slip during an official ceremony in Turkey, insisting the incident was simply a human moment with no health implications.
Onoh accused opposition figures of spreading unfounded claims by attempting to turn a minor mishap from the President’s state visit to Turkey on Tuesday into a major controversy. The incident occurred during a ceremonial welcome in Ankara, where President Tinubu momentarily lost his footing, sparking widespread discussion on Nigerian social media and news platforms.
In his response, Onoh emphasized that the brief stumble neither indicated any health problems nor detracted from the significance of the presidential visit. He noted that such incidents are occupational hazards for world leaders, who frequently contend with unfamiliar settings, ceremonial formalities, and demanding itineraries while under constant public observation.
To illustrate his point, Onoh referenced several well-documented instances involving international leaders, including former U.S. President Gerald Ford’s fall down Air Force One steps in Austria in 1975, President Joe Biden’s stumble on aircraft stairs in 2021, and President Barack Obama’s brief misstep while exiting Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in 2015. He also mentioned similar incidents involving Chinese President Xi Jinping, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro—who fell from a stage in 2004—and former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.
“These examples remind us that even highly accomplished leaders are human and subject to occasional physical slips,” Onoh remarked.
Regarding the cause of the incident, Onoh referenced explanations from the President’s team, which pointed to an improperly installed blue carpet at the venue that created an uneven walking surface. “This had nothing to do with the President’s health. He quickly recovered, received assistance, and continued with his schedule without interruption,” he explained.
Onoh stressed that the incident did not compromise the visit’s goals, which included strengthening Nigeria-Turkey bilateral ties, boosting trade and investment cooperation, expanding defense collaboration, and exploring infrastructure development partnerships. President Tinubu proceeded to conduct scheduled bilateral discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other high-ranking officials, demonstrating his dedication and resilience.
“In serving Nigeria, any minor personal inconvenience a leader faces—whether a stumble or greater sacrifice—is justified if it serves the nation’s best interests,” Onoh stated.
He called on opposition leaders to channel their energy toward presenting constructive ideas and practical policy alternatives instead of exploiting momentary incidents for political advantage. Onoh concluded by reassuring Nigerians that President Tinubu remains healthy and fully dedicated to fulfilling his presidential responsibilities, urging citizens to concentrate on national unity, development, and collective prosperity.
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