Presidency Plays Down Tinubu’s Brief Fall In Turkey

The Presidency has played down a brief incident involving President Bola Tinubu during his state visit to Turkey on Tuesday, describing the President as being in good shape and fully engaged with his official schedule.

Reacting to reports that President Tinubu momentarily missed his step in Ankara on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, said the visit was proceeding smoothly and without any cause for concern.

In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Dare stated that President Tinubu, after a stately welcome ceremony in Ankara, went on to attend scheduled bilateral meetings with the President of Turkey and other senior government officials from both countries.

“President Tinubu in great shape as state visit proceeds smoothly,” Dare wrote, adding that the Nigerian leader continued his engagements as planned following the welcome ceremony.

The incident occurred while President Tinubu was walking alongside his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, after inspecting a parade held in his honour. A review of the video footage showed that a cameraman who moved close to the President appeared to have triggered the brief stumble.

President Tinubu quickly regained his balance and proceeded with the programme of events, including high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening relations between Nigeria and Turkey.