It is particularly disheartening to see that in a nation where religious observance is so prominent, where people talk about church, mosque, and prayers at every opportunity, the response to a simple mishap by the president has been so ungodly and uncharitable. This behavior starkly contrasts with the values preached in these religious spaces. If Nigerians truly adhered to the teachings of their faiths, there would be more empathy, respect, and understanding, rather than mockery and disrespect.
In the spirit of light-heartedness and cultural pride, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu humorously addressed his fall during the Democracy Day ceremony, framing it as a display of his Yoruba heritage. The incident occurred as the president climbed the steps of a vehicle at Eagle Square in Abuja, the capital, during an official event marking 25 years of democracy in the country. After slipping and needing assistance to rise, President Tinubu later joked about the incident at a banquet dinner, suggesting that his fall was akin to performing traditional Yoruba dance moves. “Early this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on the social media. They’re confused whether I was doing buga or doing babanriga,” he quipped, adding, “I’m a traditional Yoruba boy, I did my dobale.”
Despite the fall, President Tinubu continued with the day’s events, and his aide, Dada Olusegun, described the incident as a “mild misstep.” The president’s ability to maintain his sense of humor and to carry on with the ceremonial rounds underscores his resilience and commitment to the nation’s celebrations.
The incident has elicited a range of reactions from Nigerians. While many have expressed sympathy and best wishes for the president, some have used the opportunity to question his health, a topic that was raised during the campaign for the previous year’s election. Social media users have also shared their thoughts, with some expressing concern and others finding the incident a moment of human vulnerability that transcends political differences.
In a democratic society, the health and well-being of the president are matters of public interest. However, the manner in which President Tinubu handled the situation, with grace and a touch of humor, serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and respect in public discourse. As the nation continues to celebrate its democratic milestones, the president’s fall, while a momentary lapse, has also become a testament to the resilience and dignity with which he carries out his duties.
The recent incident where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu experienced a fall during a public event has sparked a flurry of reactions, from expressions of concern to widespread mockery. This event, captured on video and disseminated across various platforms, has become a subject of intense public scrutiny and debate. As a psychologist, it is crucial to unravel the complexities of these reactions and provide a nuanced understanding of their implications.
The Presidency’s statement, issued by Special Adviser Dada Olusegun, sought to reassure the public by characterizing the incident as a minor slip and highlighting the president’s swift return to his duties. This response reflects an effort to maintain decorum and keep the focus on the nation’s governance.
However, the public’s reaction, particularly the mockery on social media, musical parodies, digital images about the fall, and in some media outlets, raises profound psychological and ethical questions. From a psychological perspective, the tendency to mock or take pleasure in the misfortunes of others can be a manifestation of deeper societal issues, such as a lack of empathy, a culture of cynicism, or a sense of disenfranchisement. The reaction to President Tinubu’s fall is a reflection of a larger issue within Nigerian media and society. While there is a legitimate public interest in the health and well-being of the nation’s leader, the manner in which some have chosen to respond—with mockery and disrespect—is concerning. It highlights a trend of sensationalism in journalism and a lack of empathy and respect among certain segments of the population. When such reactions become pervasive, they can erode the social fabric and undermine respect for leadership.
All over the world, various presidents and heads of state have experienced falls or mishaps at one time or another. For instance, US President Joe Biden stumbled several times while climbing the steps of Air Force One, and UK Prime Minister Theresa May tripped on stage during a conference. Yes, the media reports on these incidents, but not incessantly as seen with some Nigerian journalists and segments of the public. Sensationalizing such incidents day in and day out only serves to foster a culture of disrespect and trivializes the serious business of governance.
The mocking of President Tinubu’s fall is indicative of a deeper issue: a lack of respect for the office of the presidency and the individual who holds it. It is a reminder that leaders are human and susceptible to mishaps just like anyone else. The focus should be on the substance of the president’s actions and policies, rather than on trivial incidents that do not reflect his ability to govern. The media’s role in this context is particularly significant. As gatekeepers of information, Nigerian media outlets have an ethical responsibility to report on matters of public interest with sensitivity and professionalism. The sensationalization of the president’s fall and the perpetuation of mockery can be seen as a dereliction of this responsibility. It not only disrespects the office of the presidency but also sets a tone for public discourse that is detrimental to the nation’s collective well-being.
It is particularly disheartening to see that in a nation where religious observance is so prominent, where people talk about church, mosque, and prayers at every opportunity, the response to a simple mishap by the president has been so ungodly and uncharitable. This behavior starkly contrasts with the values preached in these religious spaces. If Nigerians truly adhered to the teachings of their faiths, there would be more empathy, respect, and understanding, rather than mockery and disrespect.
Furthermore, the public’s right to be informed about their leader’s health must be balanced against the president’s right to privacy and dignity. As a psychologist, I emphasize the necessity of a compassionate approach that acknowledges the humanity of our leaders. President Tinubu’s history of knee issues and surgeries should elicit a response rooted in understanding and empathy, not mockery.
The ongoing debate on presidential health disclosure, exemplified by discussions in countries like the United States, underscores the challenges of balancing transparency with privacy. Nigeria, too, must navigate this delicate equilibrium, ensuring that the public is apprised of their leader’s fitness for office without resorting to intrusive or disrespectful methods.
The public’s right to know about their leader’s health is a cornerstone of democratic accountability. However, this right must be exercised with consideration for the leader’s dignity and privacy. President Tinubu’s history of knee issues and surgeries underscores the need for a compassionate and understanding approach. It is a reminder that leaders, too, are human and subject to the same health challenges as any citizen. While there is no law in America or Nigeria that requires presidents to disclose their health status, it is a matter of ongoing controversy. The public’s interest in the general fitness of their president and the potential implications for national security are valid concerns.
Nigerian journalists should be advocating for transparency and the establishment of policies that ensure the public is informed about their leader’s health without resorting to mockery or invasions of privacy. The focus should be on the importance of a leader’s fitness for office and the need for responsible disclosure, rather than on sensationalism or disrespect. The debate on presidential health disclosure is a global issue, with countries like the United States grappling with the balance between transparency and privacy. Nigeria, as a vibrant democracy, must engage in a thoughtful discussion about how to ensure that the public is informed without compromising the president’s right to privacy.
As a psychologist, my intention in addressing the public reaction to President Tinubu’s fall is not rooted in personal gain or any relationship with the president. It is a response to the pervasive Nigerian mindset that often assumes ulterior motives behind public statements or actions. The focus here is on the psychological and societal implications of the mockery and sensationalism that have followed the incident.
The extent of the mockery, manifested in various forms such as printed media, social media sketches, and digital drawings, is indeed disheartening. While it is understandable that the public might initially react with surprise or concern to such an event, the persistence of mockery since June 12 is excessive and unwarranted. This prolonged reaction reflects a deeper issue within Nigerian society—a tendency to disrespect and belittle, rather than empathize and support.
Regardless of personal feelings towards President Tinubu, whether as a person or as a leader, it is crucial to recognize that mocking a human mishap is neither respectful nor constructive. Such behavior contributes to a culture of disrespect and undermines the dignity of the office of the presidency. It is a reflection of a society that struggles with empathy and the ability to rise above petty schadenfreude.
The psychological impact of such mockery is significant. It can create an environment where leaders feel undervalued and the public becomes desensitized to the importance of respect and dignity. Moreover, it sets a precedent for how we treat each other, promoting a culture of ridicule rather than understanding and compassion.
In a democratic society, it is essential to foster a culture of respectful discourse and constructive criticism. The mockery of President Tinubu’s fall is a missed opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the health and well-being of our leaders, the balance between transparency and privacy, and the importance of empathy in public life.
As we move forward, it is important to challenge the mindset that dismisses genuine concerns and critiques as self-serving. The focus should be on stopping the nonsense of mockery and sensationalism and instead promoting a more empathetic and respectful public discourse. This shift is not only beneficial for the individual being mocked but also for the health of our society as a whole.
The Nigerian media and public must navigate the reporting and discussion of presidential mishaps with a sense of empathy, ethical responsibility, and respect for democratic principles. It is through such a balanced approach that we can uphold the values of a healthy democracy, one that values both openness and the dignity of its leaders. The Presidency’s response to the incident serves as a reminder that such moments should not detract from the critical work of governance and the nation’s development. As we move forward, we must strive to cultivate a culture of empathy and respect. We must remember that leaders, like everyone else, are human and prone to the same vulnerabilities. By fostering a more compassionate public discourse, we contribute to a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.
Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. [email protected]