As President Bola Tinubu struggled with his agbada and misstepped while climbing into a parade vehicle at Eagles Square during the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, many Nigerians held their collective breath. However, it's important to remember that President Tinubu is not the only world leader to have taken a visible fall.
From Hillary Clinton's stumble during a 9/11 memorial service in 2016 to Donald Trump's unsteady walk down a ramp at West Point in 2020, and from Xi Jinping's near-slip off a stage in Russia to Robert Mugabe's fall down red-carpeted steps in Harare, even the most powerful leaders can experience momentary lapses in balance.
In 2012, President Barack Obama slipped on a stage in Richmond, Virginia, during a campaign rally. He quickly regained his balance and continued speaking, showing that even the most graceful of leaders can have a misstep.
More recently, in 2023, President Joe Biden fell on stage while exiting a podium after delivering a speech. Despite the fall, he got up quickly and continued with his schedule, demonstrating his resilience.
These incidents serve as a reminder that our leaders are human beings, entitled to miss a step or two. While social media and 24-hour news cycles often scrutinize their every move, framing stumbles within narratives about their fitness for office, it's essential to remember that a momentary lapse does not define a leader's capabilities.
As President Tinubu rose from his misstep and continued to perform his duties at the parade ground, he demonstrated that even in moments of vulnerability, leaders can show resilience and strength. So, let us not be too quick to judge our leaders for their missteps, but instead, let us focus on their ability to rise above them.
By acknowledging that even the most powerful leaders can stumble, we can work towards a more compassionate and understanding political culture that values strength not just in physical prowess but also in resilience and determination.
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