Knocks, Kudos For Tinubu’s Poise Before Chinese President (Video)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has found himself at the center of a social media storm after a video surfaced showing him not standing erect while exchanging pleasantries with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an official visit to China.

The video, which quickly went viral, showed the two leaders exchanging pleasantries, but it was the gesture of Tinubu not standing erect with the Chinese president that drew the criticism of some.

Watch the video below;

In the footage, President Tinubu was seen greeting President Xi Jinping and other Chinese executives with a handshake, accompanied by a subtle bow. While the gesture is often viewed as a sign of respect in many cultures, it has not been well-received by many Nigerians who took to social media to express their discontent.

Critics argue that as the leader of Africa’s most populous nation, Tinubu should have maintained a more assertive posture, reflecting the dignity and status of the Nigerian people. Some social media users were particularly vocal, interpreting the bow as a sign of subservience, which they believe undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and global standing.

One user wrote, “Mr. President should stop this idea of bowing to every Ade, Ada, and Adamu he meets. You’re representing a country of more than 200 million people.”

Another commented, “A president bowing to another president. Ok ohh.”

GWG.ng reports that the criticism comes at a time when public sentiment is particularly sensitive, as many Nigerians continue to grapple with economic challenges and are keen on seeing their country assert itself more robustly in global affairs.

Despite the uproar, some have defended Tinubu’s gesture, arguing that it was a culturally appropriate sign of respect rather than a display of weakness. They emphasize that diplomatic etiquette often requires leaders to adapt to the customs of the host nation, and that the bow should not be blown out of proportion.

As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the presidency will respond to the criticism. For now, the video of Tinubu’s bow to President Xi continues to fuel discussions across social media, with Nigerians divided over what the gesture truly signifies for the nation’s leadership and global image.
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