Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has shed light on the recent encounter between President Bola Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during their visit to the Vatican.
In a post shared via her verified Facebook account on Thursday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu offered what she titled “The Inside Story: How It All Went Down In Rome.”
Recounting the events, the former ambassador and ex-beauty queen explained that she had spotted Peter Obi alongside former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, and approached them for a brief exchange of pleasantries. Not long after, both men accompanied her to extend their greetings to President Tinubu, who was already seated.
She narrated: “The President very warmly and graciously received them both in a relaxed and humorous mood, after which they returned to their seats. Thankfully, no ‘Scusi’ from any ushering priests like the scenario during the funeral mass of Pope Francis. Our delegation kept things nice and orderly.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu went on to express her surprise at the widespread social media debate the encounter stirred, criticizing how a simple gesture of courtesy was turned into a politically charged controversy.
“I was taken aback by all the buzz and flak something as simple as a polite greeting to one’s elder — not to mention the President — generated across the social media space, with all manner of innuendos and interpretations. Let’s just agree that many people just had the casual urge to create a giant mountain out of a mini molehill, so let’s let this one chill.”
She urged Nigerians to view the moment as one of unity, not division.
In addition, Bianca commended President Tinubu’s appearance and composure throughout the Vatican event, describing him as “dapper and debonair” in his suit, a notable shift from his usual native wear.
“I found it amazing that President Tinubu effortlessly sat and stood through the entire mass, observing every rite as it should — sans partaking in Holy Communion — for close to three hours under that flaming sun, even declining a sun shield when we offered to search for one,” she added.
She further noted that after the Mass, the President made time to meet with young Nigerian seminarians and priests, obliging them with selfies despite his aides encouraging him to take a break.
Bianca concluded by highlighting the significance of the president’s presence at the Vatican.
“A Muslim being present at a historic mass in St Peter’s Basilica, home of the Catholic faith — a symbolic demonstration of the values of coexistence and a potent demonstration of the fact that religious differences do not necessarily lead to conflict,” she remarked.
