Senate President Godswill Akpabio sparked confusion in the Senate chambers on Wednesday after he mistakenly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “late” during a valedictory session, before quickly correcting himself to acknowledge former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away recently.
The gaffe occurred while Akpabio was praising the Tinubu administration’s handling of Buhari’s burial arrangements.
“And the whole country is very proud of what this administration has done, in the way and manner President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was honoured and was buried,” Akpabio said before abruptly correcting himself. “You can see even from the… President Buhari, sorry, President Buhari was honoured and buried.”
He then compounded the error by stating, “Distinguished Senator Nengi, you also observed that President Bola Tinubu will not be forgotten for what he has done during the burial ceremonies of President Buhari.”
This is coming barely few days after Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma made a similar error.
During the Constitution Review Zonal Public Hearings in Owerri, Uzodimma mistakenly referred to President Bola Tinubu as the former President and a deceased individual.
However, Uzodimma’s solemn prayer took an unexpected turn when he made a slip of the tongue that has since triggered reactions online.
Uzodimma, while offering prayers for the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari, said, “May the soul of former President Bola…” before pausing briefly.
He then continued, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away on July 13th after a brief illness. His burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, was attended by dignitaries from across Africa, with President Tinubu delivering a eulogy that highlighted Buhari’s “service and sacrifice” to Nigeria.
Despite the awkward moment, the Senate proceeded with its session, with Akpabio later joking about the mix-up.
“In the Senate, we are also determined to ensure that in our books, the record also says that we had this valedictory despite all said and done,” he added, attempting to move past the blunder.
The Senate President’s office has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
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