Atiku and Obasanjo, who served as Vice President and President of Nigeria respectively, between 1999-2007, had an estranged relationship during the last lap of their second term in office. However, in a surprising turn of events, Atiku was reported to have knelt down and bowed his head to greet his former boss at a public function yesterday.
According to Daily Times, the act took place at the venue of the 2012 Comptroller-General of Customs’ conference in Katsina.
Both men were among a retinue of VIPs invited to the opening of the week long Comptroller-Generals’ conference held at the newly inaugurated auditorium of Katsina State University.
Obasanjo, who arrived ahead of Atiku, was seated next to second republic President Shehu Shagari and the Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade.
Atiku, who arrived nearly 40-minutes after his former boss, first greeted the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammad Iliyasu; Emir of Katsina, Abdulmimini Usman; the Ooni and Shagari who were seated at the podium.
When he got to Obasanjo, the former Vice President knelt down and bowed his head to greet his former boss. The delighted crowd followed the mild drama with applause.
I wonder where all the cameras were at this time. This is one picture I would have really loved to see.
Many have said the unusual public display by Atiku is an attempt to win favours for his political ambition in the 2015 General Elections. Others have said it is just a publicity stunt.
What do you say? What do you make out of this public show of “respect”?
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