President Bola Tinubu appeared to signal strong confidence in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, with a lighthearted greeting moments before departing for a state visit to Britain on Tuesday.
At the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, President Tinubu followed protocol by exchanging pleasantries with senior government officials, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister Wike, ahead of boarding Air Force 001.
When Minister Wike stepped forward for a handshake, the President paused, addressed the former Rivers State Governor as “Landlord” and exchanged a few brief, inaudible words with him, as seen in a video clip.
NewsQuest reports that the President’s gesture is indicative of a strong thumbs-up of approval in the activities and operations of the FCT Minister in managing the nation’s capital city, Abuja.
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President Tinubu’s aircraft, Airbus A330 also conveying the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu,
lifted off at 10 a.m. local time and is expected to arrive in Britain around 4:40 p.m. local time.
President Tinubu is the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle, a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onamuga on Monday said.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” the statement read.
