Nigerians react as pigeons embarrass Buhari on Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Nigerians have reacted to the embarrassing incident recorded on Friday when pigeons released by President Muhammadu Buhari during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration simply refused to fly.

The incident took place during the event held at the National Arcade, Eagle Square in Abuja.

Also in attendance was Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. Buhari, alongside the two leaders of Nigeria’s legislature, laid wreaths to commemorate the occasion.

Traditionally, the release of the pigeons is a ceremonial gesture which occurs during momentous events. However, the ceremony took on a different twist to the amusement of Nigerians. President Buhari had been called to release the birds. However, they refused to fly despite all the attempts made by the president.

Buhari had even gone as far picking up one of the pigeons which he threw into the air; apparently in a bid to encourage it to take flight. Surprisingly, the bird flew back into the cage.

Equally important, the development had drawn swift reactions from Nigerians. Many had taken to their respective social media accounts to comment on the incident. One of the prominent Nigerians who reacted was a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode.