For Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, trouble does not trickle. It pours.
Oshiomhole, currently in the eye of the storm for his party’s avoidable loss of Zamfara State to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, got another shocker during the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, at The Eagles Square, Abuja.
The former Edo Governor, was shuffled in the full glare of the world for breaching protocol at the event.
After the arrival of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife at the arena, the nation’s men of power had stood in line to receive the president who was billed to arrive any moment. Contrary to the official order of recognition at such high profile national event, Oshiomhole stood next to the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Tanko, followed by the Service Chiefs.
Senate President Bukola Saraki and House Speaker Yakubu Dogara were at The Eagle Square. Had they not crossed to the PDP, and had they chosen to join the line of the very, very important personalities (VVIPs) to welcome Buhari, they would have taken their positions after the Vice President. They would have also been followed by the Chief Justice of the Federation; then the Service Chiefs.
But with their absence on the executive line, Oshiomole went and stood next to the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Tanko, a position that would make the undiscerning believe he’s Number 4 in the nation’s hierarchy..
Shortly after, one of the service chiefs walked up to the APC national chairman and politely excused him out of that position, which ought to have been taken by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin.
An obviously embarrassed Oshiomole had no choice but to swallow the humble pie, and take a new position after the Service Chiefs.
A top Nigerian, who saw the drama live, said Oshiomhole deserved what he got. The concerned Nigerian reasoned that as a two-term governor, the APC boss ought to have known that he bears no constitutionally recognized position when it comes to protocols in such a parade.
