While the swearing-in ceremony of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio took place without a single hitch, a mild domestic drama tainted that of the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass.
Perhaps taking a cue from the First lady, Remi Tinubu, who stood beside her husband all through his swearing-ceremony, Hon. Abass’ two wives thought it wise to replicate what they saw happen during the May 29 inauguration event. But they only succeeded in marring their husband’s ceremony with their shocking behaviour.
First, the Speaker’s second wife walked to the stage in an attempt to stand by her husband while he took his oath of office. Naturally many were shocked by her action as no past wife of the number three citizen, let alone the number four citizen, has ever attempted to be part of such proceedings without invitation.
The Clerk of the House, who was anchoring the swearing-in ceremony, couldn’t hide his irritation at what she was trying to do. While others were still wondering what gave her the audacity to behave in such manner, Abass’ first wife, seeing that the second wife was trying to take her shine and publicly displace her, also stormed the stage to put a stop to the apparent ‘coup’ that almost took place. An argument ensued between the two wives who clearly breached protocol but refused to retreat.
Guests and other members of the House at the ceremony were disappointed by the open display of shame by the women. The speaker was eventually able to calm his wives and completed his swearing-in ceremony.
The incident has since cast a shadow over Abass’ new role as Speaker, no doubt. It has also raised questions about his personal life and his ability to lead the House of Representatives if he is unable to keep a tight rein on his two wives and manage his household successfully without rancour.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
