Nigeria Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa Faces Backlash for Not Shaking Hands with Governor, Defends Actions
Nigeria Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has found himself at the center of a controversy following a video showing him declining to shake hands with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Responding to the widespread social media buzz surrounding the incident, Musa took to Twitter on Tuesday, April 2, to set the record straight. Expressing his disappointment at the attention garnered by the incident, Musa clarified that his actions were deeply rooted in Northern cultural norms.
In Northern culture, kneeling and shaking hands signify the utmost form of respect. Musa emphasized that his decision to bow instead of shaking hands was a gesture of respect towards the governor, in line with tradition.
“It’s disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion,” Musa remarked.
“In our Northern culture, the gesture of kneeling, shaking hands, etc., signifies the highest form of respect. This was my intention when I greeted the Deputy Governor in such a manner. However, when it came to greeting the Governor, I chose to bow and not shake his hands, honoring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition.”
The football star lamented the excessive spotlight placed on the incident, especially when there are more critical national issues like economic struggles and security threats demanding attention.
Musa criticized the media, for diverting attention from critical matters to what he considered a trivial moment.
“It’s unfortunate that amidst all the pressing issues our nation faces – economic hardships, security challenges, religious clashes, and more – this seemingly insignificant moment has garnered so much attention,” Musa lamented. “Even national media outlets like ARISE TV have jumped on the bandwagon, diverting focus from issues that truly matter- highly disappointing I must say.”
Responding to criticisms regarding his demeanor, Musa called on the public to reconsider where they invest their energy, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing solutions to societal challenges over needless diversions.
