By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo created a storm on social media after a photo of him surfaced on Twitter clutching a green Nigerian passport in a U.S. Airport all by himself.
The photo was shared by publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, along with a post which he said was from an unidentified person.
The post reads: “Former VP, less than 6 months out of office, at the Detroit Metro Airport, No Security, no orderly, na him carry him bag all by himself like any other traveller. My wife didn’t even recognize him until he showed his Nigerian passport. Respect.”
The Nigerian President, Vice President, presiding officials of the National Assembly and senior diplomatic officials carry a red colour diplomatic passport while lawmakers and other senior government officials use the blue colour diplomatic passport.
Osinbajo, who left office on May 29 this year, appears to have lost the privilege of carrying a diplomatic travel passport, hence, the resort to the green passport carried by private citizens.
Another surprise by netizens who reacted to the photo along the post from the unidentified author was why the former Vice President had no single orderly following him.
As former Vice President, Osinbajo is entitled to security and other aides provided for him by the Nigerian Government. But traveling with them around the globe will be a cost he would personally bear.
On X, Nigerians reacted.
Chrisdaramola said: “Power is temporal, history always repeats itself, but humans never learn.”
@Oluchima1 said: “That’s not a diplomatic passport? Are government officials or top public officials’ diplomatic passports transformed immediately after they leave office?”
@PeterObiUSA said: “Key word “Less than 6 Months after” wow. If you know a politician, Advice them to make an impact in the lives of people why they are in office and they should stay humble.”
lemanmKazaure said: “No diplomatic passport for him?” Power rotates. Las Las everyone go rest. Even the strong and might can’t retain it forever. No one lives forever. I say it again ‘power rotates.’ Simple.”
@EmekaNjidda said: “Prof. @ProfOsinbajo My Starboy anytime any day. Dele, drop that “he carried his bag by himself”. That’s some crazy people’s line. Ride on Professor Yemi Osinbajo. I truly miss your leadership.”
