It was on the 20th of November, 2018 when the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 40 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS) presented our course report, after our rigorous ten month study programme to the President at the Villa. The Presidential parley of the “National Institute” is an interactive programme where the President/ Commander-In-Chief receives the report on the topic the President had saddled the participants carefully selected by him, to research into, for the betterment of the country. Towards a better Society as we say. Our report was on Community Policing. With the President were the Vice President, key members of his Cabinet, Security Chiefs, among others
After the highly engaging presentation and interraction that followed, we had a group photograph session and also an opportunity for one-on-one, brief interraction with the President. We were filing past with the president congratulating and shaking the hand of each and every of the sixty-six participants. The photographers were well positioned to take the memorable pictures. When it was my turn, the President for a reason I could not explain dramatically grabbed my hand as if we ate dinner together the previous day. I smiled and looked up for the photograph only to see my pre-arranged photographer battling with the camera and knocking it as if it was a battle. The camera had stopped functioning. Obviously, he did not take the picture. Disappointed as I moved on. I looked at the cameraman somehow as he muted “battery” and I saw him changing the batteries.
I thought briefly of the missed opportunity, then I decided to join the line for another opportunity. As I got to the President again, he recognized me and smiled as he stretched forward his hand. Then I looked forward for the shot. Yeeeee, the devil has struck again. The camera man for whatever reasons, was fiddling with that camera again. I refused to let go the hand of the President while I beckoned on another camera man to take the photograph. President Buhari laughed loudly and asked to the hearing of those around, “Are you Contesting for an election?”. It was spontaneous and a general laughter. Anyway, I got my shots from the cameramen. That was a memorable encounter, with our witty Mr Integrity. Rest in Peace, President Mohammed Buhari.
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Dr Kayode OLAGUNJU, mni
Deputy Corps Marshal, rtd.
15 July, 25
