Buhari’s strange ‘Scottish’ bagpipers at Abuja Airport

President Muhammadu Buhari returned home in Abuja today,  expectedly to a red carpet reception by some aides, ministers and governors.

But there was more: a guard of honour that  one usually sees welcoming visiting leaders  or on ceremonial occasions such as Independence Day. President Buhari reviewed the guard.

Then surprise of all surprises:  dozens of bagpipers,men and women,  dressed remarkably like Scots. The difference was that they wore plaid shorts, not skirts and they were black faces, not whites.

The Buhari bagpipers were wearing berets and boots, suggesting they were from a command in the military or police. Their apparels were unmistakenly Scot.

They must be an innovation in presidential reception, in cash strapped Nigeria. But an innovation clearly insensitive to the financial state of the nation.