Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
Nigeria President-Elect Bola Tinubu expressed his appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring the highest national honors on him and Vice President-Elect Kashim Shettima Mustapha at an investiture ceremony held on Thursday in Abuja. The prestigious event took place ahead of Tinubu’s upcoming inauguration, set to take place on May 29, 2023.
In his address, Tinubu acknowledged the achievements of President Buhari’s administration, stating that the transition documents presented to him constitute an impressive scorecard. He praised the president for his commitment to progressive and democratic governance, emphasizing that Buhari’s contributions to the nation’s development are unparalleled.
The investiture ceremony was hailed as evidence of Nigeria’s vibrant democracy, where a leader personally honors his successor and ensures a seamless transfer of power. Tinubu expressed pride in the occasion, emphasizing its significance beyond a ceremonial event.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s collective ability to overcome them. He commended President Buhari for his courageous decisions, particularly in recognizing the injustice of the 1993 election annulment and designating June 12 as Democracy Day. Tinubu regarded these actions as important steps toward healing past wounds and setting the record straight.
Expressing humility, Tinubu recognized the trust placed in him by the Nigerian people. He pledged to fulfill his duties with utmost dedication, promising to address critical issues such as security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health, and power. Tinubu assured the nation that he would not disappoint the people or President Buhari.
Tinubu also extended gratitude and invoked blessings upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The nation now stands poised to embark on a new chapter of its development under his leadership, with expectations for progress, unity, and prosperity.
The investiture ceremony marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic process, signifying a smooth transition of power just days before Tinubu’s official inauguration on May 29, 2023.