Abuja, May 25, 2023 – Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, says he won’t disappoint Nigerians for putting their trust in him and electing him as president.
Tinubu made the promise on Thursday during his investiture as Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) – the nation’s highest national honour in Nigeria.
The Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, was also honoured as Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Tinubu said his election to lead the over 200 million people in the country was a goodwill which came from a place of trust.
“I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria.
“The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part Mr. President.
“Now, that great duty descends on me. I understand the meaning of the honor given to me today and of the task that awaits.
“I must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power and in all other sectors we must make headway. The people deserve no less. In this, I shall disappoint neither them nor you, Mr. President.”
The President-elect recognised that though Nigeria’s path may not always be smooth, but expressed faith in the country’s purpose and collective ability to overcome challenges.
“Our way shall not always be smooth. Yet we are imbued with faith in our purpose and a firm belief in our collective ability to overcome the challenges that confront us.”
The President-elect commended outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari for unwavering commitment to progressive and democratic good governance, recognizing him as a leader who took courageous decisions when others shied away.
He specifically thanked President Buhari for declaring June 12 as Democracy Day and honouring MKO Abiola with the GCFR title, decision other presidents were afraid to take.
“President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided.
“One such decision was to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honor on the late MKO Abiola.
“As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal a festering wound.
“The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.”
The President-elect also expressed his gratitude to President Buhari for bestowing the nation’s highest honors on him and Vice President-elect Shettima, promising to carry
“Thank you, Mr. President, for bestowing the nation’s highest honors on my Vice President elect Shettima and me,” he said.
Tinubu extended his appreciation for the transition documents and the diligent work performed by the transition council led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha.
“The documents summarize the immense work of your administration. They constitute an impressive and noteworthy scorecard.”
Tinubu said the investiture ceremony exemplified Nigeria’s vibrant and true democracy, where one leader honors his successor and ensures a smooth transition of power.
Before conferring the awards, President Muhammadu Buhari had said he had finished his race well and he was satisfied that he was handing over Nigeria to competent hands.
“I have run my course. I am happy that I am handing over to competent hands,” President Buhari said. (GBN)
