Bola Tinubu, the next president, promised on Thursday to address the nation’s problems, including the electricity and security difficulties.
After receiving the transition report from the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret. ), Tinubu made a commitment not to let down Nigerians.
He made this statement soon after receiving the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, the nation’s highest honor, from the President, alongside Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
The investiture ceremony was a part of the schedule of events for the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony that was scheduled for Monday at the State House Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The former governor of Lagos State claimed to understand the honor bestowed upon him and his vice president-elect as well as the size of the challenge that lay ahead.
Regardless of whether Buhari retires to Daura or the Niger Republic, he pleaded with Buhari to respond to “knocks” at his doors.
He said, “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 honour 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 expressed confidence in leaving Nigeria in “capable hands” after completing the changeover of documents and handing over the baton of service to Tinubu.
The Presidents/Heads of State are required to receive the Honor of GCFR, while the Vice Presidents are given the Honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, according to the Honours Award Act, 1963, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004, he claimed.
“Today, with the authority vested in me, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National Honour of GCFR on His Excellency Bola Tinubu and that of the GCON on His Excellency Kashim Shettima respectively,” he said.
According to Buhari, who has served as Nigeria’s president for the previous eight years, he ended the race well.
“I am confident that Nigeria is in capable hands as we embark on this new chapter. I have run a good race. I have finished my course. It is now time for another to take up the baton. Once again, I congratulate President-elect, Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima on their well-deserved investiture,’’ he said.
