Nigeria’s President, Mohammed Buhari wore a smile all through his swearing-in/inauguration ceremony that took place today at the Eagles Square, Abuja. The event which took place under a sunny weather was as with previous swearing-in ceremonies filled with Past Nigerian presidents, foreign diplomats and highly distinguished guests.
John Kerry was leading the US delegation to the inauguration
The high point of the event was the swearing-in of the General Buhari as the 4th democratically elected President since 1999 when the country returned to democracy. Buhari then proceeded to receive the 21 gun salute and release the symbolic white pigeons into the air to signal peace. President Buhari inspected the parade by the Nigerian Army and went on to deliver his inaugural speech.
Delivering his speech the President declared that business will not be as usual and promised not to interfere with other arms of government (legislature and the Judiciary). He however had a quote for those in doubt that he might be a political tool in the hands of influential politicians. He said ‘I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody’. He went further to dampen the fears of those that can be classified as his ‘political enemies’ saying their suspicions are ‘groundless’.
President Buhari then admonished the law enforcement agencies to be law abiding ‘promising that law enforcing operatives will discharge their duties according to the law’ under his watch. Knowing that the task ahead of him requires the participation of everyone President Buhari canvassed for the support of Nigerians. ‘Government cannot succeed without the support of labour unions, civil society, and the press including the social media’
Buhari speaking after his inauguration
As regards repositioning the public service the President had this to say:’ We shall rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and more serviceable. We shall charge them to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system.
He then charged the judiciary ‘to act with dispatch on all cases especially on corruption, serious financial crimes or abuse of office’ saying that the three arms of government would have to ‘act constitutionally’ so that ‘government will be enabled to serve the country optimally and avoid the confusion that often bedevils governance’.
Meanwhile, dignitaries at the event poured out their heart hoping that the Buhari’s government would be that which will bring all round development in the country.
Former Governor of Anambra state, Chinwoke Mbadinujj who could not hide his joy said ‘Nigerians are happy’’.
Sokonte davies, member house of representatives had this to say ’it is epoch making and I think it has marked the beginning of the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy’.
Mrs Ramatu Aliyu, APC National Woman leader and Mansur Dan Ali, an APC leader pleaded with Nigerians to be patient even as they expect the duo of President Buhari and Vice President Osibajo to live up to Nigerians expectations.
‘Nigerians should please be patient with us. The burden we have had in the last 16 years cannot be removed in a short period’ Mansur Dan Ali said.
In attendance were former governors of Rivers State and Ekiti State, Rotimi Ameachi and John Kayode Fayemi. Also present were APC’s spokesperson Lai Mohammed, some African Head of states such as Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Equitorial Guinea, Angola, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Liberia.
The United States delegation which was led by the Secretary of State, John Kerry was also present to grace the occasion.
Meanwhile, After attending the inauguration ceremony of Muhammadu Buhari, former president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan arrived in Yenagoa, the capital city of his home state of Bayelsa.
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