May 29, the day of Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration, is considered to be the starting point of change, as the new administration takes over power.
The All Progressives Congress’ politician emerged the winner of Nigeria’s March 28 presidential election.
Since then, the outgoing government, led by President Goodluck Jonathan, and the incoming government have been preparing for the smooth power transition, which is to take place today.
Numerous national and world leaders are expected to attend the festive ceremony to mark the end of Jonathan’s tenure and office acceptance by Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo, the vice president-elect.
Our news portal is giving live updates on the most interesting happenings around Nigeria and from the Eagle Square, Abuja. Stay tuned with Naij.com.
14:30 Find the highlights and the full script of the president’s inauguration speech HERE. Thank you for having been with us today!
12:50 Nollywood actress Ini Edo was present at the inauguration, looking just fabulous!
12:25 Nigeria continues celebrating and discussing the just concluded speech. People got really impressed by the phrase “I belong to everybody and i belong to nobody” saying it was really powerful.
12:10 The president ends his speech, thanking the audience.
12:09 “My fellow Nigerians, I cannot recall when Nigeria enjoyed so much good will abroad.” Which opens a “window of opportunity” to the country.
12:06 Buhari says: “I am ready to listen to grievances from my fellow Nigerians.”
12:04 The politician condemns insurgency, vows to intensify campaign against Boko Haram. Military command centre will not be situated in Abuja, but Maiduguri until Boko Haram is defeated.
12:03 Buhari insists that the major problems are Boko Haram, Niger Delta issue, power shortages and unemployment.
12:01 Calls for support from the press, social bodies, civil society organizations to reach prosperity.
12:00 The country should “clean itself from its past”, says Buhari, further proceeds about corruption problems.
11:56 “We as Nigerians mastermind ourselves.”
11:54 The president thanks neighbours for cooperating with Nigerian in the fight against Boko Haram.
11:54 “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”
11:53 Thanks Jonathan for the provided support and cooperation.
11:52 Buhari delivers speech.
11:30 The military parade is underway.
11:14 The new president greets honourable guests of the ceremony.
11:10 Ex-president Jonathan leaves the venue of the inauguration.
11:09 Tweet on Buhari’s official account: “Fellow citizens of Nigeria, it is official – we have our president.”
11:00 The national flag and the defence flag are being folded by the flag bearers and handed over to the RSM. The master warrant officer presents a new set of flags to the guards brigade commander, and then he presents it to the chief of defence staff. The CDD presents the flags to Jonathan, and Jonathan hands the flags over to Buhari. This is to signify a new dawn.
10:55 Final steps of the constitutional procedure. Jonathan and Buhari are listening to the national anthem.
10:50 Meet Nigeria’s new president!
10:47 Muhammadu Buhari is being sworn-in.
10:45 Buhari heading to the podium. Minutes from now… the president-elect will become the incumbent president.
10:43 Jonathan acknowledging dignitaries for the last time as the president of the country. Historical walk to the podium.
10:40 Meet the new vice president of Nigeria! Loud applause heard at the venue.
10:37 Yemi Osnibajo is being sworn-in.
10:30 Dr Israel Akanji of CAN, Abuja chapter, just gave the opening prayer in the christian way. He is followed by Chief Imam of Abuja Mosque, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari.
10:23 History is being made right now!
10:15 Goodluck Jonathan, another most awaited person at the venue, is here! The outgoing president looks resolved.
10:08 Selfie from Lagos by famous Dj Jimmy Jatt.
10:00 Finally Muhammadu and Aisha Buhari arrive! The president-elect is greeting his colleagues.
9:43 Nigeria’s vice president, Namadi Sambo, so as vice president-elect, Yemi Osinbajo, already at the Eagle’s Square.
9:35 John Kerry shaking hands of world leaders on tribunes.
9:26 Guests are presented with packs containing programme of events, food and N750 MTN recharge cards (The Punch).
9:23 P-Square looking stylish, as always. Minutes before the performance start… Credits: @JohannesMathews
Credits: @TheNETng
9:20 Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe has just arrived at the venue.
09:10 Chief Olusegun Obasanjo arrives at the Eagles Square!
Olusegun Obasanjo takes his seat. Snapshot from a video: ChannelsTV
09:00 South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma also to be president at the ceremony, his office confirmed on Thursday. Despite the warning by the National Association of Nigerian Students.
8:55 Many honourable guests have already arrived. Yakubu Gowon and Ibrahim Babangida were at the venue around 8:00!
8:30 Buhari fever Buhari fever catching on really quick with souvenirs.
08:10 Family members of Buhari and Osinbajo.
08:05 @MssZeeUsman bombs “first selfie of the day at Eagle Square, with Lai Mohammed, APC Spokesperson”.
07:50 And some more pics from the venue. Credits: @Karo_Orovboni. Dignitaries arriving.
07:45 All set for the inauguration at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Naij.com readers send their photos using Citizen Journalism app.
07:30 Users cannot stop discussing the still trending topic… Buhari’s handsome son. Now they wonder: if “#YusufBuhari going to be part of Buhari cabinet.” Who knows… There he is, the young man in a fair attire.
07:20 Security intensified all around Nigeria as new governors are sworn-in. Lagos police vowed to deploy 1,563 officers in the venue of the inauguration of the state governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Onikan.
07:08 Atiku Abubakar has just posted this message on his twitter account: “Today is one of the greatest days in the history of our nation and democracy, and I’m honored to be alive to see it #ChangeIsHere.” And more: “To every Nigerian who participated in this democratic process, I salute you! You are the strength & compass of his nation!”
06:55 @4eyedmonk says: “Be that change you want to see in Nigeria. Change is not a person, change is an attitude.” Do you agree with that?
06:40 JJ. Omojuwa wishes everyone a “Happy Democracy Day! #ChangeIsHere”
06:20 All set at the Eagle Square, Abuja, for the ceremony. Nigerians are in a wonderful mood, taking to social media to share their thoughts. People are wishing each other a happy Democracy Day and pray for the incoming administration.
@Drammeh85 tweets: “Official #Inauguration of the present elect into presidency. I don’t think I’ve seen #Nigerians so positive, we pray for his success.”
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