In a momentous ceremony held at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari bestowed the National Honours of Grand Commander of Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) upon President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) upon Vice-President-Elect Kashim Shettima.
The investiture also saw the official handover of transition documents to Tinubu, symbolizing the commencement of a new era for Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, President Buhari expressed his conviction that Nigerians had made a wise choice in electing Tinubu as the nation’s next president. He commended Tinubu’s leadership qualities, political acumen, and commitment to serving the country with dedication and integrity.
Buhari hailed the occasion as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, affirming his confidence that the new administration would steer the country towards greater progress and prosperity.
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“As we inaugurate a new administration that will lead Nigeria towards greater progress and prosperity, the Nigerian people have recognized your leadership qualities, political acumen, and patience to serve our great nation, and they have entrusted you with the burden of governing our beloved country,” Buhari remarked. “I have no doubts that Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under your leadership.”
President Buhari proceeded to confer the prestigious GCFR on President-Elect Tinubu and the GCON on Vice-President-Elect Kashim Shettima.
Emphasizing the weight of leadership responsibilities, Buhari urged the newly honoured individuals to confront the nation’s challenges with courage, wisdom, transparency, and accountability.
In a gracious response to the conferred honours, President-Elect Bola Tinubu expressed gratitude to President Buhari, acknowledging his significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Tinubu affirmed the strength and vibrancy of Nigerian democracy, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to upholding democratic values and principles.
“This stately occasion is proof that Nigeria is vibrant and a true democracy. It confirms that our democratic path is ripe and right, and nothing will deter us from sticking to it, I assure you,” stated Tinubu.
Recognizing the immense responsibility bestowed upon him, Tinubu pledged to follow the path set by President Buhari and make progress for the Nigerian people. He acknowledged the weight of the honour bestowed upon him and assured the nation that he would not disappoint.
“Now, a great duty will descend on me. I understand the meaning of the honour given to me today and the magnitude of the task that awaits,” Tinubu remarked. “We must make headway as you have charted the course. The people deserve no less, as you have stated. I shall not disappoint you.”
President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu will assume office as the President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, marking a new chapter in the country’s history. The investiture ceremony and the conferral of national honours serve as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance and the belief in the capability of its leaders to guide the nation towards progress and prosperity.
With the transition documents in hand and the hopes of the Nigerian people behind him, President-Elect Tinubu is poised to steer the nation forward into a future of promise and growth.
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