EditorPresident-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari that the new administration will continue to pick his brains on issues of governance. Tinubu made this known at the presidential villa in response to Buhari’s gesture in conferring Nigeria’s highest honour – the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) – on him.
The President also honoured Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Describing Buhari as a true democrat, Tinubu expressed thanks for the transition documents which President Buhari handed over to him, describing the handover notes as constituting an impressive and noteworthy scorecard and summarizing the efforts of the administration “in the past eight years.”
READ: Knocks, Commendations As Buhari Confers 2022 National Honour Awards On 449 Recipients
“Whether you go to Daura or Niger or anywhere, you expect knocks on your doors. We are determined (that) – as enumerated on security, Economy, Agriculture, Jobs, Education, Health, Power and in all sectors – we must make headway as you charted the course. The people deserve no less; you said so. I shall not disappoint you,” Tinubu told President Buhari.
READ ALSO: 5 Quotes You Didn’t Know Were Tinubu’s
In the same vein, the President-elect listed the achievements of Buhari to include showing courage in taking tough decisions which others before him had avoided by acknowledging June 12 as Nigeria’s true “Democracy Day.”
Full Speech Of President-elect Tinubu
“I can only call you Mr Democrat. …You have bestowed the nation’s highest honour on me and my vice president-elect. Our big thanks also for the transition documents which clearly enumerated the efforts of the past eight years. The document summarizes the efforts of your administration. It constitutes an impressive and noteworthy scorecard. You have made history and no one can deny your contribution to our national development. Your devotion to progressive and democratic governance is unassailable. I stand here today renewed in the hope and dedication to our national to our national greatness. I also feel full of pride that this moment is our moment, and I know what the problems are.
“This stately occasion is proof that Nigeria is vibrant and true democracy. It confirms that our democratic birth is right and nothing will deter us from sticking to it; I assure you. Our path shall not be always smooth; yes, democracy is rough and tumble, hills and valleys. Yet, we are improving. With faith in our purpose and belief in our collective ability to overcome the challenges that confront us. President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided.
“On such decision is to recognize the injustice of annulment of 1993 election to designate June 12 as a democracy day and to bestow the nation’s highest honour on Chief MKO Abiola. You reached back into history to set the records straight and heal the festering wounds. The justice you did in this matter created special meanings till today. The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part, Mr President. Now a great duty will descend on me. I understand the honour given to me today and the magnitude of the task that awaits.
“Whether you go to Daura or Niger or anywhere, you expect knocks on your doors. We are determined as enumerated on security, Economy, Agriculture, Jobs, Education, Health, Power and in all sectors, we must make headway as charted the course. The people deserve no less; you said so. I shall not disappoint you.”
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