Tinubu Takes Oath of Office *”don’t pity me, I asked for the job”

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who will be sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th elected president this morning, has said he should not be pitied as he asked for the job.

He said this during the inauguration dinner and gala night on Saturday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, attended by foreign presidents and many other dignitaries.

“I thank all of you here, present, brothers and sisters celebrating with us, for us to take away, what lessons Nigeria’s democracy taught the rest of Africa if not part of the world. The frenzy, determination, courage and love in diversity.

“By tomorrow afternoon (today), my predecessor (President Buhari) is heading to Daura on the border of Niger and I told him don’t worry; you will still get enough on your door.

“No matter how short a man is, he will see the sky; I will be able to find you, when I need your help. Here is a country that has stumbled a number of times but would never falter, we can be squeaky like old mama’s car but we would never break apart. We are just a unique country.

“We must fight corruption, poverty, inconsistency in policies and many other problems confronting us. But don’t pity me, I asked for the job, I campaigned for it, no excuses, I will live up to the bill, I promise you,” Tinubu said.

In his speech, Buhari said Nigerians are aware of their powers once there is an authority that would ensure that their votes count.

“How can a serving governor who served for eight years contest to go to the National Assembly and is defeated. We are happy for those that were elected and I congratulate fellow Nigerians who realize their power as their votes count,” he said.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 20 presidents of countries around the world, including Africa are in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, are to witness today’s inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th president of the country.

Tinubu’s inauguration marks the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in the 24 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, following the return to civilian administration in 1999.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council, Boss Mustapha, who had earlier unveiled the programme of events for the inauguration at a world press conference in Abuja, said all arrangements have been concluded for a seamless transition of power.

He disclosed that the federal government has extended invitations to some presidents and heads of government as well as heads of international organisations, saying he was glad to report that many of the invitees confirmed attendance in person.