The Outgoing President of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, has conferred the National Honours of Grand Commander of Order of Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice-President-Elect Kashim Shettima respectively.
In an investiture that took place on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, Buhari also officially handed over the transition documents to Tinubu.
Speaking at the event, Buhari said that Nigerians had made a wise choice in electing Tinubu as the next president of Nigeria, saying that he had the utmost confidence that Tinubu will serve the country with dedication and integrity. He said, “This ceremony marks a significant milestone in our nation’s democratic journey 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. I have no doubts that Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under your leadership.
“Today, with authority vested in me as president and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National honours of GCFR on his excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that of GCON on his excellency, Kashim Shettima respectively.”
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us not forget the immense responsibility that comes with leadership. The challenges facing our nation are significant, and it is the duty of the president and the vice-president to address them with courage, wisdom, and compassion. We must remain committed to the principles of good governance- transparency and accountability.”
He also said, “Today, I am proud to have handed over to you my successor, Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, three key documents that will guide to as you aim to define a path for your new administration,” as he hoped that the documents will be useful to Tinubu in his administration, as he said that the transition documents were the most detailed in the history of the nation.
President-Elect Bola Tinubu, in response to the conferment on the National Honours on him, appreciated Buhari and commended him for his work in Nigeria, saying, “You have made history, and no one can deny your contribution to our national development.”
He then appreciated the honours conferred on him as he said, “This stately occasion is proof that Nigeria is vibrant and true democracy. It confirms that our democratic path is ripe and is right, and nothing will deter us from sticking to it, I assure you.
“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.
“We must make headway as you have charted the course. The people deserve no less, you said so. I shall not disappoint you.”
President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be sworn in as the President of Nigeria on Monday, the 29th of May, 2023.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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