TINUBU TAKES OATH OF OFFICE AS NIGERIA’S 16TH PRESIDENT

It was a new dawn for Nigeria as Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 16^th and 5^th democratic President of the Federal Republic was sworn in at the nation’s capital, Abuja. 

Tinubu emerged victorious from the general elections which were held in February. His swearing-in marked the end of the eight years tenure of Buhari which was full of hardship for Nigerians. 

In his speech, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would be an inclusive one as he will govern and not rule. 

‘’Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own. We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.’’

He emphasised on the unity of the country saying we must come together as one people regardless of our religion and tribe because ‘’We have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going. Our burdens may make us bend at times, but they shall never break us,’’ his speech read in parts.

‘’As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST. Today, fate and destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.

‘’We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never extinguish?

‘’Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.’’

Tinubu said part of his mission is ‘’To improve our way of life in a manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages compassion toward one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.

The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.

Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.’’

The President said the guiding principles for his that administration are simple. He promised that 

• ‘’Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law.
• We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our subregion.
• We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security, and an end to extreme poverty.
• In our administration, Women and youth will feature prominently.
• Our government will continue to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.’’

He noted that security shall be a priority in this dispensation as justice and prosperity cannot prevail in insecurity among other key issues. 

‘’Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

‘’To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security doctrine and its architecture.

‘’We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay, and firepower.’’

He said his administration targets higher economic growth and reduces unemployment by job creation. 

‘’We target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment by budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted. Industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency. Electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike.

‘’My administration must create meaningful opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.’’

President Tinubu said resources for fuel subsidy will be channelled to fund investments like education, health care, and other public infrastructure.  

‘’We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. The subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care, and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.’’

These, among many other promises, mark the beginning of the new administration led by the President, Bola Tinubu. As Nigerians, we look forward with hope and great enthusiasm that this administration will uphold the constitution, and rule of law and will bring great fortune to the nation.