Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his satisfaction as his tenure gradually nears its end. In Abuja on Thursday, following the investiture of President-elect Bola Tinubu as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), he made this declaration. He stated, “I have ran a good race, I have finished my course. It is now time for another to take up the baton.”
The investiture of the President-elect and Vice President-elect sets the stage for their inauguration on Monday, 29 May 2023, marking the conclusion of the eight-year administration of President Buhari, encompassing two terms from 2015 to 2023. The President extended his congratulations to both political leaders, who had previously served as Governors of Lagos and Borno States, respectively.
He also conveyed his congratulations to the Vice President-elect, acknowledging his wealth of governance experience, unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people, and exemplary leadership during challenging times as the Governor of Borno State. President Buhari expressed full confidence in the Vice President-elect’s ability to serve the nation with utmost dedication and integrity.
According to the Honours Award Act of 1963, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, Presidents/Heads of State are bestowed with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) while Vice Presidents receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
“Today, with the authority vested in me, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National Honour of GCFR on His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of the GCON on His Excellency Kashim Shettima respectively,” he stated.
President Buhari acknowledged Tinubu’s experience and ability to lead the country, continuing the legacy of his administration.
“President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a long and illustrious track record of public service, marked by your exceptional achievements in various capacities. Your transformative leadership in Lagos State, where you left an indelible mark in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, speaks volumes about your dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people,” the President affirmed.
President Buhari expressed his deepest gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and trust throughout his tenure, stating that it has been a privilege and an honor to serve this great nation and that he is confident that Nigeria is in capable hands as the country embarks on a new chapter.
While discussing some of the challenges facing the incoming administration, President Buhari advised Tinubu to lead the country with wisdom, courage, and compassion. He mentioned that the administration had encountered various challenges at the beginning but had diligently worked to address them, including security issues like insurgency, oil theft, kidnapping, and corruption that had deeply affected the system.
“With the political will and support of many Nigerians, especially our dogged Armed Forces, insurgency, terrorism, and kidnapping have been reduced to their barest minimum while corruption has been tackled headlong.
“Despite the aforementioned challenges, our administration has made economic gains over the years. While acknowledging the turbulent times and global economic meltdown occasioned by the world oil crisis and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy has remained afloat and strong.
“Our administration’s commitment and determination in infrastructural upliftment of Nigeria have remained unshaken,’’ he stated.
As part of his accomplishments, President Buhari highlighted the completion and commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge, named after him. The president concluded by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, in spite of the shortfall in the federal government’s revenue, due to the weakness in the global economy that led to a drop in oil revenue, we have touched on all sectors of the Nigerian economy positively.
“As we celebrate the monumental infrastructural strides achieved by this Administration, it is pertinent to acknowledge that these transformative endeavors have not only reshaped our physical landscape but have also paved the way for remarkable economic outcomes that reverberate across our nation.
“The link between infrastructure and economic prosperity is undeniable. It is through the construction of roads, railways, bridges, and other critical assets that we unlock the true potential of our nation, leading to better communication, facilitating trade, and propelling economic growth.’