President Muhammadu Buhari has once again expressed his unwavering confidence in the leadership capabilities of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stated this on Saturday during the Inauguration Lecture organised by the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) ahead of the May 29 transition in Abuja.
President Buhari commended former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, for accepting the invitation to speak at the lecture and recognised the valuable lessons learned, which revealed that democracy is not just a form of governance, but a way of life.
He emphasised the importance of unity and individual responsibility in driving the growth and prosperity of the nation.
“We have embarked on a journey of introspection, enlightenment, and collective growth. Today, we have delved deep into the theme of deepening democracy for development and explored the lessons that will guide us as we transition to a new era,” said President Buhari.
President Buhari also noted the harsh realities of inequality, the persistence of corruption, and the need to empower all citizens.
He stressed the transformative power of democracy and its immense potential for Nigeria.
The President urged concrete actions based on the lessons from the lecture.
He emphasised prioritising the welfare and well-being of citizens through quality education, accessible healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
President Buhari said the fight against corruption, upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Above all, he called for unity, recognising the strength of Nigeria’s diversity, and fostering an environment where every Nigerian has equal opportunities for success.
President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, underscored the significance of democracy in driving sustainable development in Nigeria.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to stand together with the incoming administration to create a better country, emphasising his commitment to democracy as the best form of government.
“Distinguished guests, democracy is more than a system of governance; it is the very lifeblood that empowers a nation to flourish and thrive,” Tinubu stated.
Acknowledging the collective efforts of Nigerians and Africans in shaping their democratic political cultures and institutions, Tinubu affirmed his love for the continent.
He emphasised that democracy is not merely a political system but a way of life, demanding integrity and self-improvement from leaders.
Highlighting the paradoxical nature of democracy, the President-elect noted its guarantee of freedom but emphasized the responsible use of that freedom for its survival.
Tinubu pledged to utilize democratic institutions for safeguarding rights and driving comprehensive economic reforms to foster prosperity, employment opportunities, and unlock Nigeria’s untapped potential.
“I stand before you, ready to dedicate my entire being to the service of our great nation and the African continent,” proclaimed the resolute President-elect.
The well-attended lecture saw the presence of notable figures such as Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase; Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Sultan Mohammed Abubakar Sa’ad of Sokoto; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Bishop Mathew Kukah; Akinwumi Adesina, President of Africa Development Bank; and Amina Muhammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
