*I’m leaving office better than in 2015 – Buhari
*Outgoing President begs Nigerians for forgiveness
By Emmanuel Kelvin
Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today be sworn in as Nigeria’s president, indicating a new era, in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Tinubu, a former Lagost state governor, had declared that it is his turn to be president, during the primary election of his party, the APC
He was declared winner of the February 18 presidential election, amidst protest by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).
The keenly contested election raised issue about Mr Tinubu’s background, including his education and source of wealth.
Experts however noted that neither his preparation, which was unmatched by his opponents in the presidential poll, nor his hardiness, which is yet to be surpassed by any of his political contemporaries, guarantees the success of his administration.
His predecessor has left the economy burdened by debts and misdirection, especially with various factions of the cabal running riot with bewildering last-minute schemes and stratagems. And the country itself has never been more divided in every sphere.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari has said he is confident that he is leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than it was in 2015.
The president stated this in a farewell broadcast to the nation on Sunday in Abuja.
Buhari, therefore, expressed appreciation to all those that provided their support and encouragement to help him navigate the exciting journey in moving Nigeria forward.
“I also want to use this opportunity to express my appreciation to a good number of Nigerians who provided their support and encouragement to help me navigate the exciting journey in moving Nigeria forward.
“I cannot and will not forget the millions who prayed for me during my illness in my first term of office. I am constantly praying for you and for Nigeria to thrive in peace.
“As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria re-birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the incoming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfills its destiny to be a great nation,” he said.
President Buhari also charged citizens to bring to bear the strength of individualism, the power of unity and the convictions of beliefs to make Nigeria work better, together with one spirit and one purpose.
Buhari the nation must also as a nation improve and sustain gains so far made in the electoral process, on an incremental basis for Nigeria to take its rightful place among Nations.
He said: ”Today we mark and celebrate another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in our steady march to improve and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
”This year we witnessed the most keenly contested presideneial Elections since the first republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.
”We must as a nation improve and sustain gains we make in the electoral process, on an incremental basis for Nigeria to take its rightful place among Nations.
”Our democracy provides for, allows and encourages seeking redress for perceived injustices, enabling some candidates and political parties that did not agree with the results to go to court.”
The president urged all parties involved in the 2023 general elections to accept the decision of the courts irrespective of the outcome of the various cases and should join hands to build a better Nigeria.
”I salute the doggedness and resilience of all the presidential candidates and their political parties for believing in our judicial system by taking their grievances with the election results to court.
”In the course of the campaigns, we had argued and disagreed on how to make Nigeria better but we never disagreed or had any doubts that Nigeria has to be better,” he said.