President Buhari, President-Elect Bola Tinubu
President Buhari conducted his successor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu round Aso Rock on Friday, after praying together at the Villa Mosque.
On Monday, Tinubu will be sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th President at an event scheduled for the Eagle Square in Abuja.
PHOTO SUNDAY AGHAEZE
President-Elect Bola Tinubu, VP elect Kashim Shettima
PRESS RELEASE
Tinubu bags highest national honour, promises not to disappoint Nigerians
…praises President Buhari for honouring MKO Abiola
President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised not to disappoint Nigerians who put their trust in him by electing him their president.
The President-elect said this on Thursday, during his investiture as Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) – the nation’s highest honour-and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima as Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), and handing over of transition documents.
The President-elect who spoke at the investiture said his election to lead the over 200 million people in the country was a goodwill, which came from a place of trust.
He said, “I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria.
“The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part Mr. President.
“Now, that great duty descends on me. I understand the meaning of the honor given to me today and of the task that awaits.
“I must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power and in all other sectors we must make headway. The people deserve no less. In this, I shall disappoint neither them nor you, Mr. President.”
The President-elect recognized that though Nigeria’s path may not always be smooth but expressed faith in the country’s purpose and collective ability to overcome challenges.
He said, “Our way shall not always be smooth. Yet we are imbued with faith in our purpose and a firm belief in our collective ability to overcome the challenges that confront us.”
The President-elect also commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s unwavering commitment to progressive and democratic good governance, recognizing him as a leader who took courageous decisions when others shied away.
He specifically thanked President Buhari for designating June 12 as Democracy Day and honouring MKO Abiola with the GCFR title, a decision other presidents were afraid to take.
He said, “President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided.
“One such decision was to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honor on the late MKO Abiola.
“As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal a festering wound.
“The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.”
The President-elect also expressed his gratitude to President Buhari for bestowing the nation’s highest honors on him and Vice President-elect Shettima, promising to carry
“Thank you, Mr. President, for bestowing the nation’s highest honors on my Vice President elect Shettima and me,” he said.
Asiwaju Tinubu also extended his appreciation for the transition documents and the diligent work performed by the transition council led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha.
While acknowledging the comprehensive scorecard presented in the transition documents, he said, “The documents summarize the immense work of your administration. They constitute an impressive and noteworthy scorecard.”
He further emphasized that the ceremony exemplified Nigeria’s vibrant and true democracy, where one leader honors his successor and ensures a smooth transition of power.
“This stately occasion is living evidence that Nigeria is a vibrant and true democracy.”
Office of the President-elect
Tunde Rahman
May 25, 2023
I DEDICATE MYSELF TO NATIONAL PURPOSE AND DESTINY, TEXT OF ADDRESS DELIVERED BY PRESIDENT-ELECT, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU AT HIS INVESTITURE FOR HIGHEST NATIONAL HONOUR IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY MAY 25TH, 2023
1. Thank You, Mr. President, for bestowing the nation’s highest honors on my Vice President elect Shettima and me.
2. Our deep thanks also for the transition documents and the committed work performed by the transition council headed by the SGF.
3. The documents summarize the immense work of your administration. They constitute an impressive and noteworthy scorecard.
4. You have made history and no one can take your contribution to our nation’s development.
5. Your devotion to progressive and democratic good governance is unassailable.
6. As such, I stand here renewed not only in hope but also in dedication to our national purpose and destiny.
7. I also feel full of pride but this pride I feel is not for myself. It is for what this moment represents.
8. This stately occasion is living evidence that Nigeria is a vibrant and true democracy. All of us here bear witness to this inspiring proceeding where one leader bestows personal honor on his successor. Also, that leader does his utmost to exchange the baton of government by ensuring that his successor is as well-prepared as possible for the task at hand.
9. This hall is permeated with a sense of reverence for our democracy and the confident belief that this reverence shall be enshrined for generations to come.
10. Today is more than ceremony. It confirms that our path is right and that nothing will deter us from adhering to it.
11. Our way shall not always be smooth. Yet we are imbued with faith in our purpose and a firm belief in our collective ability to overcome the challenges that confront us.
12. President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided.
13. One such decision was to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June
12 as Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honor on the late MKO Abiola.
14 As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal a festering wound.
15. The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.
16. I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria.
17. The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part Mr. President.
18. Now, that great duty descends on me. I understand the meaning of the honor given to me today and of the task that awaits.
19. I must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power and in all other sectors we must make headway. The people deserve no less. In this, I shall disappoint neither them nor you, Mr. President.
Thank You and May God Bless our beloved republic.
President-Elect Bola Tinubu, Tony Blair
PRESS RELEASE
Ex-UK Prime Minister Blair visits Tinubu, pledges support for incoming administration
Former British Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair, has expressed his readiness to support the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in office.
Blair gave the commitment on Tuesday when he visited the president-elect at the Defence House, Abuja.
He said the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which he founded, would be a willing partner of the Tinubu administration especially in prioritising its goals and delivery.
He said since leaving office as the UK prime minister, he had been working with governments around the world to help them deliver on their mandates.
He said Blair Institute have a project in place in Nigeria and felt it was incumbent upon him to meet Nigeria’s incoming president to understand the administration’s priorities.
“We would like to help in any way with your administration. We only need to know what the leadership priorities are and help in how to actualise them,” Blair told President-elect Tinubu.
He commended Tinubu’s campaign focus on key areas of security, economy, agriculture and power, describing the intertwined nature of the areas as critical to the development of any society.
He expressed optimism that with the appetite shown by investors to invest in Nigeria, the Tinubu administration could get the support it needs to spur economic development in the country.
Blair, however, acknowledged the difficult task before Tinubu and other leaders, at a time of global turmoil.
“Being in government today anywhere in the world is tough. You have things happening around the world which affect you and for which you can’t do anything much,” he said.
President-elect Tinubu, in his response, expressed appreciation to Blair for the visit and for his offer to work with his administration.
He spoke of the shared vision between him and Tony Blair Institute in their priority areas, but underlined the importance of tackling investment challanges and the need for social investment to fight poverty.
“Yes, we are challenged. But where is our courage? We can eliminate ignorance, diseases and poverty in Africa. We must work hard to ensure democracy works for our people,” Tinubu said.
“We have to invest more, put technology in place and keep terrorists at bay because without effective security, there is no guarantee investors will come,” he added.
The president-elect promised to provide a conducive environment that would encourage investors and open up opportunities for the people.
Tinibu was accompanied to the meeting by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Vice President -elect, Senator Kashim Shettima; member of Tinubu Transition Team, Mr. Wale Edun; former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru and Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Mr. Zacch Adedeji.
Office of the President-elect
Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
May 23, 2023
President-Elect Bola Tinubu, VP elect Kashim Shettima
The Supreme Court has fixed May 26 to deliver judgment in a case by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking the disqualification of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President elect Kashim Shettima.
The PDP had urged the apex court to reverse the Court of Appeal judgment, which held that the party failed to establish its locus standi.
The PDP, according to a Channels TV report wanted the appellate court to reverse the January 13 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja which dismissed its suit on the grounds that the PDP lacked locus standi to have instituted the suit.
lJustice James Abundaga, leading a panel of three justices, described the PDP as a busy body, who dabbled into issues that are internal affairs of the APC.
Respondents in the appeal are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, Tinubu and Shettima.
Justice Abundaga held that the trial court was right to have held that the PDP failed to establish its locus standi.
“The appellant, having failed disclose its locus standi, this appeal fails and it is hereby dismissed,” he said and proceeded to affirm the judgment of the Federal High Court.
Justice Abundaga awarded N5million cost against the appellant’s lawyer, J. O. Olotu.
The PDP had, in the suit filed on July 28, 2022, challenged the validity of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket for the 2023 presidential election, arguing that Shettima’s nomination as the running mate was in breach of the provisions of Sections 29(1), 33, 35 and 84{1)}(2)} of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended).
Claiming that Shettima had double nominations, the PDP argued that Shettima’s nomination as a vice-presidential candidate as well as the candidate for the Borno Central Senatorial seat contravened the law.
The PDP, which sought an order disqualifying the APC, Tinubu and Shettima from contesting the presidential election scheduled for February 25 equally prayed the court for an order nullifying their candidacy.
It further prayed the court for an order compelling INEC to remove their names from its list of nominated or sponsored candidates eligible to contest the election.
The defendants, in their preliminary objection urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction.
They contended that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to institute the case, which invariably challenged APC’s decision and its nomination of candidates for the election, which were within the confines of the party’s internal affairs and thus, non-justiciable.
Mr Boss Mustapha, President-Elect Bola Tinubu
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, on Thursday in Abuja addressed a World News Conference to kick-start the inauguration activities for President-Elect, Bola Tinubu and the Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima.
May 29 for the inauguration of the two leaders remains sacrosanct, he said.
Here are some of the faces at the press briefing. Photo: Emma Osodi
The Federal Government said the inauguration of President-Elect, Bola Tinubu and the Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima on May 29 remains sacrosanct.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said this when he addressed a World News Conference to kick-start the inauguration activities on Thursday in Abuja.
Mustapha, also the Chairman, Presidential Transition Council(PTC), said the ongoing litigation the presidential election tribunal would not affect the swearing-in of the president-elect and the vice-president-elect.
“Without any fear of contradiction, there will be inauguration on May 29.
“This is not the first time. During the election of former President Shehu Shagari there was litigation but the country went ahead with the inauguration.
“Also, During the election of former President Olusegun Obasanjo there was litigation but we continued with the swearing in.
“It was only former President Goodluck Jonathan that did not take the route of litigation.
“So, as long as the Lord tarries there will be inauguration,”he said.
The PTC chairman said the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act made adequate provision on how to go about litigations arising from elections.
On attendance of Heads of Government, Mustapha said a good number of them had indicated interest in attending the inauguration.
He, however, did not mention those who had been confirmed their attend, citing security reasons.
“Diplomatic privileges will not allow us to announce the number of presidents or who is coming because of the precarious times we are in today.
“However, there is enthusiasm and eagerness to come and support Nigeria to sustain it’s democracy.
“So we have a responsibility to get it right,”he said.
The May 29 Presidential inauguration will be the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in Nigeria.
The day will also usher in the 16th president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Antony Blinken, President-Elect Bola Tinubu
PRESS RELEASE
Tinubu pledges to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy in talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Nigeria’s President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to hit the ground running and unify the country upon his assumption of office on May 29. He also pledged to ensure positive relations with the United States.
Asíwájú Tinubu made the pledges during a telephone conversation Tuesday night with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Initiated by the US diplomat, the telephone discussion was frank and friendly.
The President-elect said that among his immediate priorities would be to deliver institutional reforms and development programs to deepen our democratic institutions and bring help to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
He also expressed his determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as their president.
During the talks that lasted about 20 minutes, President-elect Tinubu spoke about his eventful sojourn in America in the 70s, where he graduated with honours as an accountant in 1979.
He also recalled how he was granted asylum by the US when, due to his determined struggle for democracy in Nigeria, he was forced into exile by the late General Sani Abacha’s military junta.
While affirming his democratic bonafides , President-elect Tinubu expressed his absolute belief that the result of the elections, which he clearly won, reflected the will of the Nigerian people.
He said he would work to unite the country and ensure that Nigerians are happy and enjoy the benefits of democracy and progressive good governance.
Responding to Secretary Blinken, the President-elect said without national unity, security, economic development and good governance, Nigeria would not become a better place to live in or play her proper role in the comity of African nations.
He urged the US to factor in Nigeria’s important place in Africa and provide needed assistance in the areas of security and economic investment in order for the nation to lead the way and be a shining example to the rest of the continent.
Secretary Blinken assured that Nigeria should expect a good and mutually-beneficial relationship with the US.
He promised to play his part in bringing a sustained and cordial relationship between the two nations to fruition, saying a democratic and peaceful Nigeria is important to the United States as it is to Africa.
Both President-elect Tinubu and Secretary Blinken ended their discussion with pleasant greetings and a promise to keep the channels of dialogue and communication open, while maintaining a strong relationship between the two nations.
Tunde Rahman
Office of the President-elect
May 17, 2023.
President-Elect Bola Tinubu, Rabiu Kwankwaso
President-elect Bola Tinubu and the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election Rabiu Kwankwaso have met in Paris.
The meeting which took place in the French capital on Monday, was brokered by Kwankwaso’s ally Abdulmumin Jibrin who was formerly in Tinubu’s camp.
“Yes, they had a meeting,” an impeccable source in Kwankwaso’s camp told Channels Television, adding that talks have not been concluded.
According to the source, both men are still in Paris and expected to hold more talks.
When an authoritative source within the Tinubu camp was contacted about the meeting, he said, “It’s true. It was in France they met as reported. It also lends credence to the fact that the man (Tinubu) is alive and well.”
The source also confirmed that the talks were about the possibility of working together as well as about how to reconcile Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Another source who was at the meeting said it was expected and that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be happy to welcome Kwankwaso back to the party especially as he and Tinubu “have always been friends”.
While he is optimistic that the President-elect and Kwankwaso will ultimately work together, he says the reconciliation of the NNPP presidential candidate and Ganduje required much more talks.
But “the main subject is getting Kwankwaso to join a government of national unity,” he said.
Asked if it was possible to see Kwankwaso as a minister under Tinubu, he said, “It is a possibility”.
Tinubu had in the wake of his declaration as the winner of the presidential elections, said he would run a government of national unity – which means giving out positions to the opposition.
The former Lagos State governor defeated Kwankwaso and others to emerge the winner of February’s hotly-contested election.
Monday’s meeting, it was gathered, also discussed developments in the legislative arm ahead of the lawmakers’ inauguration.
The ruling APC had recently unveiled its zoning formula for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly. But some members of the party are already kicking against it and threatening to work with the opposition to thwart the arrangement.
While both had a fruitful discussion, Kwankwaso and Tinubu are expected to have further consultations with their camps. At the meeting, the duo also reflected on their relationship in the National Assembly as far back as 1992.
As of then, the former Kano State governor was the deputy speaker of the House of Reps while Tinubu was a senator.
Others who attended the meeting include the Speaker of the House of Representative Femi Gbajabiamila; Bola Tinubu’s wife, Remi Tinubu, and Kwankwaso’s wife Salamatu.
Reported by Channels TV
Dr Bature AbdulAziz, President-Elect Bola Tinubu
Those calling for the suspension of swearing-in of the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are ignorant of the law, Dr Bature AbdulAziz, President of the National Patriotic Elders’ Forum of Nigeria has said.
AbdulAziz told journalists in Kano on Saturday that the renewed calls for the suspension of swearing-in of the president-elect could destabilise the country.
He said: “Some people are ignorantly talking about the swearing-in of the president-elect in spite of the provisions of the Nigeria Constitution and the laws.
“The matter is in court and clearly explained by the law.
“Calling for the suspension of the swearing-In of the president-elect beyond May 29 is like calling for anarchy because Nigeria would be without government, and become a norman land.
“I am worried that some people are hellbent in causing uncertainties in the country for reason best known to them.
“Why are you calling for the suspension of the swearing-in, what you are asking for has no position in the law”.
He said the law permitted the president-elect and any governor-elect to proceed with the swearing-in while the case is still in court.
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