Special Reporting by JIDE ADESINA -Editor-In Chief
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent”.- MLK
Nigerians in euphoria of newly hard fought and won democracy today , a triumph of peoples struggle , a commitment to freedom , peace and tranquility of fatherland , Yes today stands as a day of victory , to dancing and singing songs and praises at the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari, the first candidate to beat a sitting president at the polls.
‘ Today I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody ‘ – President Mohammudu Buhari
“Change has come to Nigeria!” declared the announcer, echoing the election slogan as Buhari arrived for the ceremony resplendent in traditional robes and an embroidered cap.
“We are not going to after anybody , we are not going to settle olds scores , the past is the past , we must look forward “– President Mohammodu Buhari
The new president promised to obey the rule of law and constitution of Nigeria and will not encroach the legislature and the judiciary system . we ready to balance the government both from local level and state office , promised accountability , transparency, cooperation of labour congress, organized private institution , media and the social media, sincerely appeal to the media to be patriotic and act accordingly .
The 72-year-old says that as a “born-again democrat” he can heal the woes of Africa’s biggest nation, economy and oil producer.
Buhari inherits leadership of a nation plagued by an Islamic uprising that has driven more than 1.5 million people from their homes. Nigeria is also $63 billion in debt and is borrowing to pay government workers.
Buhari has a wealth of international goodwill. A phalanx of African leaders are at Friday’s inauguration along with France’s Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, looking to mend fences broken under the discredited administration of Goodluck Jonathan.
Also there are presidents of neighbouring countries who have complained of lack of co-operation from Nigeria’s government and military in a multinational offensive to curb Boko Haram, the Nigerian Islamic extremist group.
A small Islamic uprising was ongoing when Buhari, a Muslim from the north, was installed as president after a military coup on New Year’s Eve 1983. In August 1985 he was himself deposed because his fight against corruption and the life-long jail terms for politicians found guilty by military tribunals proved too draconian even for the coup plotters, who felt threatened. He was replaced by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who was attending Friday’s celebration along with Olusegun Obasanjo, a powerful politician and backer of Buhari who also governed first as a military dictator and then as an elected president. Shehu Shagari, the civilian leader ousted by the coup that put Buhari in power, also was at the inauguration in Abuja’s Eagle Square.
Soldiers and naval troops in green and white dress uniforms stood to attention as a military band played. Traditional dancers accompanied by horn blowers and drummers performed as dignitaries arrived.
To be Continue – President Buhari Inaugural speech underway
