I awoke to the buzzing of helicopters flying in the sky. For
the uninformed on National matters, the presence of Military surveillance
copters would have been a giveaway that something epic was going down in the Nation’s
capital, Abuja. It wasn’t just the celebration of Democracy in Nigeria which is
marked on this day the 29th of May every year, but today, it is also
the handing over to a new regime following the victory of Muhammadu Buhari in
the April 28th poll over the incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan.
As power had gone off in the early hours of the morning, we
decided to turn on the generator to also witness the ceremony. The Eagle Square
was awash with beautiful decorations and more important were the international dignitaries
that graced this epic occasion. Including Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Senate
President, Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Federation, Politicians,
Captains of Industries, and a host of entertainment. These, including P-Square and
Kwam-1 who regaled the guests with songs to set the pace for the jubilation of
the day.
The Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo and Vice President-Elect
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo arrived first, preceding the arrival of the President-Elect
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, who personally welcomed invited dignitaries and guests
before taking his seat. Last came the Presidential convoy of black BMWs and the
Official Mercedes Benz, and amidst Military precision, the outgoing President
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR arrived the
Inauguration ceremony.
The ceremony began with opening prayers led by the Chairman of
CAN Abuja Chapter, Gabriel Akanbi and the Deputy Chief Imam of the National
Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmad Zakari .
The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court Barrister Ahmed
Gambo Saleh anchoring the swearing-in invited first the Vice President-Elect
with his wife to the podium to take his oath of office in the presence of the
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed GCON to the applause of the
crowd and the salute of the Military. Next on the podium was President Jonathan
after shaking hands with other Heads of States, the invited guests and dignitaries.
Followed soon after was the President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari accompanied by his
wife to the podium to take his oath of office. To the “Sai Baba, sai Buhari”
music by Kwam 1, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, signed his oath of office.
Then came the handshake between the incoming president and
the outgoing President followed by the Military ceremonies of handing over the
flag of Nigeria and the flag of the office of the Presidency. To the sound of
the Bigul, the flags were mounted. White pigeons were let out of the
decorated green, white, green cage and the 21 gun salute by the Nigerian Army
Artillery. Inspection of the military guard brigade by the President, Federal
Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari while his qualifications were reeled out
by the English and French anchors of the event.
Giving his inaugural speech, President Buhari reiterated his
promise to uphold integrity, stave corruption, improve power generation and
transmission and tackle security challenges. While also tasking the media and other
arms of the government on responsibility and accountability.
As the ceremony winds to a close, the loud music emanating
from mobile bands in the street celebrating Nigeria’s democracy seep into my
room, I too step out with my bowl of goat meat pepper soup to celebrate with my
fellow countrymen. But first, let me turn off the generator, fuel cannot waste. lol.
**** A special welcome to the new President and his Vice to
the helm of affairs of this great country. We hope and pray that your
government be willing to dig into the grime cut out for you and work hard to
deliver on your CHANGE mandate for the Nigerian people ****
God bless Nigeria, God bless the new political dispensation.
