President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria’s unity and strength lie in its diversity.
President Buhari made the declaration in Abuja on Saturday at the 2023 Presidential Inauguration lecture, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The inauguration lecture was organised by the Presidential Transition Council, as part of activities leading to the swearing-in of Nigeria’s 7th democratically elected President, Bola Tinubu.
He said: “Above all, we must remain united. Our diversity is our strength. It is through dialogue, understanding and respect we can overcome our differences and forge a common path towards progress.
“Let us foster an environment where every Nigerian has an equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion or social status.”
The Nigerian leader stressed that all citizens must join hands to achieve the task of nation-building because; no one can do it alone.
“The underlying philosophy of this lecture has been rooted in the belief that our nation’s progress rests on the place of unity, inclusivity and shared responsibility. We have acknowledged that the task of nation-building is a collective one transcending political affiliations and personal interests. It is a commitment to leaving no Nigerian behind, ensuring that every citizen feels the positive impact of good governance and enjoys the dividends of democracy,” he said.
President Buhari, therefore, urged all to put into practice the lessons learnt from the presidential inauguration lecture, to move the nation forward.
“The lessons we have learnt here are not merely intellectual exercises but a call to action,” he said.
The outgoing President expressed optimism that the incoming President, Bola Tinubu will deliver on his mandate.
He said; “As I prepare to hand over the reins of governance to the President-elect on the 29th of May, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope hinged on the capacity of my successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on the assignment given to him by Nigerians.”
President Buhari reminded Tinubu of the responsibility that lies ahead as he takes over on Monday, May 29.
He said; “I am at the same time reminded of the immense responsibilities entrusted upon us as leaders and the tremendous potential that lies within our great nation. We must heed the lessons of this lecture and translate them into concrete actions.
“We must continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of our citizens, providing them with quality education, accessible healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. We must fight against corruption in all its forms, unfolding the principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
President Buahir said the theme of the inaugural lecture; “Deepening Democracy for Development” was apt because Nigeria had since embarked on a journey of collective growth.
“We have embarked on a journey of introspection, enlightenment and collective growth. We have delved deep into the theme and explored the lessons that will guide us as we transition into a new era. We have recognized the challenges and divisions that have tested the very fabric of our nation. We have confronted the harsh realities of inequality, the persistence of corruption and the imperative to empower all citizens
“But more importantly we have unearthed the transformative powers of democracy and the immense potential it holds for our great nation.’”
President Buhari thanked the Keynote Speaker, the former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, for accepting to participate in the Presidential inauguration lecture.
He said democracy is not just a system of governance but a way of life therefore, it must be sustained, to ensure peace, justice and fairness.
Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, who represented President–elect Bola Tinubu, praised incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, for exhibiting the virtues of humility and fairness.
He said; “I begin by thanking President Muhammadu Buhari who in eight years of stewardship, you were subjected to the most spurious of attacks. You were demonized, dehumanized and even robbed of your humanity; you were called Jibrin of Sudan but never for a single moment did you harass or use any extra-judicial means to exact vengeance.
“About a year ago the nation was at the brink of an implosion, there was acute agitation for power shift but for the first time in the contemporary history of Nigeria, a sitting President provided the enabling environment for the conduct of a free and fair primary election in his political party and that was how the President-elect, Bola Tinubu emerged as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress.
“The truth is that President Muhammadu Buhari conducted the fairest and just election in the contemporary history of this nation,” he said.
Tinubu, who also thanked the Keynote Speaker for doing justice to the topic, noted that Kenyatta has proven that there exists a link between democracy and development.
He said he will always be an African and a Nigerian even if he was asked to choose his birthplace a hundred times.
Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who doubles as the Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, said the theme of the inaugural lecture was carefully chosen to address some of the challenges bedevilling the nation.
There were remarks by the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokkoto, Most Rev Mathew Hassan Kuka, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President, African Development Bank and Mr Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
