Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

Buhari confers national honours on 338 Nigerians, friends of Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the conferment of National honours on 338 Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to mark the country’s democratic transition to another government.

Mrs Ibiene Roberts, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, said this in a circular issued on Sunday in Abuja.

“There is one person to be conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), 21 names for Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), 78 names for the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

“Others are; 85 names for the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), 52 names for the Member of the Order of Federal Republic (MFR), 22 names for the Member of the Order of Niger (MON, and 3 names for Federal Republic Medal (FRM 1).

“All award recipients are to send hard and soft copies of their citations/resumes to the Secretary, National Honours Award Committee, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (FMSDIGA) on or before Wednesday, May.

“They will thereafter come to the FMSDIGA office located at the Federal Secretariat, Phase 1, Central Business District for collection of their Certificates and Medals on Thursday June 1,” she said.

Ibiene urged the recipients to call the Secretary, National Honours Award Committee on the following contacts 0805938265, 08082182222 and 08034308817 for further enquiries and clarification.

May 28, 2023
MURIC sings praises of President Buhari

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration as a huge success.

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director, MURIC, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

“As President Muhammadu Buhari winds up his administration and prepares to hand over power on Monday, May 29 we congratulate him and we thank Allah for his life.

“Although some Nigerians may not appreciate him at the moment, we have no iota of doubt that his legacy will endure. He is, indeed, the ‘Father of Modern Nigeria.

“No Nigerian leader has gone through so much, yet he survived and achieved victory. A gassing conspiracy theory kept him on hospital bed for eight months, but still he ‘rose from the dead’ and toiled with all his strength to bequeath to Nigeria a lasting memorabilia.

“The most visible sign of his success today in the area of security is the absence of suicide bombers and the closure of many Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps.

“He subdued Boko Haram and ISWAP and transformed the Nigerian Army into the most deadly fighting machine on the continent of Africa through consistent funding and transparency.

“He completed several Macadam road projects and bridges around the country, particularly the Second Niger Bridge which was recently commissioned.

“Rail transportation, which was in comatose for more than forty years, has been revived. Nigeria also got a national airline, Nigeria Air, in the twilight of the administration.

“But his greatest asset is his incorruptibility. No single allegation of corruption was laid at his door throughout his eight-year rule,” he said.

May 28, 2023
Nigeria is better than it was in 2015 – Buhari boasts in farewell address

President Muhammadu Buhari says 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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outgoing Nigerian leader also used the opportunity of the broadcast to briefly list some of the achievements of his administration in the last eight years.

On the international scene, Buhari noted that Nigeria’s influence had continued to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.

He also saluted the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the government, while commending the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their support and cooperation.

He said: ”Our democracy is built on and continues to thrive on the principles of separation of powers.

“The leadership and members of the National Assembly deserve my appreciation for their patriotism which did not detract from their roles as a check to the executive arm.”

To improve service delivery, the president stated that his administration began the implementation of a number of reforms aimed at producing ”an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-oriented (EPIC) Federal Civil Service and the results are beginning to show.”

On security challenges, Buhari said his administration had been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.

“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results.

“As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably,” he said.

The president, however, called on the citizens to sustain the gains made so far by being more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that ”nation’s values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.”

Buhari again expressed sadness over those citizens still in captivity, saying the security agencies had intensified efforts to rescue them unharmed.

“’Up till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage.

“For all those under unlawful captivity our security agencies are working round-the-clock to secure their release unharmed.”

On the fight against corruption in the last eight years, Buhari said: ”Fellow Nigerians, you know how dear the desire in my heart is, to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished our efforts to be a great country.

“I did pursue this commitment relentlessly, in spite of the expected push back.

“I am happy that considerable progress had been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and also taken over properties illegally acquired from our commonwealth.”

May 28, 2023
Buhari tenders apology to Nigerians over painful socio-economic realities

Outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised to citizens over the negative effects of some economic policies implemented by his administration in the course of revamping the nation’s economy.

The most recent of such policy was the implementation of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) naira redesign policy which was suspended on March 13.

The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, had in October 2022 announced that the bank would redesign N200, N500 and N1,000 notes and discontinue the old ones.

The implementation of the policy, which caused scarcity of the naira notes nationwide, foisted hardship, agony, humiliation, social uprising and deaths of Nigerians.

Banks and their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across the country were attacked by angry youths and other protesters.

However, on March 3, the Supreme Court extended the validity of the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes till Dec. 31, thereby restoring sanity into the various socio-economic activities in the country.

The president, however, said: ”In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results.

“Some of the measures led to temporary pains and sufferings for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country.”

According to the president, the Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to the various strategies put in place to ensure that the economy remained afloat during cases of global economic downturns.

“You would all recall the supply chain disruptions and economic downturn that the world witnessed between 2020 and 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The deftness of our response to the pandemic still remains a global best practice.

“Furthermore, we increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in our villages and gave our women opportunities to earn a living.

“Young men and women in urban centres were also supported to put their skills into productive use.”

The president affirmed that his administration also provided an enabling environment for the private sector to engage in businesses for which their return on investments is guaranteed.

According to him, the private sector proved a strong partner in the drive to build a resilient and sustainable economy as evidenced by the growing number of turnkey projects in various sectors of the economy.

On infrastructural development, Buhari disclosed that his administration had successfully completed some legacy projects to drive economic growth in the country.

“Mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth, we completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the Second Niger Bridge and various important roads linking cities and states,” he said.

May 28, 2023
Farewell speech by President Buhari

FAREWELL SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

My fellow Nigerian brothers, sisters and friends of Nigeria.

2. I address you today, in my last assignment as a democratically elected President of our great and well-endowed nation, with a deep sense of gratitude to God, a great deal of appreciation to the Nigerian people and a modest sense of fulfilment.

3. 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.

4. This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Irrespective of the outcome of the various cases, I urge all parties involved to accept the decision of our courts and join hands to build a better Nigeria.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose.

11. To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world.

12. You have indeed worked for this day and God has crowned your efforts. I have no doubt that your passion for excellence, reliance on competence, fairness in relationships, commitment to equity, loyalty to the country and desire for Nigeria to be globally relevant would come through for you, under God’s guidance, as you lead our country to levels higher that I am leaving.

13. You are the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well.

14. The last eight years have been an exciting experience in my desire and commitment to see a Nigeria in which public goods and services are available, and accessible within a united, peaceful and secure nation.

15. Fellow Nigerians, on the strength of your overwhelming support for me and my political party, I started this journey with a great deal of promise and expectation from you. I never intended to be just politically correct but to do the correct things that will make meaningful impact on the lives of the common Nigerian.

16. This high expectation was not misplaced because, like the ordinary Nigerian, I had grown tired of watching the country progressively moving away from the path of correctness.

17. To ensure that our democracy remains resilient and our elected representatives remain accountable to the people, I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics reduced to the barest minimum. And Nigerians can elect leaders of their choice.

18. We are already seeing the outcome of this process as it provided an even playing field where persons without any political God-Father or access to money defeated other well-resourced candidates.

19. The Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to the various strategies put in place to ensure that our economy remained afloat during cases of global economic downturns.

20. You would all recall the supply chain disruptions and economic downturn that the world witnessed between 2020 and 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deftness of our response to the pandemic still remains a global best practice.

21. Furthermore, we increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in our villages and gave our women opportunities to earn a living.

22. Young men and women in urban centres were also supported to put their skills into productive use. Our administration also provided an enabling environment for the private sector to engage in businesses for which their return on investments is guaranteed.

23. The private sector proved a strong partner in our drive to build a resilient and sustainable economy as evidenced by the growing number of turn-key projects in various sectors of the economy.

24. In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the over-all good of the country.

25. Mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth, we completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the second Niger bridge and various important roads linking cities and states.

26. Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.

27. To sustain the gains made so far, I call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.

28. Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.

29. Fellow Nigerians, you know how dear the desire in my heart is, to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished our efforts to be a great country.

30. I did pursue this commitment relentlessly, in spite of the expected push back. I am happy that considerable progress had been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and also taken over properties illegally acquired from our common wealth.

31. To improve service delivery, we began the implementation of a number of reforms aimed at producing an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-oriented (EPIC) Federal Civil Service and the results are beginning to show.

32. On the international scene, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.

33. Our democracy is built on and continues to thrive on the principles of separation of powers. The leadership and members of the National Assembly deserve my appreciation for their patriotism which did not detract from their roles as a check to the executive arm.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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 in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.

37. I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.

38. I thank you all. And may God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May 28, 2023
Buhari, Osinbajo leave official vehicles for Tinubu, Shettima

The presidency has shed light on whether President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and cabinet ministers are allowed to retain their official vehicles upon leaving office.

According to the presidency, President Buhari, Vice President Osinbajo, and cabinet ministers will not be permitted to keep their official vehicles after their tenure concludes.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo would leave behind their armoured luxury vehicles, which will be handed over to their successors, namely Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima.

It also added that the severance benefits for ministers will be in line with the guidelines set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, explained in an interview with the Punch that no one is entitled to official cars. Instead, project vehicles are being utilised, which can only be sold after four years when their book value is depleted.

“Don’t expect that because ministers are leaving, they will carry their vehicles under Buhari. It is not going to happen. If the ministers are not taking their vehicles along, you don’t expect the president to take any. It is not going to happen,” he said.

Shehu further clarified that former presidents and vice presidents are already granted a specific number of vehicles according to the law, which may be updated after a certain period. He assured that President Buhari would adhere to this arrangement and not place himself above his predecessors.

The President and Vice President currently make use of 2019 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 bullet-proof sedans, estimated to be worth at least ₦300 million, according to experts.

May 27, 2023
Why I didn’t interfere in NASS affairs – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says he decided not to meddle in the affairs of the National Assembly since he became the president in 2015 because of his belief in the independence of the legislature.

Buhari said this at the inauguration of the permanent site of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said his administration ensured an harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature and and promoted a culture of mutual respect and collaboration between the two arms.

The president said he was optimism that the magnificent complex would boost the capacity of the legislature in Nigeria and Africa at large.

He described the legislature as the cornerstone of any democracy, adding that it was vital to ensuring that the wish and aspirations of all Nigerians were considered during the lawmaking process.

He said the lawmakers also perform critical functions of overseeing the executive and ensuring that government’s spending aligned with legislative intent.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said the result of executive and legislative collaboration had helped in facilitating hundreds of roads, bridges as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction of rail lines across the country.

“We have also passed several legislations to provide an overarching framework for sustainable economic growth and development.

”Significantly also, the investment in infrastructure development extends to all six zones of the country,” he said.

Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, appealed to the president to assent to the Federal Audit Bill and National Assembly Budget and Research Office Bill passed by the Assembly.

He said the bills sought to enhance the oversight function of committees as critical legislative priorities as well as to improve transparency and accountability in government processes.

May 25, 2023
GCON honour excites Vice President-elect, Shettima

Vice President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima, says the conferment of national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger(GCON), on him by President Muhammadu Buhari is a humbling experience.

Shettima spoke with State House correspondents after a courtesy visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, alongside President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, were earlier at the State House Banquet Hall, conferred with national honours by the outgoing president.

Tinubu was conferred with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), while Shettima bagged GCON.

The vice president-elect said that the incoming administration of Tinubu would hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu and Shettima will be inaugurated on May 29.

“At the instance of the Vice President, who is a friend, who is a contemporary, I came in just to exchange pleasantries and cross pollinate ideas on how to move the nation forward.

“He took me round the offices out of courtesy and I want to commend him; I want to thank him for extending that courtesy for me; just cross fertilisation of ideas.

“I believe President Tinubu will hit the ground running from day one; we do not have the luxury of time.

“I will be the vice president; I don’t want to be presumptions; I don’t want to make loud proclamations, but my good feeling and my interactions with him tend to show that we will hit the ground running from day one.’’

He said there was need for humility and commitment to duty as power came from God.

The vice president-elect however solicited the support of the media and all Nigerians in building a new nation.

“It was a humbling experience; we are what we are not because of our intellect, not because of our physical prowess, not because of our pedigree, or political sagacity.

“It is just a gift from God and power is the most ephemeral of God’s gift to humanity.

“Four years or eight years in this time is not more than eight weeks; so, I believe it is a humbling experience; it is a call to national duty.

“We need the support of all of you, especially the media, for us to succeed; so, we implore you to join us in building a new Nigeria,’’ he said.

May 25, 2023
EFCC boss scores Buhari excellent on anti-corruption drive

The Chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, has described the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari in his eight years of administration as excellent.

Bawa said this on Thursday in an interview with newsmen at he passing out ceremony of the Inspector Cadet Course Six 2022 of the EFCC at Police Mobile Force Training College (PMFTC), Ende Hills, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

The 115 cadets comprised 96 males and 19 females completed their nine months rigorous training at the PMFTC.

He said that the fight against corruption was not an easy task, stressing that Buhari’s administration’s fight against corruption surpassed other previous administrations.

“The assessment of the president anti-corruption drive is of course on top and it has been excellent.

“Yesterday I was with him, where we presented to him the graph presentation of the rise in the conviction we succeeded in securing under his leadership.

“In 2016, the EFCC only recorded 103 convictions and in 2022 we recorded 3,785, all credits goes to him. This signified a sharp increase from the previous year’s conviction records of the commission.

“Because he was able to provide us not only the political will required to fight corruption but also the political action,” he said

Earlier, while expressing gratitude to Buhari, he said that the president had strengthened the commission in his quest and zeal to rid the country of corruption, whose effect had slowed down the country’s development potential.

“Since my appointment as the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr President has granted us all the necessary support and legislations, including the need to boost the manpower of the commission.

“To reinforce his commitment, the president assented into law three legislations; being the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022; the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022; and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022.

“These legal instruments against illicit financial flow and money laundry have aided the conviction achievement of the EFCC,’’ he said.

Bawa said notwithstanding its enforcement and prosecution mileage, the commission had not relented in its prevention mandate in line with the strategic objective plan of 2021 to 2025

The chairman said that this included increasing the level of public engagement in the fight against economic and financial crime.

According to him, in furtherance of this objective, the commission on every Wednesday engage in real time with the public via a virtual town hall meeting on the EFCC’s tweeter handle.

He said that the EFCC lead role in the comity of law enforcement, particularly against economic and financial crimes was no mean feat.

According to him, to sustain this role, its officers are guided by the core values of integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration

Bawa also commended the quality of training received by the 115 cadets, adding that they had been transformed from ordinary civilians into law enforcement and combat ready personnel.

“Before you today are officers drawn from every state in Nigeria, as well as the FCT after having fulfilled the selection requirements during the recruitment exercise, they came in without knowing what to expect.

“In the course of the training, these cadets received relevant academic knowledge from the EFCC instructors in areas of vocational studies, legal studies, financial studies, forensic, ICT and general studies,” he said

He noted that it had been a long road getting there, in spite of the various challenges encountered.

“I am happy to say that the cadets have been transformed, and are ready to deliver their quota in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

“I urge you all to be committed to the profession you are signed up for.

“It is crucial for you to know that law enforcement especially in the field of fighting financial crimes, is a crucial national service, a career that takes years to build, which requires only minutes to destroy,” he said.

May 25, 2023
Nigeria will achieve new heights under Tinubu – Buhari

Outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism that Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under the leadership of the incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari stated this after the investiture of President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu with GCFR, and Vice President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima with GCON.

The investiture of the president-elect and vice president-elect set the pace for their swearing into office on Monday (May 29, 2023), drawing a curtain on the eight-year administration of Buhari, who served two terms, 2015-2023.

The president congratulated both political leaders, who had served as Governor of Lagos and Borno States, respectively.

“I have run a good race, I have finished my course. It is now time for another to take up the baton. I extend my warmest congratulations to the President-elect, on his well-deserved victory at the February 25th, 2023, Presidential elections.

”The Nigerian people have recognised your leadership qualities, political acumen and passion to serve our great nation, and have entrusted you with the burden of governing our beloved country.

“I have no doubt that Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under your leadership. You were the best candidate at the elections and Nigerians have chosen wisely. I equally extend my congratulations to the Vice President-elect,” Buhari said.

The president noted that: ”Your wealth of experience in governance, your unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people, and your exemplary leadership during challenging times as Governor of Borno State, have made you a deserving candidate for this position.

”I have full confidence that you will serve our nation with utmost dedication and integrity.

“In accordance with the Honours Award Act, 1963, Laws of Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004, Presidents/Heads of State receive the Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), while the Vice Presidents are awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

“Today, with the authority vested in me, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National Honour of GCFR on His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of the GCON on His Excellency Kashim Shettima, respectively.”

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us not forget the immense responsibilities that come with leadership.

”The challenges facing our nation are significant, and it is the duty of the President and Vice President to address them with courage, wisdom and compassion.

“We must remain committed to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability, as these are the foundations upon which our nation’s progress and development rely,’’ he added.

Buhari noted that Tinubu had the experience and capacity to lead the country, carrying on the legacy of his administration.

“President-elect, Bola Tinubu, you have a long and illustrious track record of public service, marked by your exceptional achievements in various capacities.

”Your transformative leadership in Lagos State, where you left an indelible mark in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development, speaks volumes about your dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people,” he stated.

Buhari expressed his deepest gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and trust throughout his tenure.

He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this great nation, and I am confident that Nigeria is in capable hands as we embark on this new chapter.’’

While examining some of the challenges before the incoming administration, Buhari advised Tinubu to lead the country with wisdom, courage and compassion.

”May the Almighty bless you and guide you in your endeavours to lead Nigeria towards a brighter and more prosperous future,’’ he prayed.

Buhari said the administration was faced with many challenges at inception and worked hard to tackle hydra-headed issues.

“This administration from inception has faced security challenges such as insurgency, oil theft, kidnapping as well as corruption which has eaten deep into the system.

“With the political will and support of many Nigerians, especially our dogged Armed Forces, insurgency, terrorism, and kidnapping have been reduced to their barest minimum while corruption has been tackled headlong.

“Despite the aforementioned challenges, our administration has made economic gains over the years.”

While acknowledging the turbulent times and global economic meltdown occasioned by the world oil crisis and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy has remained afloat and strong.

“Our administration’s commitment and determination in infrastructural upliftment of Nigeria have remained unshaken,’’ he added.

Buhari noted that the Second Niger Bridge, named President Muhammadu Buhari, had been completed and inaugurated as part of his administration’s achievements.

“I am happy to say that no administration in Nigeria’s modern history has given so much attention to roads as we have done in the last eight years. In all, we have been able to construct and complete over 8,352.94 kilometers of roads across Nigeria.

“In spite of the shortfall in the federal government’s revenue, due to the weakness in the global economy that led to a drop in oil revenue, we have touched on all sectors of the Nigerian economy positively.

“As we celebrate the monumental infrastructural strides achieved by this administration, it is pertinent to acknowledge that these transformative endeavours have not only reshaped our physical landscape but have also paved the way for remarkable economic outcomes that reverberate across our nation.

“The link between infrastructure and economic prosperity is undeniable. It is through the construction of roads, railways, bridges and other critical assets that we unlock the true potential of our nation, leading to better communication, facilitating trade and propelling economic growth,’’ he said.

The president said an Executive Order No. 14 of 2023, had been signed ”to avoid a repeat of our 2015 experience’’, establishing the legal framework for conducting presidential transitions at the federal level.

According to him, the Executive Order establishes the Presidential Transition Council chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Ministerial Transition Teams headed by the Permanent Secretaries.

Buhari explained that the primary responsibility of the two ad-hoc bodies was to ensure that every piece of information that would help a new administration get off to a speedy start was made available in a usable format and in a timely manner.

“Today, I am so proud to have handed over to you my Successor, Your Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, three key documents that will guide you as you aim to define a path for your administration.

“It is my earnest desire that you will find these documents useful as this would be the first time in the history of this country that such detailed documentation will be produced for handover to a new administration.

”I strongly encourage you to uphold this legacy and make the experience even better for your successor by the time you are to leave office.

“It may also interest you to know that apart from these three documents, all the Ministries and their Agencies have also prepared their Handover Notes, ready to brief their new political leadership. I want to sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his team for this great feat,’’ he further stated.

On the transfer of a symbolic baton to Asiwaju Tinubu, Buhari said that the incoming government would continue with the race of advancing democracy and development.

“This is a first in the history of our Nation’s transition process. To preserve this remarkable history for generations to come, I have directed that the Baton be preserved in the Presidential history wing of the National Archives and I hope that President-elect Tinubu and those after him will build on this tradition,’’ he added.

In his remark, Tinubu thanked Buhari for the transition committee that was ensuring a smooth handing-over process, with documents that cover and capture the performance of the outgoing administration.

“I also feel a sense of pride that this moment is our moment,’’ he said.

Tinubu also extolled Buhari for his democratic credentials, making history on the assumption of office by recognising late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Amb. Babagana Kingibe as winners of the 1993 presidential elections and honouring them with GCFR and GCON, respectively.

“You went back into history to set the record straight,’’ he noted.

Tinubu congratulated the president for providing strong and visionary leadership for eight years, assuring that he will not disappoint on the assumption of office on Monday.

“I understand the honour given to me and the magnitude of the task that awaits us,’’ he noted.

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, reeled out the achievements of the administration in eight years and explained the historic baton and the three documents that were handed over.

May 25, 2023