Tinubu promises greater Nigeria despite corruption, poverty 

President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on the night of Sunday, May 28th, told Nigerians that the fact that he ran for presidency simply meant he would deliver on all promises without excuses. 

The President-elect said he would set Nigeria back on the path of growth; poverty, and policy inconsistency notwithstanding.

Tinubu spoke at the Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night, organised by the Presidential Transition Council (PTC), at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He made it known that though there are many issues confronting the country, including corruption, poverty and policy inconsistency, he would not use any of them as an excuse for nonperformance by his administration, saying there will be no excuses for failure.

According to him, “To the many Heads of State present here, our brothers and sisters, celebrating with us, I thank you, but I want to say clearly for us to take away what lessons has Nigeria democracy taught the rest of Africa, if not the whole world.

“Resilience, determination, courage, love in diversity, though our tongues and tribes differ. By tomorrow afternoon, my predecessor is heading to Daura, on the border with Niger, but I have told him not to worry, he will still get a knock on his door. No matter how short a man is, he will see the sky. I will still be able to find him when I need his help.

“Here is a country that has stumbled a number of times, but has never faltered. We can be squeaky like an old mama’s car, but we will never break apart. We are just a unique country.

“We must fight corruption, poverty, inconsistencies in policies and many other problems confronting us, but don’t pity me, I asked for the job, I campaigned for it, no excuses, I will live up to the bill delivered. I promise you” he said.

In his speech, the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari, thanked the dignitaries who have come to honour Nigeria, stressing that the success the country just achieved with the election, was what produced the incoming set of leaders.

He said that the electoral process has given power back to the Nigerian electorate.

He said, “I congratulate fellow Nigerians who have realised their power that their votes count. I’m looking forward to tomorrow flying to my base and going back to my cows and sheep, which are much easier to control than fellow Nigerians.

“Your Excellencies, Heads of States and Government, and their representatives that have come to share this day with us, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I thank very much and I say goodbye to you and wish us the best of luck”, he said.

Earlier, the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, in company of Tinubu’s incoming First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima and his wife unveiled a book titled “Renewed hope, Greater together”.

Some of the world leaders seen at the colourful event included the Presidents of South Africa Sierra Leone, Ghana, Burundi, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Central Africa Republic, Gabon, the Prime Minister of Morocco, Vice President of Venezuela and many more.