…says ‘I’m not more Nigerian than others’
…preaches unity, fairness, equity, promises impartial governance through consultations
…to prioritise security, economic growth, job creation, agriculture
NOSA EGHAGHA
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the oath of office as the 16th Nigerian President at the Eagles Square, Abuja.
The event signalled the beginning of the four years tenure in office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Arm Forces.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by many presidents, prime ministers and other world leaders and diplomats.
Also in attendance were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, serving and former governors, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps among others.
In his inaugural address after taking the oaths of office and allegiance administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kayode Ariwoola, at the Eagles Square, Abuja, Tinubu pledged to be a president for all, irrespective of the circumstances of history and political differences.
He called on all Nigerians to burry political differences and join him in a new journey of healing, nation-building and economic prosperity.
“As a nation, we have long ago decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.
“The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential.
“For me, there is but one answer. We are too great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.
“This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.
“We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble. Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this sublime moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future.”
President Tinubu promised that his administration will govern and not rule, even as noted that consultations will be the bases of any decision making.
“Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.
“We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.
“In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.
“The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.
“They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.
“They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.”
President Tinubu also charged Nigerians to not allow the opportunity for a greater development of the country to slip away.
“Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.
“The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.
“Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all,” Tinubu said.
He described the election that brought him to power as tough but fairly won, and dedicated his victory to the country with a promise to do his all to advance its progress.
“This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria,” he said.
On the economy, President Tinubu said his administration would target a higher GDP growth and significantly reduce unemployment.
He promised to offer budgetary reform that would stimulate the economy without engendering inflation.
“Second, industrial policy will utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.
“Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.”
He said his administration would review all complaints by investors about multiple taxation and “various anti-investment inhibitions.
“We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.”
President Tinubu said “security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence”
To tackle unemployment, Tinubu reiterated the salience of creating “meaningful opportunities for our youth”, as he pledged to honour his campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.
“Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.”
The President commended the action of the Buhari administration to phase out fuel subsidy which he said would save the country at a time of drying resources.
“We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.”
President Tinubu said Nigeria’s monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning as he charged the Central Bank of Nigeria to work towards a unified exchange rate.
“This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.”
President Tinubu said his administration would treat both new and old naira notes as legal tender, saying despite its intended merits, the controversial currency swap policy of the CBN “was too harshly applied” given the number of unbanked Nigerians.
The President said his “primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent,” promising to work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.
