Former Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta who was Guest Lecturer at today’s presidential inauguration lecture for the swearing of Senator Bola, has charged the incoming administration to reach to the opposition in order to ensure inclusiveness and national unity in Nigeria.
Also at the event which took place at the international conference centre, Abuja , President Muhammadu Buhari charged the incoming administration of President elect, Bola Tinubu on the need to ensure inclusiveness, national unity and prioritise the citizens welfare.
The theme of the Lecture was Deepening Democracy for Development and Integration.
Buhari noted that in the course of this lecture, “we have learnt that democracy is the not only a system of governance, but also a way of life, requiring active such participation, inclusivity, relentless pursuit of Justice and fairness.
He noted that true democracy thrives where the voice of the citizens are heard, valued and represented regardless of their background or social status.
The president said that the underlying philosophy of the lecture is the fact that the nation’s progress rests in unity , inclusivity and shared responsibility.
“We have acknowledged that the task of nation building is an inclusive one which transcend political affiliations and personal interest”.
He therefore, charged the incoming administration to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind,
President Buhari while noting that lessons from the lecture go beyond academic exercise, assured that as he prepares to hand over, to the President elect, there is a sense of hope based on the capacity of the incoming President, to deliver on the assignments given to him, by Nigerians.
“We must heed the lesions of this lecture and translate them into concrete actions, continue to prioritize the welfare of our citizens providing them with quality educations and sustainable livelihoods
“We must fight corruption in all its form ensure accountability, but above all, we must be United.
“Our diversity is our strength, there must be understanding and respect to overcome our differences.
He also called on the incoming government to provide an environment where every Nigerian have equal opportunities to thrive, irrespective of background, or social status The guest speaker and former Kenyan
Uhuru Kenyatta said- “Remember that your victory is not just about numbers , as Wester Democracies will have us to believe, the real victory will be how you reach out to all the voices in Nigeria, and how every Nigerian, from Katsina in the north, to Port Harcourt in the south, to the Yorubas in the West and Anambra n the East, how they will all feel included in your victory and see your government as their government, your agenda as their agenda, one Nigeria, one government for all”
Kenyatta, also reminded the Tinubu administration that the contest is now over , adding that” the work of build ing a prosperous and unified Nigeria, now beings.
“Upon assuming the office of the President, you will be wise to transcend from the tactical politics of an election to assume your role as Nigeria’s vision bearer.
“ This will demand the complete overhaul of mindset politicians are conditioned to embrace during the election process.
As President, you must learn very quickly to lead those who love you and those who loath you with deeper passion and commitments because you are now the father of all
“As you take command of the nation armed forces, you become the embodiment of the sum total if the different groups, you become the symbol of national unity of Nigeria.
Kenyatta who also advised the incoming government on the need to surround it self with the voices of those who will counter balance the hardliners that feel entitled to the piece of the office, added that “ You will lose nothing and gain everything, by reaching out across the political, ethnic and religious lines, to those who nay feel aggrieved by your victory in one way or the other, please allow them to experience and be part of your vision for greater Nigeria.
“It is my hope and my prayers that the lessons from across the continent will give you the resolve to work the difficult path in overcoming those three elements of negative ethnicity, religious discrimination and corruption.
“ As a fellow African, I look forward to a Nigeria that emerged from this transition, ready to fight for its rightful position on the global stage, with both hands
Vice President elect, Kashim Shettima who stood in for President elect Bola Tinubu, reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari conducted the freest election in the country, during the just concluded general elections
Shettima used the opportunity to assure Nigerians that the Tinubu’s administration will address the issues of fuel subsidy regime abd the dual interest rates, heavily criticized for fueling corruption under the outgoing administration of President Buhari.
Shettima who described his emergence as Vice President, as “a child of necessity” debunked fears that the Tinubu’s administration was predicated on Islamization of the country, adding that “ If Tinubu who is married to a Christian and Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Christian Church did not Islamise his own house, how can he be accused of planning to Islamise the country.
The Vice President elect revealed that he deliberately appointed an Igbo man and a practicing Catholic as his Aid De Camp ( ADC) , while his Chief Security Detail, is also a Christian, adding that “ So, the so called Boko Haram sponsor will now be protected by Christians”
He noted that there is no perfect democracy, but assured that the Tinubu’s regime, will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians
“ A Vice President is as good as his loyalty to his Principal,
“ Let the sense of our jubilation be paused, instead, for now is not the time to revel in the enchantment of triumph, instead, let us come together and recognize the reality that has afflicted our nation and move from strength to strength.”
Good will messages were received from the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Abubakar 111, Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto and Amina Mohammed.