Buhari declares, “I Have Run A Good Race and I Have Completed My Course.

President Buhari listed the completion and commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge, which bears his name, as one of his accomplishments.

Head of State Muhammadu Buhari After being sworn in as president and vice president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared on Thursday in Abuja, “I have ran a decent race, I have done my course. It is now time for someone else to pick up the reins.

President Buhari’s eight-year government, which spanned his two terms from 2015 to 2023, comes to an end with the investiture of the President-elect and Vice President-elect on Monday, May 29th, 2023.
The President congratulated the two politicians, who had previously held the offices of governor of Borno and Lagos States, respectively.

“I offer the President-elect my heartfelt congratulations on his well-deserved win in the 2023 presidential elections on February 25. The Nigerian people have given you the responsibility of leading our cherished nation because they are aware of your leadership abilities, political savviness, and desire for serving our wonderful nation.

“I am certain that under your leadership, Nigeria would continue to prosper and reach new heights. The Nigerians made a great choice in electing you because you were the best candidate.

“I offer the Vice President-elect the same congratulations. You are a worthy candidate for this job due to your extensive governing experience, consistent dedication to the welfare of Nigerians, and outstanding leadership under trying circumstances while serving as Governor of Borno State. I am completely certain that you will serve our country with the highest honesty and commitment.

According to the Laws of Federation of Nigeria, (LFN), 2004, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) is granted to presidents and heads of state, while the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) is given to vice presidents.

As the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have the right to bestow national honors. Today, I have given His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu the GCFR and His Excellency Kashim Shettima the GCON, respectively.

“Let’s not overlook the enormous responsibilities that come with leadership as we commemorate this important event. The President and Vice President have a responsibility to handle the major difficulties facing our country with bravery, insight, and compassion.

“We must continue to uphold the values of good governance, transparency, and accountability because these are the cornerstones of our country’s development,” he said.

Asiwaju, according to President Buhari, is qualified to govern the nation and continue on his administration’s legacy.

“President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a long and distinguished history of public service, highlighted by your extraordinary accomplishments in a variety of positions. Speaking volumes about your commitment to the welfare of Nigerians is your revolutionary leadership in Lagos State, where you had a lasting impact on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth.

It has been an honor and a delight to serve our wonderful country, and I am certain that Nigeria is in competent hands as we start on this new chapter,” President Buhari said in his statement. He also extended his sincere appreciation to Nigerians for their consistent support and trust during his administration.

Asiwaju Tinubu was instructed by President Buhari to lead the nation with insight, bravery, and compassion while discussing some of the issues facing the future government.

“Once again, let me extend my congratulations to Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima and President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu on their merited investiture. In your efforts to steer Nigeria toward a better and more affluent future, may the Almighty bless you and direct you,” he said.
The government, according to President Buhari, experienced several obstacles when it first began, but has since worked hard to address hydra-headed problems.

Since its start, this government has had to deal with security issues including insurgency, oil theft, abduction, and corruption that has permeated the whole system.

The political resolve and backing of many Nigerians, notably our tenacious Armed Forces, has allowed corruption to be aggressively combated while insurgency, terrorism, and abduction have been drastically decreased.

“In spite of the aforementioned difficulties, our government has seen economic growth throughout time. Our economy has stayed afloat and robust despite the unrest and worldwide economic collapse brought on by the international oil crisis and, most recently, the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Our administration’s commitment and determination in improving Nigeria’s infrastructure have remained unwavering,” he said.

President Buhari included the completion and commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge, which bears his name, among his accomplishments.

“I am pleased to report that, during the last eight years, no government in Nigeria’s modern history has paid roads as much attention as we have. Over 8,352.94 kilometers of roads have been built and finished by our team in total throughout Nigeria.

“Ladies and gentlemen, notwithstanding the decrease in federal government income brought on by the weakening of the world economy, which resulted in a decrease in oil revenue, we have positively impacted on every area of the Nigerian economy.

“As we commemorate the enormous infrastructure advances made by this Administration, it is important to recognize that these transformational efforts have not only changed our country’s physical environment but also opened the path for outstanding economic results that have a ripple effect throughout the whole country.

“It is without dispute that infrastructure development promotes economic growth. The entire potential of our country can only be unlocked by the development of roads, railroads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure,” he added. This would improve communication, facilitate commerce, and spur economic growth.

The President said that Executive Order No. 14 of 2023, which established the legislative framework for carrying out presidential transitions at the federal level, had been issued in order to “avoid a repeat of our 2015 experience.”
According to him, the Executive Order established the Ministerial Transition Teams led by the Permanent Secretaries and the Presidential Transition Council presided over by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The two ad hoc committees’ main duty, according to President Buhari, was to make sure that every piece of information that would aid a new government in getting off to a quick start was made accessible in a timely way and in a readable format.

“Today, I am very pleased to present my Successor, Your Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with three important papers that will serve as your roadmap as you work to establish a course for your administration.

As this would be the first time in the history of our nation that such extensive paperwork would be generated for transfer to a new government, it is my sincere hope that you will find these records beneficial. By the time you are about to leave office, I urge you to continue this legacy and improve the experience for your successor.

In addition to these three papers, all of the Ministries and their Agencies have also produced their Handover Notes, ready to brief their incoming political leadership. He said, “I want to express my profound gratitude to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his staff for this outstanding achievement.
Asiwaju Tinubu received a symbolic baton from President Buhari, who said that the new administration will continue the race to advance democracy and prosperity.
“This is a first in the transformation process of our country. I have ordered that the Baton be maintained at the Presidential history section of the National Archives in order to preserve this wonderful history for future generations, and I hope that President-elect Tinubu and others who follow after him will continue this practice,” he said.

The President-elect commended President Buhari for the transition committee, which was ensuring a seamless handover process and creating records that covered and recorded the performance of the departing government, in his remarks.
The fact that this moment is our moment, he said, makes him feel proud.

Asiwaju Tinubu praised President Buhari for his commitment to democracy and for recognizing the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as the victors of the 1993 presidential elections and awarding them with the GCFR and GCON, respectively, upon taking office.

He said, “You traveled back into history to correct the record.
Asiwaju Tinubu praised the President for his eight years of effective and forward-thinking leadership and promised that he would not let down when he took office on Monday.
“I understand the honor bestowed upon me and the enormity of the task that lies ahead,” he said.

Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, outlined the administration’s eight years of accomplishments while also outlining the three papers that were transferred and the historic baton.