Democracy Day, 29th May

Democracy Day is a public holiday in Nigeria. This public holiday commemorates the restoration of democracy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when the then newly elected Olusegun Obasanjo took office at the President of Nigeria. It marked the end of multiple decades of military rule that began in 1966 dan had been interrupted only by a brief period of democracy from 1979 to 1983.

- Wikipedia

His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(source: Buhari campaign organisation)

As a foreigner to this country, it was a special day indeed. I witnessed a new president took office. The ceremony itself is nothing short of history by itself. Never in the history of Nigeria an incumbent President was defeated in an election by the opposition. 

the last update I got during the presidential election,
 APC got quite a lead

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari isn't a "new kid on the block". He ran unsuccessfully for President in 2003, 2007 and 2011. In the 2015 election, he ran under the ticket of APC and defeated President Goodluck Jonathan of PDP. Leadership is nothing new to Buhari. He was in power decades ago thru a military coup in 1983 and another one brought him down two years later. Now 72 years of age, critics said that he is too old to serve..much less to create the impact under the banner of APC which uses the tag line "CHANGE" to swing the masses to vote in his favour. 

But right now, let us give him the benefit of the doubt. At that age, I don't really think the main reason is to empty the coffer of the nation.  At 72, he should be off playing with his grandchildren, and spend the remainder of his twilight years with his beloved wife..but Noooooooo... he has to nurse this ailing country back to its feet. He was an army officer, a General no less. 'To serve and to lead' must have been emblazoned within him. 

No honeymoon period for Buhari, mind you. Inheriting a nation which is so distressed. No electricity, billions are owed to the state and federal workers, USD60 billion are owed in national debt (which the outgoing government said it was accumulated from the previous administration, before him) , the threat of Boko Haram and the economy is virtually grounded. Let him first put forward his plan that was outlined during his election campaign.

www.buharimeter.ng
see the 'to publicly declare assets and liabilities'

from the same website

Anyway, the ceremony was held at the Eagle Square in Abuja (an hour flight from Lagos) morning, 29th May. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry and South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma were among the foreign dignitaries present at the event.

 the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan receiving the salute one last time from the army parade 

The President and wife (Aisha Buhari)

Buhari takes oath of office

The President's oath: 

"I, Muhammadu Buhari, do solemnly swear:

That I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

That, as president of the federal republic of Nigeria,

I will, discharge my duties to the best of my ability and in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, wellbeing and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

That I will, strive to preserve the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I WILL NOT ALLOW MY PERSONAL INTEREST TO INFLUENCE MY OFFICIAL CONDUCT OR MY OFFICIAL DECISION.

That I will, with the best of my ability to preserve, protect, defend  the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

That I will, abide by the code of conduct in the 5th schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that in all circumstances I will do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

That I will, not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except as may be required for the discharge of my duties as the President

That I will, devote myself, to the signees (I wasn't sure about this one, apologies for the error) and wellbeing to the people of Nigeria, so help me God"

front page of The Guardian

Huge task lay before him and his cabinet. With his deputy by his side, Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo (A Senior Advocate of Nigeria,SAN a Professor of Law and a Senior Partner at a Law Firm). I believe they will do their best. Only time will tell. 

His Excellency Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo
Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(source:pulse.ng)