Tinubu Sworn-in as Nigeria’s 16th President

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria on Monday got a new President as the declared winner of the 2023 presidential elections, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took the oath of office to succeed the outgone President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari, who completed his eight-year tenure.

With this, he becomes Nigeria’s 16th president and will hold the office till 2027, when he can contest for the position again till 2031 if re-elected, according to constitutional requirements.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, administered the oath of office to Mr Tinubu and his deputy, Mr Kashim Shettima, at exactly 10:28 am and 10:38 am respectively.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by Mr Tinubu’s predecessors, including Mr Buhari and his wife, Mrs Aisha, as well as Mr Goodluck Jonathan. Mr Shettima’s wife, Mrs Nana, also witnessed the oath-taking ceremony.

African leaders who witnessed the historic event at the venue beautifully decorated with the green-white-green colours of the nation were the new Prime Minister of Gabon, Mr Billy By-Nze; the President of the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire, Mr Alassane Ouattara; Ghana President, Mr Nana Akufo-Addo; and Rwanda President, Mr Paul Kagame.

Also at the venue of the inauguration ground were dignitaries, including African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Mr Akinwumi Adesina, Africa’s richest man, Mr Aliko Dangote, as well as contemporaries – Mr Femi Otedola, Mr Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Mr Jim Ovia.

Others present included service chiefs, heads of security agencies, governors, former governors, serving and former Ministers, as well as chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC).