2 than when I first assumed the role of President. However, there is still much work to do and I implore all Nigerians to continue to work towards the betterment of our beloved country.
On May 29th, 2022, Nigeria officially said goodbye to its 15th democratically elected President, Muhammadu Buhari, as he handed over power to his successor. In his last address to the nation, Buhari expressed his deep sense of gratitude to God, appreciation to the Nigerian people, and a modest sense of fulfilment.
Buhari celebrated another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another, marking it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s steady march towards improving and sustaining its democracy. The recently held presidential elections were the most keenly contested, demonstrating a robust democracy that is getting better with each election.
Despite the outcomes of various cases, Buhari urged all parties involved to accept the decisions of the courts and work together to build a better Nigeria. He commended all presidential candidates and their political parties for believing in Nigeria’s judicial system by taking their grievances with the election results to court.
Buhari called on all Nigerians to bring to bear the strength of their individualism, the power of their unity, and the convictions of their beliefs to make Nigeria work better, inspiring Nigerians to work together with one spirit and one purpose.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was congratulated by Buhari on the realisation of his dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world. Tinubu was named as the best candidate among all contestants, with Nigerians having chosen well.
The last eight years have been an exciting experience for Buhari, who desired and committed to seeing Nigeria in which public goods and services are available and accessible within a united, peaceful, and secure nation. Buhari never intended to be just politically correct but to do the correct things that will make a meaningful impact on the lives of the Nigerian people.
To ensure that Nigeria’s democracy remains resilient and its elected representatives remain accountable to the people, Buhari leaves behind an electoral process that guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent, and the influence of money in politics is reduced to the barest minimum.
The Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to various strategies put in place to ensure that the economy remained afloat during cases of global economic downturns. Buhari’s administration increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in the villages, and gave women more opportunities to earn a living.
The battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. Despite this, Buhari urged all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support security agencies by ensuring that their values define their actions.
Buhari grieved for the children still in captivity and mourned with parents, friends, and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. Although a considerable amount of progress has been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and in taking over properties illegally acquired from the commonwealth, Buhari desired to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished the country’s efforts to become a great nation.
On the international scene, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.
As Buhari retires to his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, he feels fulfilled that Nigeria has started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the critical initial steps. The outgoing president is confident that the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of its walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.
Nigeria bids farewell to outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari with a deep sense of gratitude for his service and a hope for a brighter future.
Kaynak: CNN
