A VISTA of hope swept across the land yesterday as President Muhammadu Buhari and 29 governors took the oath for a term of four years.

There were promises from the 12 governors who received batons from their predecessors and the 17 returning governors.

The new governors are: Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Emeka Ihedioha (Imo); Bello Matawalle (Zamfara); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Prof Babagana Zullum (Borno); Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe); Mai Mala Buni (Yobe); Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) and Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa)

As announced by former Information Minister Lai Mohammed, the inauguration of President Buhari at the Eagle Square, Abuja, was low-key.



Muslim and Christian clerics prayed for the President and the nation.

The oaths were administered on Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Tanko.

At the brief ceremony, there was lowering and hoisting of the National and Defence flags, signifying the end of a dispensation and the beginning of another.

Apart from the traditional 21-gun salute, the military also displayed advance movements in review order and President Buhari inspected the guard of honour, acknowledging cheers from guests before departing the venue.

There were no speeches as it had earlier been announced that yesterday would only be for signing of oaths and inauguration for a new term.

It is believed that the President would unfold his agenda for the new term on June 12, which has been designated as the National Democracy Day.

A Presidency source explained why the President did not deliver a speech at his inauguration.

The source said: “The President has said it. Today (yesterday) is for oath taking. It (inauguration) has to take place today (yesterday) because it is constitutional.

“Every other thing, including the inauguration speech, is moved to June 12.”



The various military formations – Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police – put up spectacular performances during the Guard of Honour Parade to entertain guests.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Senate President Bukola Saraki, House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and Co-Chairman of the 2019 Presidential Campaign Council Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Interim National Chairman of the party Chief Bisi Akande; former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Nuhu Ribadu.

Also at the ceremony were: former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon; President Buahri’s wife Aisha; Prof Osinbajo’s wife Dolapo; APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and some members of the immediate past Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Governors Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Gboyega Oyetola (Osun); Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), former governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); Rauf Aragbesola (Osun); Senator Goodwill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and members of the Diplomatic Corps also graced the occasion.

Security was tight around the Eagle Square venue of the inauguration.

SOURCE: https://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-governors-take-oath-amid-hope-for-better-days/