As Former President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office today, he has departed Abuja shortly after handing over power to his successor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nigerians have commented on the eight-years rule. Amidst the challenges experienced during his regime, the outgoing President had given himself a pass mark, saying that he is leaving Nigerians in 2023 better than he met it in 2015.
Buhari while giving his farewell message to Nigerians yesterday noted that some of the difficult choices he made for the good of the masses brought pain and suffering to Nigerians.
Tendering his apology over such policies the outgoing President said, “In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country.
“Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed
“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.
“As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.
” I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.”
“Today we mark and celebrate another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in our steady march to improve and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
“This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.
“We must as a nation improve and sustain gains we make in the electoral process, on an incremental basis for Nigeria to take its rightful place among Nations.
“Our democracy provides for, allows and encourages seeking redress for perceived injustices, enabling some candidates and political parties that did not agree with the results to go to court.
“Irrespective of the outcome of the various cases, I urge all parties involved to accept the decision of our courts and join hands to build a better Nigeria.
“I salute the doggedness and resilience of all the Presidential Candidates and their political parties for believing in our judicial system by taking their grievances with the election results to court.
“In the course of the campaigns, we had argued and disagreed on how to make Nigeria better but we never disagreed or had any doubts that Nigeria has to be better.
As Buhari bows out, Bola Tinubu has been inaugurated as Nigeria’s President by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Senator Kashim Shettima was also sworn in as Vice President.
The inuaguration which took place on Monday marks the beginning of a new tenure and Nigerians are expectant to what the new administration will bring.
What is your thought about the eight years rule of Former President Buhari and what is your expectation for the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu?
