Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President-Elect, has vowed not to disappoint Nigerians and outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari when he takes over power.
Mr Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday after the title of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) was conferred on him by Mr Buhari at the State House Conference Center in Abuja.
He described the president as a courageous leader who took tough decisions others shy away from.
“President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided,” Mr Tinubu said, recalling that: “One of such decision was to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honour on the late MKO Abiola.
“As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal a festering wound. The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.
“I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria. The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part Mr. President.
“Now, that great duty descends on me. I understand the meaning of the honour given to me today and of the task that awaits.
“I must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power and in all other sectors we must make headway. The people deserve no less. In this, I shall disappoint neither them nor you, Mr. President,” the former Lagos governor assured.
Expect disturbances
The incoming leader also subtly told the outgoing leader to expect being disturbed, against the wish of Mr Buhari who recently warned that no one should summons him for questioning when he hands over power.
The Kaduna-born politician reiterated that yesterday while commissioning the new corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja.
He said that Niger Republic, which he describes as his good neighbour, will defend him should he be called for questioning.
Responding, the former Lagos governor who claimed to know the magnitude of the task ahead of him, urged Buhari to expect knocks on his doors regardless of his location after leaving power.
“…whether you go to Daura or Niger Republic, expect knocks on your doors,” Mr Tinubu told the former military head of state.