It is inauguration day. Former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu has been sworn in as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ending the eight-year administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu, 71, takes office, two months after being declared winner of the keenly contested February 25 presidential election.
With 8,794,726 votes, Tinubu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), beat his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 6,984,520 votes, while Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi, 61, came in third with 6,101,533 ballots.
Tinubu becomes the fifth democratically elected Nigerian President in the fourth Republic.
His predecessors are Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023), Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015), Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-2010), and Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007).
As Tinubu and his vice president, Kashim Shettima, take their place in the history books, Channels Television provides full coverage of the inauguration events.
11: 31: Aisha Buhari, dignitaries are at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport ahead of Buhari’s departure to Daura, Katsina State.
11:05: Buhari and Osinbajo depart Eagle Square after handing over to Tinubu.
10:37 am: Tinubu was now sworn in as Nigeria’s president
09: 51 pm: The United Arab Emirates Minister of State, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, has also arrived for the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.
09:47 am: Bola Tinubu arrives at Eagles Square for his inauguration.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola administered the oath of office to Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima at exactly 10:28 am and 10:38 am respectively.
09:29 am: Kashim Shettima has arrived at Eagle Square to be inaugurated as the nation’s new vice president.
09:31 am: More delegations mostly from African countries are arriving at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja for the presidential inauguration ceremony.
First to arrive is the new Prime Minister of Gabon, Mister Billy By-Nze, followed by the President of the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire, Mr. Alassane Ouattara.
They are received on arrival by delegations from both their respective diplomatic missions in Nigeria and some Nigerian delegations.
09:25 am: Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola arrives at Eagle Square for the inauguration.
09:17 am: Former president Goodluck Jonathan is also at Eagle Square for the presidential inauguration.
08:47 am: The military is on the ground at the inauguration ceremony.
08:40 am: Dangote, Otedola, and Others Arrive at Eagle Square
Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Lai Mohammed, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Festus Keyamo, Akinwumi Adesina, Femi Otedola, Abdul Samad Rabiu, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries are already at Eagle Square.
08:23 am: Tinubu is expected to announce his cabinet within 60 days, according to a lawmaker James Faleke who spoke with Channels Television at Eagle Square.
08: 20 am: Channels Television’s correspondent Kayla Megwa reports that there is tight security, as expected, at Eagle Square.
Only those invited have access to the venue as guests trickle in for the ceremony.
08:11 am: Federal lawmakers, world leaders, and other invited guests are also expected.
08:07 am: Sanwo-Olu thanks Buhari, Wishes Him Well
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State wishes outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari well and thanks him for leading the country in the last eight years.
“I wish you well as you formally handover the mantle of leadership to the President-elect, today Monday, 29th,” he tweeted on Monday.
“To the good people of Lagos, I dedicate this honour to you, for your support and acceptance. You all have given me the opportunity to serve you again. I promise to continue to serve diligently and conscientiously.”
07:30 am: Dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, security agencies, leading members of the APC, and party faithful arrive at the venue of the event.
