May 29, (THEWILL) – Many world leaders have arrived in Nigeria to witness the Inauguration of the fifth President of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and the 16th leader since independence.
At least 65 world leaders, including Heads of State, have been invited to grace the event at Eagle Square in Abuja, this Monday, 29th May.
Presidents and Heads of Government, who have arrived include Mahamat Idriss Déby (Republic of Chad), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algeria), Nana Akufo Addo (Ghana), Macky Sall (Senegal), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra-Leone), Adama Barrow (Gambia), Denis Sassou Nguesso (Congo Brazzaville), Mohamed Bazoum (Niger), Paul Kagame (Rwanda) and Joseph Ngute (Cameroon Prime Minister).
The France delegation is led by Minister Delegate for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou.
The Japanese delegation is led by Special Envoy to Prime Minister of Japan, Tanaka Kazunori.
India’s Defence Minister, Rajinath Singh, will lead the country’s delegation to the inauguration.
India Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said: “The visit of Mr Rajnath Singh reflects the growing bilateral relations between India and Nigeria and signifies India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.”
Cote d’Ivoire’s Foreign Affairs Minister will represent the Prime Minister, Patrick Jerome Achi.
United States (U.S.) President Joe Biden will be represented by a nine-member delegation led by Marcia Fudge, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The 9-member delegation arrived on Sunday, in Abuja.
At the inauguration Dinner/Gala Night organised by the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Sunday, some of the world leaders at the event included the Presidents of South Africa, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Burundi, Liberia, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Gabon, the Prime Minister of Morocco, the Vice President of Venezuela and many more.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu reassured Nigerians and world leaders that he would deliver on his promises.
He said, “To the many Heads of State present here, our brothers and sisters celebrating with us, I thank you.
“What lessons has Nigeria’s democracy taught the rest of Africa if not the whole world? Resilience, determination, courage, and love in diversity, though our tongues and tribes differ.
“By tomorrow (today’s) afternoon, my predecessor is heading to Daura, on the border with Niger, but I have told him not to worry, he will still get a knock on his door.
“No matter how short a man is, he will see the sky. I will still be able to find him when I need his help.
“Here is a country that has stumbled many times but has never faltered. We can be squeaky like an old mama’s car, but we will never break apart. We are just a unique country.
“We must fight corruption, poverty, inconsistencies in policies and many other problems confronting us.
“But don’t pity me. I asked for the job. I campaigned for it. No excuses. I will live up to the billing to deliver. I promise you.”
Buhari thanked the dignitaries, saying the electoral process has given power back to Nigerians.
“I congratulate fellow Nigerians, who have realised that their votes count.
“I’m looking forward to flying to my base and going back to my cows and sheep, which are much easier to control than fellow Nigerians,” he said.
