President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the redesignation of June 12 as Democracy Day by outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari as one of his toughest decisions. Speaking at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja where he was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, GCFR, Tinubu praised Buhari for recognizing the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, designating June 12 as Democracy Day, and awarding MKO Abiola the highest honour in the land. Tinubu said that the decision healed a festering wound and righted a historical wrong. He also pledged not to disappoint Nigerians or the outgoing President.
He said, “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.”
Tinubu also thanked the outgoing President for awarding him and his Vice President-elect Shettima the nation’s highest honours, stating that he is a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria.
He added, “I stand here renewed not only in hope but also in dedication to our national purpose and destiny. 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.”
While the Federal Government prepares to inaugurate Tinubu on May 29, his opponents in the recent presidential election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are in court challenging the results.
