Nigeria bid farewell to its outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari, as he delivered his final speech to the nation, marking the end of his tenure as the democratically elected leader. In a speech that emphasized the progress made in Nigeria's democracy and the achievements during his time in office, Buhari expressed gratitude to the Nigerian people and highlighted the need for unity and continued improvement.
President Buhari commended the peaceful transition of power, which he described as a testament to the growing strength and maturity of Nigeria's democracy. He urged all parties involved in the recent presidential elections to accept the decisions of the court and work together to build a better Nigeria.
Acknowledging the keenly contested elections, Buhari praised the resilience and determination of all the presidential candidates and their political parties, emphasizing their shared goal of making Nigeria a better nation. He congratulated his opponent and former political ally, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory, expressing confidence in his leadership abilities to take Nigeria to greater heights.
Reflecting on his eight years in office, President Buhari highlighted his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians and creating a united, peaceful, and secure nation. He mentioned the reforms implemented to strengthen the electoral process, making it more transparent and reducing the influence of money in politics.
Buhari also addressed the resilience of the Nigerian economy, which remained strong even in the face of global economic downturns, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the government's efforts in supporting rural communities, empowering women, and creating opportunities for the youth. The president applauded the private sector's partnership in driving the economy forward, leading to the completion of important infrastructure projects.
The outgoing president acknowledged the progress made in tackling insecurity, with a notable reduction in terrorism, armed robbery, and other criminal activities during his tenure. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the security agencies in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
President Buhari expressed his ongoing commitment to fighting corruption, which he viewed as a significant impediment to Nigeria's development. He highlighted the recovery of illegally acquired assets and the repatriation of funds back to the country. The president also commended the ongoing civil service reforms aimed at improving efficiency and combating corruption.
On the international stage, President Buhari noted Nigeria's growing influence, with Nigerians occupying key leadership positions in global organizations. He acknowledged the role of the National Assembly in upholding the principles of democracy and expressed appreciation for their dedication and patriotism.
In his closing remarks, President Buhari expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian people for their unwavering support and prayers throughout his tenure. He reassured the nation that Nigeria was on a path to greatness and expressed confidence in the incoming administration's ability to build upon the progress made.
As President Buhari retired to his home state of Daura, he expressed a sense of fulfillment, believing that he was leaving Nigeria in a better state than when he assumed office in 2015. The nation now eagerly awaits the inauguration of the new administration and the continuation of Nigeria's journey toward a brighter future.
