High Expectations as Buhari, Osinbajo Take Second Term Oath of Office in Abuja

There were high expectations across the country as Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were sworn in for a second term at a low key ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

In a random survey by our correspondents across the country, Nigerians have expressed their hope for a better performance by the President Buhari administration in the next four years, with improved economy and Infrastructures development across the country as areas the President must give more attention.

The President vowed for the umpteenth time to tackle crippling security threats and root out corruption in the country.

He has been in power since 2015 when he was elected President for a four year tenure but re-elected in February 2019.

“I do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Buhari said, dressed in simple white robes and traditional embroidered cap,  with his wife by his side.

He added, “I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was also sworn into office at the oath taking ceremony administered by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mohammed Tanko at about 10:25am.

Prof. Osinbajo clad in white ‘agbada’ and black cap was also accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Dapo Osinbajo.

The President had arrived exactly at 10am alongside his wife, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Buhari and proceeded straight to the podium for the commencement of the ceremony.

Also at the ceremony were President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Other dignitaries including members of the Diplomatic Corps and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President did not make any inaugural speech.This is the first time since the return of democracy in1999 that a president would skip his inaugural speech after taking the oath of office.

It is unclear if the speech would be taken on June 12, the new Democracy Day.

Earlier in the month, Lai Mohammed, minister of information in Buhari’s first term , had announced that most events for May 29 had been moved to June 12.

Buhari had declared June 12 as Democracy Day in honour of MKO Abiola, self-acclaimed winner of the 1993 election.