President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he is looking forward to handing over power to incoming President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
The May 29 handover date, according to Buhari, is sacred and nothing can change it.
The President was quoted in a statement on Friday by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, as having made the submission while speaking to reporters shortly after the Eid prayer, which marks the end of Muslims’ 30-day Ramadan fasting.
According to the statement, the President expressed confidence in Nigerians’ ability to defend democracy in the country against all threats, having realized the power of their votes and how to use it.
Nigerians appreciate the stability of democracy. The outcome of the elections, in which more than ten governors failed to make it to the senate sent a clear message that ordinary Nigerians know the power of their votes and how to use it.
Nigerians cherish democracy. They have shown their love for it and will defend it against real or perceived threats. They will continue to vote one way or the other depending on their preferences, he stated.
May 29 Is Sacrosanct
President Buhari also assured that the May 29th handover date remains sacrosanct and by God’s grace, nothing will change it.
“God willing, nothing will stop it,” Buhari added.
I’ll Stay Far Away From Abuja
President Buhari said after handing over, he plans to stay far away from Abuja so he can rest and not be a distraction to the incoming President.
The President said he feels fulfilled that God had made it possible to serve two terms of four years each and looks forward to an orderly handover.
I thank God for what He has done for me personally and for what He has enabled us to achieve.
I am looking forward to returning to my town, to be as far away as I can from Abuja so that the in-coming President will have the time and the space to take decisions without my distracting him, he said.