First inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari

First Inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari (2015)

The first inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as the 15th president of Nigeria, and 4th president in the Fourth Nigerian Republic, took place on Friday, 29 May 2015. It marked the beginning of his first four-year term, with Yemi Osinbajo as vice president. This was:

• The 7th presidential inauguration in Nigeria
• The 5th in the Fourth Republic

The Federal Government declared 29 May a public holiday. More than 50 foreign government representatives were expected to attend. The government budgeted less than ₦2 billion (~US$10 million) for the ceremony.

Background

• Buhari won the election by over 2.5 million votes.

• On 17 May 2015, his spokesperson announced Buhari would be addressed simply as:

  "Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria" — not Mr., Alhaji, or Mallam.

• On the same day, his official portrait was unveiled.

• On 24 May, the APC claimed outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan was leaving behind:

  • A nation in deep crisis
  • No electricity, no fuel
  • Workers on strike
  • ₦60 billion national debt
  • An economy that was "virtually grounded"

• On 26 May, the National Union of Nigerian Students opposed the visit of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, citing:

  Poor handling of xenophobic attacks
  "There is no point felicitating with a people who clearly do not matter much to you."

• On 27 May, Premium Times reported:

  • The PDP had received most of the 5,000 invitation cards to prevent embarrassment to President Jonathan.
  • Jonathan, in a valedictory FEC session, insisted any future probe must extend beyond his administration to avoid witch-hunt accusations.

• Suleiman Hashimu trekked 750 km from Lagos to Abuja in 18 days, fulfilling a vow if Buhari won. He spent only ₦3,500 of the ₦100,000 he carried, being assisted by citizens along the way.

Pre-Inaugural Events

Pre-inaugural programs were held in Abuja before the official swearing-in.

Inaugural Events

Swearing-In Ceremony

• Took place at Eagle Square, Abuja
• Time: 08:00 hours (UTC+1)
• Oath administered by Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed

President Buhari then delivered his inaugural speech.

Inauguration Speech (Excerpt)

“Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep my oath and serve as President to all Nigerians.
I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.
There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue."

He referenced Nigeria’s rich heritage:

“We are heirs to great civilizations:
- Shehu Othman Dan Fodio’s caliphate
- Kanem–Bornu Empire
- Oyo Empire
- Benin Empire
- King Jaja’s domain”

On Boko Haram

"Victory cannot be achieved by basing command in Abuja. The command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri.
Boko Haram must be defeated and the Chibok girls rescued alive.
They are a mindless, godless group, far removed from Islam."

On Power Supply

"It is a national shame that an economy of 180 million people generates only 4,000 MW and distributes even less."

Inauguration Luncheon

• Held at the State House Banquet Hall at midday
• Buhari left early to attend Friday prayers

Inauguration Gala

• Held in the evening with dignitaries and international guests

Attendance

Invitations were sent to 54 African countries and other nations.

Notable attendees:

• Former Heads of State:

  • General Yakubu Gowon
  • President Shehu Shagari (ousted by Buhari)
  • General Ibrahim Babangida (deposed Buhari)
  • Interim President Ernest Shonekan
  • General Abdulsalami Abubakar
  • General Olusegun Obasanjo

• Patience Jonathan, outgoing First Lady, did not attend

Dignitaries

• Spouses of Heads of State
• Government representatives
• International organizations

Controversies

Kenyan Delegation

• President Uhuru Kenyatta cancelled his trip after backlash over his 84-member entourage
• Kenyan government called the list fake
• Deputy President William Ruto attended with 10 officials

Zimbabwean Delegation Incident

• Sahara Reporters’ Adeola Fayehun asked President Mugabe when he would step down
• Mugabe's aide called them "activists with cameras"
• Zimbabwean officials called it "Boko Haram journalism"

See Also

• 2015 Nigerian General Election(#)
• Second Inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari(#)
• Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari(#)

References

External Links