Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has congratulated Nigeria’s newly-elected President, Bola Tinubu, on his inauguration, revealing that it presents an opportunity to reset the Nigerian narrative.
According to him, expectations are high for the new President to deliver to the people of Nigeria what it truly deserves. He further expressed the belief that Bola Tinubu will use his good offices as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to consolidate the integrity and unity of the country.
Mr Mahama equally expressed the need for the newly-elected Nigerian President to work with ECOWAS for sustained peace and stability in West Africa.
“Congratulations, my brother, HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your inauguration presents an opportunity to reset the Nigerian narrative and give hope to the Nigerian people that your great nation can rise to play the leading role on our continent that destiny has bestowed on her.”
John Dramani Mahama
To this end, Mr Mahama wished Bola Tinubu a successful tenure as he strives to improve Nigeria’s economy, create decent and sustainable jobs for the youth, and deepen democracy in Nigeria.
World leaders congratulate Bola Tinubu
Meanwhile, United States President, Joe Biden, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his inauguration as the new leader of Nigeria.
In a statement released on the White House website, Mr Biden also sent his wishes to the government and people of Nigeria on the occasion of the swearing-in.
The U.S. leader stated that his administration has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, and he looks forward to continuing the work with Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights.
Additionally, Mr Biden noted that he looks forward to drawing even more on the ideas and energy of the dynamic connection between the countries as partners.
“On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new President… The people-to-people connections between our two countries run particularly deep, nurtured by a vibrant Nigerian Diaspora in the United States.”
Joe Biden
President Biden explained that as Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success. With this, he noted that elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs.
“And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world.”
Joe Biden
On the other hand, King Charles III revealed that he looked forward to building a deeper relationship between the UK and Nigeria as Commonwealth partners.
The British monarch in a statement delivered by the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Special Envoy on Girls’ Education, Helen Grant, expressed that as Commonwealth partners with a deep bond, the relationship will be mutually beneficial.
“Dear Mr. President, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your inauguration as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to send you every possible good wish as you assume the many responsibilities of your office.”
King Charles III
During his inauguration, the new President of Africa’s largest democracy used his inaugural address to make a major policy announcement to ease pressure on government finances.
Bola Tinubu said the decades-long subsidy on petroleum products was being scrapped.
The Nigerian President won disputed elections with a promise to renew hope – but he faces tough economic and security challenges. Owing to this, it is not clear when the new policy will kick in, but ending the subsidy will lead to a rise in the price of petrol and could have a knock on effect on other prices.
Despite its oil wealth, Nigeria is unable to refine enough crude to meet local demands so it imports petroleum products, which are then sold at a government-set price.
However, the subsidy is a huge drain on public finances. Last year it expended 4.3 trillion naira and for the first half of this year, 3.36 trillion naira was budgeted for it. With this, the new President noted that the subsidy could no longer be justified and that the funds would instead be spent on public infrastructure and to improve the lives of people.
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