President Goodluck Jonathan faded out last night as Nigeria’s 14th head of state to pave way for the swearing in of Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s new president and head of state.
The swearing-in ceremony at Eagle Square, Abuja is historic. New Vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who will be sworn in, along with Buhari, described the event of today in a tweet as: “The inauguration of a new deal for Nigerians. Hope and faith in a new beginning- just on the horizon”
It was the first time that an opposition candidate successfully wrested power from an incumbent, in a generally peaceful election, with violence only recorded in an few states of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta.
Buhari after his stint as Nigeria’s leader between January 1983 and August 1985, had attempted to win the presidency via democratic election three times, in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
He finally succeeded on 28 March, using the platform of the All Progressives Congress, an amalgam of opposition parties, led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
By 9.15 am, foreign dignitaries and former Nigerian leaders, service chiefs have arrived the Eagle Square, venue of the swearing in ceremony.
*Past Nigerian Leaders
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
Maj. General Aguiyi Ironsi
General Yakubu Gowon
Brig. Ramat Murtala Muhammed
General Olusegun Obasanjo
Alhaji Shehu Shagari
Maj. General Muhammadu Buhari
General Ibrahim Babangida
Chief Ernest Shonekan
General Sani Abacha
General Abdulsalami Abubakar
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Alhaji Umar Yar’Adua
President Goodluck Jonathan
Latest: Muhammadu Buhari