President-elect Bola Tinubu has said that he understands the magnitude of the duty ahead of him as he gets poised to take on the mantle of leadership.
The former governor of Lagos was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election after defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
On Thursday, Tinubu was conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) — the highest national honour — while Kashim Shettima, the vice-president-elect, was bestowed with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)
In his speech after after receiving the honour in Abuja, Tinubu assured President Muhammdu Buhari that he won’t disappoint with the magnitude of tasks before him.
He also, lightheartedly, told Buhari to expect knocks on his door wherever he decides to retire to after May 29 when he officially cease
“I understand the honour given to me today and the magnitude of the task ahead; whether you go to Daura or Niger Republic, expect knocks on your doors,” he said.
He also praised the outgoing president for honouring the late MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided One such decision was to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honour on the late MKO Abiola,” Tinubu said.
“As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal a festering wound. The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.
“I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria. The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part Mr. President.
“Now, that great duty descends on me. I understand the must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power and in all other sectors we must make headway. The people deserve no less. In this, I shall disappoint neither them nor you, Mr. President.”