Presidential Research & Communications Unit

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has called on all Nigerians to join hands with him in the task of national restoration and pledged leadership by example.

The President made the call in his inaugural address shortly after taking the Oath of allegiance to the Federal republic of Nigeria and the Oath of Office as the President and C-in-C of armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria along side with Vice-President Gooluck Ebele Jonathan, on May 29 at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

President Yar’adua reiterated his determination to set in motion machinery to address electoral administration in Nigeria with a view to having future elections that would be acceptable in line with international standards.

He noted that the day’s inauguration ceremony is unique being the first civilian-to-civilian transition in the nation’s history and that it represents a generational shift in the nation’s leadership to “the children of independence.”

He expressed his readiness to address the Niger Delta question using all resources at his disposal through consultation and cooperation guided by justice, equity and fairness. He acknowledged the good works of his predecessor in office in respect of the development of a master plan for the region, which he promised to operationalise. He solicited the support of all Nigerians in resolving the problems of the region, which is of strategic importance to the nation.

He also pledge his determination to address the power situation radically and reaffirmed his intention to advance on the reform programme of his predecessor with a view to making them work more visibly for the ordinary Nigerian.

While promising ‘a leadership by example’ he called on all Nigerians to rekindle the “Can do” spirit of the immediate post independence era, noting that the so called ‘Nigerian factor’ which amounts to settling for “less” must be a thing of the past in our collective march to greatness.

He acknowledged the sterling leadership qualities of his predecessor in office, President Obasanjo whom he described as a great leader who turned round the fortunes of the nation that was at the brink of economic collapse and a political pariah as at 1999, to that poised to become one of the biggest world’s economies by the year 2020.

He expressed appreciation to all foreign Heads of States and Governments particularly those present and thanked the international community for their support. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting growth, development, cooperation and integration in Africa and global peace and stability.

In attendance were leaders and diplomatic representatives of foreign countries including, President Tom Mbeki of South Africa, John Kuffor of Ghana, Blaise Compaore of Burkina fasso, Paul Biya of Cameroon amongst others.

The inaugural ceremonies started with a review of the parade mounted by the members of the armed forces and the police by the out going President Olusegun Obasanjo. Guests were treated to marvelous callisthenic displays and acrobatic police out riders. The high point was the swearing in and handing over ceremonies, which was rounded off by a review of the parade by President Umaru Musa Yar’adua and the traditional 21-gun salute exiting President Olusegun Obasanjo and welcoming President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.

Inaugural ceremonies for the Governors and their Deputies also held in the headquarters of the 36 states of the federation.

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