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Handover power to you on May 29 is sacrosanct – Buhari assures Tinubu

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2023

Tinubu and Buhari

Handover power to you on May 29 is sacrosanct – Buhari assures Tinubu

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday expressed his readiness to receive Bola Tinubu to the State House as President on May 29.

The President also declared that the handover of power from him to the President Elect on that date is sacrosanct.

Buhari and Tinubu spoke on the phone to exchange pleasantries on the occasion of the Eid el Fitri.

The president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said his principal assured Tinubu that he was ready to welcome him as his successor in the Presidential Villa on May 29.

“President Muhammadu Buhari and the incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Friday morning exchanged Eid greetings in a phone call to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan,” Shehu said in a statement.

“Both leaders thanked God Almighty for seeing this day and prayed for the stability and the wellbeing of the nation.

“President Buhari expressed his readiness to welcome Asiwaju Tinubu to the State House as President on May 29th.”

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And fielding questions from journalists at the Eid grounds in Abuja after the Sallah prayers, Buhari said Nigerians have fully embraced and demonstrated their love for democracy, hence the handover of power to Tinubu is not negotiable.

“Nigerians appreciate the stability of democracy,” he said.

“The outcome of the elections, in which more than 10 governors failed to make it to the Senate, sent a clear message that ordinary Nigerians know the power of their votes and how to use it.

“Nigerians cherish democracy. They have shown their love for it and will defend it against real or perceived threats.

“They will continue to vote one way or the other depending on their preferences.”

Reiterating the sanctity of the handover date, the President said, “God willing, nothing will stop it.”

Buhari, who later hosted the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja community as part of his last Sallah celebration as President in the Villa, apologised to those he might have hurt with his actions during his eight years in the saddle.

Buhari, while tendering the open apology, also pledged to be far away from Abuja after his tenure to avoid distracting his successor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“There is no doubt I hurt some people, and I wish you will pardon me and those that think that I have hurt them so much. Please pardon me,” he said moments after returning home from the Abuja Eid grounds where he had joined other residents for the Sallah prayers.

Buhari told his guests, led by FCT Minister Mohammed Bello, that God has been kind to him, having served the country in various capacities.

He said once his tenure is over next month, he will be as far away from Abuja as possible to allow the incoming administration run without any interference from him.

He said: “I think this is a very good coincidence for me to say goodbye to you and to thank you for tolerating me for more than seven and a half years now.

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“I assure you, I have deliberately arranged to be as far away from you as possible, not because I don’t appreciate the love you’ve shown to me, but because I think I’ve gotten what I have asked and I would rather quietly retire to my hometown.

“Having been a governor, minister and president twice, I think God has given us an incredible opportunity to serve as your president, and I thank God for that. So, please, whoever feels I have done wrong, we are all humans.”

He said he could not wait to go home after eight years as president.

His words: “I can’t wait to go home to Daura. If they make any noise to disturb me in Daura, I will leave for Niger Republic.

While thanking Nigerians for tolerating him since 2015, Buhari described himself as lucky to have led Nigeria in various capacities.

Describing democracy as the best form of government, Buhari said without it, he could not have been President, having already served as military head of state and given the side of the country he hails from.

His words: “I am counting the days. Democracy is a good thing, otherwise how can somebody from the other side be a president for two terms? My home town to Niger Republic is eight kilometres.

“I honestly consider myself very lucky. I was made a governor, minister of petroleum, head of state in uniform, then after three attempts, God, through technology and PVC, I became president.

“I tried in 2007, 2011 and 2015 and ended up at the Supreme Court three times.”

He took a swipe at those who claim they cannot get justice at the courts, recalling that all the Supreme Court justices that heard all his election petitions were not only from the north but were also Muslims, yet he lost.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari, Senator Philip Aduda, Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman in the FCT the Reverend Timothy Amakum and Umaru Shagalinku, the man who started one of the oldest restaurants in Abuja, were also at the Sallah homage.

Handover power to you on May 29 is sacrosanct – Buhari assures Tinubu

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Tinubu, Starmer Meet as UK Backs £746m Lagos Port Upgrade Deal

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Trends Admin

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu, Starmer Meet as UK Backs £746m Lagos Port Upgrade Deal

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday held high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as both countries move to deepen Nigeria–UK bilateral relations and finalise a £746 million port infrastructure deal.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the meeting is expected to culminate in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, investment, defence cooperation, and cultural exchange.

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s push to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), strengthen economic diplomacy, and accelerate the modernisation of critical infrastructure.

At the centre of Tinubu’s UK visit is a £746 million financing agreement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

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The deal will fund the refurbishment and upgrade of two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports:

Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays)
Tin Can Island Port Complex

Officials say the project will focus on rehabilitating ageing port infrastructure, improving cargo handling efficiency, and reducing congestion — long-standing challenges that have hindered Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The upgrades are also expected to enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and logistics efficiency, positioning Nigeria as a stronger maritime hub in West Africa.

Beyond infrastructure, discussions between Tinubu and Starmer also covered security cooperation, regional stability, and economic partnerships, reflecting a broader strategic alignment between both countries.

Analysts note that the involvement of UK Export Finance signals strong UK government backing for the project, which could open the door for more British investments in Nigeria’s transport, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

The agreement is considered one of the largest recent external financing deals in Nigeria’s port sector, with potential to create jobs, boost exports, and improve the ease of doing business.

Tinubu, Starmer Meet as UK Backs £746m Lagos Port Upgrade Deal

News

9 Things King Charles III Said About Nigeria

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Trends Admin

King Charles III and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

9 Things King Charles III Said About Nigeria

King Charles III delivered warm remarks about Nigeria during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, highlighting the deep historical ties, cultural connections, and contributions of Nigerians to the United Kingdom and the wider world.

Here are nine key things the monarch said about Nigeria:

1. Strong Historical Ties
King Charles III emphasized the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, describing it as one built on centuries of shared history, engagement, and mutual influence.

2. Shared Values and Partnership
He noted that both nations are united by common values, including a commitment to progress, resilience, and continued cooperation in global affairs.

3. Nigeria’s Role in the Commonwealth
The King acknowledged Nigeria as one of the most significant members of the Commonwealth, underlining its importance in the continued growth and relevance of the organisation.

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4. Contribution of Nigerians in the UK
He praised the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom for their positive impact across various sectors, describing them as a vibrant and dynamic community.

5. Nigerian Professionals in the NHS
King Charles highlighted the vital role played by Nigerian doctors and healthcare workers in the UK’s National Health Service, noting their indispensable contributions to healthcare delivery.

6. Cultural and Human Connections
He referenced the strong cultural links between both countries, including the presence of Nigerians in sports, arts, and other areas of public life in the UK.

7. Nigeria’s Global Influence
The monarch acknowledged Nigeria’s influence as a major African nation with a growing global presence, particularly through its youthful and energetic population.

8. Commitment to Security and Stability
King Charles III noted Nigeria’s role in addressing regional security challenges, especially in West Africa and the Sahel, and the importance of international partnerships in tackling such issues.

9. Enduring Friendship Between Both Nations
He reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the UK, expressing optimism that the relationship will continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

The remarks reflect a broader diplomatic tone of cooperation and mutual respect, reinforcing the historical and contemporary ties between both countries.

9 Things King Charles III Said About Nigeria

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Tinubu Celebrates Nigeria-UK Ties in Historic Windsor Castle Speech

Published

17 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Your Majesty, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, President Bola Tinubu and Oluremi Tinubu

Tinubu Celebrates Nigeria-UK Ties in Historic Windsor Castle Speech

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong diplomatic, historical, and cultural ties with the United Kingdom, highlighting the contributions of Nigerians in Britain—particularly healthcare professionals—during a landmark speech at Windsor Castle.

Addressing King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales at a state banquet on March 18, 2026, Tinubu described the occasion as a historic moment, noting that he is the first Nigerian leader to deliver a speech at the iconic royal residence.

The Nigerian leader emphasized the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, rooted in shared history, democratic values, and institutional development. He referenced the influence of British legal and political traditions on Nigeria’s governance system, citing the legacy of the Magna Carta and the works of philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, which he said helped shape modern democratic ideals still evident in Nigeria today.

Tinubu paid special tribute to the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, describing them as a “dynamic and invaluable bridge” between both nations. He singled out Nigerian healthcare professionals for their significant role in supporting the National Health Service, noting that Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses form one of the largest groups of international medical personnel in the system. According to him, their performance underscores the global competitiveness of Nigerian professionals and the strength of Nigeria’s education and training systems.

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The President also pointed to strong cultural and sporting ties, referencing athletes of Nigerian heritage excelling in the UK, including Maro Itoje, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Joshua. He said these figures reflect the deep human connections linking both countries beyond politics and diplomacy.

Tinubu highlighted ongoing security challenges in West Africa, particularly terrorism in the Sahel region, stressing Nigeria’s role in maintaining regional stability. He noted that partnership with the United Kingdom remains crucial, revealing plans to meet Keir Starmer to further strengthen cooperation on security and development. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Commonwealth of Nations, describing it as a vital platform for collaboration among member states.

In a personal reflection, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the UK for offering him refuge during Nigeria’s military era, recalling how he was protected by the Metropolitan Police while in exile. He described the experience as deeply humbling, noting the significance of returning to Britain as Nigeria’s democratically elected president.

Tinubu concluded by expressing confidence that Nigeria-UK relations will continue to deepen, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for progress. He invited guests to raise a toast to the enduring friendship between both nations and a future of stronger collaboration.