First inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari explained

First presidential inauguration of
Muhammadu Buhari
Location:Eagle Square,
Abuja, F.C.T.
Organizers:Presidential Transition Committee
Participants:Muhammadu Buhari
15th president of Nigeria
— Assuming office
Mahmud Mohammed
Chief Justice of Nigeria
— Administering oath
Yemi Osinbajo
14th vice president of Nigeria
— Assuming office
Mahmud Mohammed
Chief Justice of Nigeria
— Administering oath

The first inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as the 15th president of Nigeria, and 4th president in the fourth Nigerian Republic took place on Friday, 29 May 2015, marking the start of the first four-year term of Muhammadu Buhari as president and Yemi Osinbajo as vice president. It was the 7th presidential inauguration in Nigeria, and 5th in the fourth republic.[1] [2]

The Federal Government declared 29 May a public holiday.[3] More than fifty representatives from foreign governments were expected to attend the inauguration. The government intended to spend less than ₦2 billion (US$10 million) for the ceremony.[4]

Background

Buhari won the presidential election by more than 2.5 million votes.[5]

On 17 May 2015, Buhari's campaign spokesperson said that following the inauguration, the President "would simply be addressed as Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria." He would also not prefer to be addressed as "Mr., Alhaji or Mallam".[6] Buhari's official portrait was also unveiled on the same day.[7]

On 24 May 2015, the All Progressives Congress issued a statement saying that outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan was "handing over a nation in deep crisis" and that there was "no electricity, no fuel, workers are on strike, billions are owed to state and federal workers, $60 billion are owed in national debt and the economy is virtually grounded".[8]

On 26 May 2015, the National Union of Nigerian Students issued a statement saying that South African President Jacob Zuma was not welcome due to his "poor handling" of the recent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in his country. It also stated that there is "no point felicitating with a people who clearly do not matter much to you" and his visit will only amount to pretence.[9]

On 27 May 2015, Premium Times reported that the ruling People's Democratic Party had deliberately received the bulk of the 5,000 invitation cards as there were plans to allegedly boo the outgoing president. They also didn't want him to be embarrassed and instead give him a "cheerful exit".[10] Following appeal made by many to probe the outgoing administration, President Jonathan during a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council, said that any future probe should be "extended beyond [his] administration. Otherwise.. it [would] be witch-hunt".[11]

Suleiman Hashimu walked 750 km from Lagos to Abuja, fulfilling his vow that he had made if General Buhari won the presidency. It took him 18 days to trek the route. He had taken with him ₦100,000 ($500) but only spent ₦3,500 as he was catered for by the people along the way.[12]

Pre-inaugural events

Date Activity Venue
Friday, 22 May Jumu'ah (Friday) Prayers Abuja National Mosque
Sunday, 24 May Church Service and Thanksgiving National Church of Nigeria
Thursday, 28 May Inauguration Dinner State House Conference Hall

Inaugural events

Swearing-in-Ceremony

The official swearing-in ceremony took place at Eagle Square in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory from 0800 hours (UTC+1).[13] Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed administered the oath of office taken by President elect Buhari.Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was sworn in at 10:41 AM. President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in at 10:51 AM after which he delivered his inaugural speech.

Inauguration Luncheon

A luncheon was held at the State House Banquet Hall at midday. President Buhari left the programme midway in order to attend the Friday weekly prayers.[14]

Inauguration Gala

A gala was held in the evening.

Attendance

Invitations were sent to 54 African countries and other nations.[1] Outgoing First Lady Patience Jonathan did not attend the ceremony.[15] Former Nigerian Heads of State who were in attendance included General Yakubu Gowon, President Shehu Shagari (ousted by Buhari), General Ibrahim Babangida (deposed Buhari), Interim President Ernest Shonekan, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and General Olusegun Obasanjo.[16]

Dignitaries

Country Title Dignitary
Vice President Manuel Vicente[17]
President Thomas Boni Yayi[18]
President Michel Kafando[19]
President Idriss Déby[20]
President Denis Sassou Nguesso[21]
Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalegne[22]
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo[23]
President Ali Bongo Ondimba[24]
Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy[25]
President John Mahama[26]
President Alpha Condé[27]
data-sort-value="Vice President"Deputy President William Ruto[28]
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf[29]
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta[30]
President Filipe Nyusi[31]
President Hage Geingob[32]
President Mahamadou Issoufou
President Paul Kagame[33]
Prime Minister Abdelkader Taleb Omar[34]
President Manuel Pinto da Costa[35]
President Macky Sall[36]
President Ernest Bai Koroma[37]
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud[38]
President Jacob Zuma[39]
Vice President James Wani Igga
King Mswati III[40]
Vice President Mohamed Gharib Bilal[41]
President Faure Gnassingbé[42]
Vice President Inonge Wina[43]
President Robert Mugabe[44]

Spouses of HOSG

Country Title Dignitary
First Lady Monica Geingob
Second Lady Asha Bilal

Government representatives

Country Title Dignitary
Speaker Mohamed Larbi Ould Khelifa[45]
Foreign Minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi[46]
data-sort-value="Deputy Prime Minister"Vice Prime Minister Amadou Ali[47]
Agriculture Minister Han Changfu[48]
Foreign Minister Charles Koffi Diby[49]
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry[50]
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius
Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud[51]
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov[52]
Foreign Minister Abdi Salan Hdaliye
Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane[53]
Special Envoy Lee Ju-young[54]
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond[55]
Secretary of State John Kerry[56]
Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi

International organisations

Controversies

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was scheduled to attend the ceremony but cancelled following outrage from Kenyans when details of his 84-member entourage was leaked.[58] The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary denied these reports and described the list as fake. Citizen News reported that the two-day trip would have cost at least KSh.  (about US$200,000) in allowances and airfare.[59] Instead, Deputy President William Ruto accompanied by ten officials, represented the president.[60]

At the inauguration ceremony, Sahara Reporters' Adeola Fayehun asked Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe when he would be stepping down.[61] Fayehun asked him if there was democracy in Zimbabwe and that it was time for him to step down.[62] Mugabe's spokesperson George Charamba described the reporters as "activists with cameras" and that they "took advantage of protocol restrictions that were imposed on delegations."[63] Zimbabwe's Information Minister Jonathan Moyo tweeted that the reporters were "political activists masquerading as journalists who imagine their country as a model of democracy."[64] Moyo also stated that "free countries have rules including diplomatic courtesy not the display of Boko Haram journalism."[65]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Buhari's Inauguration: Know The World Leaders To Attend . Ayomide . Akinshilo . 23 May 2015 . Naij . 25 May 2015.
  2. Web site: Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari’s Inauguration Address . 2022-08-22 . Council on Foreign Relations . en.
  3. Web site: FG declares May 29 public holiday . 26 May 2015 . Pulse . 28 May 2015 .
  4. Web site: FG to Spend N2 Billion On Buhari's Inauguration, Over 50 Presidents Expected - Duke . Oweh . Innocent . 22 May 2015 . Daily Independent . 25 May 2015 .
  5. Web site: Nigeria election: Muhammadu Buhari wins presidency . 1 April 2015 . BBC News . 28 May 2015 .
  6. Web site: Buhari to Drop ‘General’ from His Name from May 29 . 18 May 2015 . This Day Live . 28 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150528055217/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/buhari-to-drop-general-from-his-name-from-may-29/209639/ . 28 May 2015 . dead .
  7. 17 May 2015 . APC media team unveils official portrait of Buhari and Osinbajo . Lagos . All Progressives Congress . 2015-05-28 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150528062548/http://www.apc.com.ng/index.php/media-center/latest-news/item/1011-official-portrait-of-buhari-and-osinbajo . 28 May 2015 .
  8. 24 May 2015 . Pres. Jonathan handing over nation in deep crisis, but Nigerians should not lose hope . dead . . https://web.archive.org/web/20150528064508/http://apc.com.ng/index.php/media-center/latest-news/item/1014-pres-jonathan-handing-over-nation-in-deep-crisis-but-nigerians-should-not-lose-hope-apc . 28 May 2015 . 2015-05-28 .
  9. News: Samson . Kukogho Iruesiri . 26 May 2015 . South Africa's Jacob Zuma not welcome at Buhari's inauguration — NANS . Pulse . 28 May 2015 .
  10. News: 27 May 2015 . PDP corners nearly 4,000 of 5,000 invitation cards to inauguration ceremony . Premium Times . 28 May 2015 .
  11. News: 28 May 2015 . Any probe should go beyond my administration, says Jonathan . The Guardian . Lagos . 28 May 2015 .
  12. Web site: Nigerian walks 750km to meet President Buhari . 30 June 2015 . BBC News. 19 June 2015 .
  13. Web site: Security tight for Nigerian presidential inauguration . 28 May 2015 . AFP . 28 May 2015 .
  14. News: 30 May 2015 . Buhari leaves guests, attends Jumat service . Punch . 22 June 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150622220525/http://www.punchng.com/news/buhari-leaves-guests-attends-jumat-service/ . 22 June 2015 . dead .
  15. News: Adoyi . Ali . 29 May 2015 . Why Patience Jonathan failed to attend President Buhari’s inauguration . Daily Post . 30 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150731185130/http://dailypost.ng/2015/05/29/why-patience-jonathan-failed-to-attend-president-buharis-inauguration/ . 31 July 2015 . dead .
  16. Web site: Dignitaries, World Leaders Witness Buhari’s Inauguration . 29 May 2015 . Channel News . 1 June 2015 .
  17. Web site: Vice President en route to Nigeria . 28 May 2015 . Angola Press News Agency . 28 May 2015 .
  18. News: Nigeria's new president pledges fight against Boko Haram . Associated Press . 30 May 2015.
  19. Web site: Compte rendu du conseil des ministres . 28 May 2015 . LeFaso.net . 29 May 2015 .
  20. 30 May 2015 . INVESTITURE DU PRESIDENT NIGERIAN MUHAMMADU BUHARI . Présidence de la République du Tchad . 2015-05-30.
  21. Web site: Denis Sassou N'Guesso à l'investiture de Mohammadou Buhari . 28 May 2015 . Alwihda Info . 29 May 2015 .
  22. Web site: Hailemariam leaves for Nigeria . 28 May 2015 . Ethiopian News Agency . 29 May 2015 .
  23. 30 May 2015 . Swearing in of offices before the President of the Republic. guineaecuatorialpress.com . 2015-05-30.
  24. Web site: Gabon’s President to attend Nigeria Presidential Inauguration ceremony . 28 May 2015 . Gabon News . 29 May 2015 .
  25. News: 30 May 2015 . Zuma, Mugabe, Kerry, 26 world leaders grace inauguration . Daily Trust . 30 May 2015.
  26. 28 May 2015 . President John Mahama arrives in Abuja . The Presidency . 2015-05-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150531031634/http://www.presidency.gov.gh/node/959 . 31 May 2015 . dead .
  27. Web site: Buhari Will Rescue Africa From Destitution – Tinubu . 27 May 2015 . Naij . 28 May 2015 .
  28. William Ruto . William Ruto . WilliamsRuto . 604283571830964224 . 29 May 2015 . At Eagle Square, Abuja during the inauguration of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari . 30 May 2015 .
  29. 29 May 2015 . President Sirleaf Attends New Nigerian President’s Inauguration in Abuja . Abuja . Executive Mansion . 2015-05-30.
  30. PresidenceMali . 603887547446616064 . 29 May 2015 . IBK s'envole cet après-midi pour #Abuja, #Nigéria, où il doit prendre part à la cérémonie d'investiture du Pdt élu @MBuhari . 30 May 2015 . French.
  31. Web site: Mozambican leader in Nigeria for Presidential inauguration . 28 May 2015 . StarAfrica . 29 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150725121226/http://en.starafrica.com/news/mozambican-leader-in-nigeria-for-presidential-inauguration.html . 25 July 2015 . dead .
  32. Web site: Namibia: Geingob to witness inauguration of Nigerian president-elect . 27 May 2015 . StarAfrica . 28 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150528031033/http://en.starafrica.com/news/namibia-geingob-to-witness-inauguration-of-nigerian-president-elect.html . 28 May 2015 . dead .
  33. News: 29 May 2015 . Kagame Joins World Leaders In Nigeria For Buhari Swearing-In . News of Rwanda . 30 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150531001643/http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/27857/kagame-joins-world-leaders-in-nigeria-for-buhari-swearing-in/ . 31 May 2015 . dead .
  34. 29 May 2015 . PM represents President Mohamed Abdelaziz at inauguration of Nigerian president-elect . Abuja . Sahara Press Service . 2015-05-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150531054204/http://www.spsrasd.info/en/content/pm-represents-president-mohamed-abdelaziz-inauguration-nigerian-president-elect . 31 May 2015 . dead .
  35. News: 30 May 2015 . Manuel Pinto da Costa já regressou da Nigéria . Abola Africa . 30 May 2015 .
  36. Web site: Macky Sall à la cérémonie de prestation de serment de Mohamed Bouhari, président du Nigéria, demain . 28 May 2015 . Senego . 29 May 2015 .
  37. News: 29 May 2015 . Power Changes Hands in Nigeria Today. Awareness Times . 30 May 2015 .
  38. Web site: Somalia President to attend inauguration of Nigeria President . 27 May 2015 . Somali Current . 28 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150528033428/http://www.somalicurrent.com/2015/05/27/somalia-president-to-attend-inauguration-of-nigeria-president/ . 28 May 2015 . dead .
  39. Mac . Maharaj . 30 April 2015 . President Zuma talks to the President of Nigeria . Pretoria . The Presidency . 2015-05-27.
  40. News: 29 May 2015 . King flies to Nigeria in a chartered aircraft . Times of Swaziland . 30 May 2015 .
  41. Web site: Makamu wa Rais ahudhuria kuapishwa Rais wa Nigeria . 29 May 2015 . . 29 May 2015 .
  42. Web site: ‘Moi, Muhammadu Buhari, jure solennellement …’ . 29 May 2015 . République Togolaise. 30 May 2015 .
  43. News: 28 May 2015 . Inonge to attend Buhari inauguration . Daily Mail, Zambia . 27 May 2015 .
  44. Web site: President Mugabe leaves for Buhari inauguration. 28 May 2015. Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. 30 May 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150531024936/http://www.zbc.co.zw/news-categories/top-stories/56775-president-mugabe-leaves-for-buhari-inauguration. 31 May 2015.
  45. Web site: investiture vendredi du président Muhammadu Buhari . 27 May 2015 . Algerie Press Service . 29 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150529064923/http://www.aps.dz/monde/23674-nigeria-investiture-vendredi-du-pr%C3%A9sident-muhammadu-buhari . 29 May 2015 . dead .
  46. News: Venson-Moitoi attends Buhari inauguration . 28 May 2015 . Daily News . 29 May 2015 .
  47. Web site: Investiture de Muhamadou Buhari : Amadou Ali représentera Paul Biya au Nigéria . 28 May 2015 . CamerPost . 29 May 2015 .
  48. 26 May 2015 . President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy Han Changfu to Attend Inauguration Ceremony of Nigerian President . Beijing . . 2015-05-28.
  49. Web site: Nigéria Investiture de Buhari, Le Ministre Diby Koffi représente le Président . 30 May 2015 . Abidjan.net . 31 May 2015 .
  50. 29 May 2015 . FM flies to Nigeria to take part in presidential inauguration . MENA . 2015-05-30.
  51. News: 30 May 2015 . Dy PM attends inauguration of Nigerian leader . Gulf Times. 30 May 2015 .
  52. News: 30 May 2015 . Nigeria's Jonathan starts handover to president-elect Buhari . Yahoo News. 30 May 2015 .
  53. 28 May 2015 . President Zuma to attend Inauguration of the President-Elect of Nigeria . Pretoria . The Presidency . 2015-05-30.
  54. Web site: Park to send envoy to Nigeria's presidential inauguration . 27 May 2015 . . 28 May 2015 .
  55. Philip Hammond . Philip Hammond . PHammondMP . 604190409808551936 . 29 May 2015. In Abuja representing the UK at the ceremony . 30 May 2015 .
  56. Web site: Presidential Delegation to Inauguration of Nigerian President . 18 May 2015 . U.S. Department of State . 25 May 2015 .
  57. 26 May 2015 . AU Commission Chairperson to attend 50th AfDB Annual Meetings; Inauguration of new President in Nigeria after Africa Day celebrations . Addis Ababa . African Union . 2015-05-28.
  58. News: President Uhuru Kenyatta cancels his trip to Nigeria over a list of 84 . 28 May 2015 . The Gazette Weekly . 28 May 2015 .
  59. Web site: Uhuru Pulls Out of Nigeria Trip after Public Furor over Bloated Delegation . Murimi . Maureen . 28 May 2015 . Citizen News . https://web.archive.org/web/20150529195727/http://www.citizennews.co.ke/index.php/kabete-by-elections/root/news/2012/local/item/29402-uhuru-pulls-out-of-nigeria-trip-after-public-furor-over-bloated-delegation.html . 29 May 2015 . 29 May 2015 . dead .
  60. Web site: President cancels Nigeria trip after delegation scandal . Mutambo . Aggrey . 28 May 2015 . Nation . 29 May 2015 .
  61. News: Freeman . Colin . 3 June 2015. How a Nigerian television reporter brought Robert Mugabe to account . https://web.archive.org/web/20150604031837/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/11647333/How-a-Nigerian-television-reporter-brought-Robert-Mugabe-to-account.html. dead. 4 June 2015. The Telegraph . 18 June 2015 .
  62. 31 May 2015 . SaharaReporters Crew Encounter With Pres. Robert Mugabe In Nigeria. 18 June 2015 . Abuja . Sahara Reporters .
  63. News: 3 June 2015 . Sahara TV Exposed . The Herald . Khartoum . 19 June 2015 .
  64. Jonathan Moyo . Jonathan Moyo . ProfJNMoyo . 605252872931057664 . 1 June 2015 . They are political activists.. . 19 June 2015 .
  65. Jonathan Moyo . Jonathan Moyo . ProfJNMoyo . 605254686459981824 . 1 June 2015 . Free countries have rules including diplomatic courtesy.. . 19 June 2015 .

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "First inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.