Buhari confers Nigeria’s highest national honours on Tinubu, Shettima

President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred Nigeria’s highest national honor (GCFR) on President-elect Bola Tinubu. The second highest national honour, GCON, was conferred on Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima.

The award ceremony is taking place at the Banquet Hall, State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Mr. Buhari also handed over the transition documents and the mandate of the service to the incoming president.

Shortly after receiving the transition documents, Mr. Tinubu paid tribute to the outgoing president, whom he calls “Mr. Democrat.”

The president-elect said that based on the details provided by the president of the transition council, Mustafa, “the documents clearly explained the efforts of the last eight years.”

He told Mr. Buhari that no one can deny his contributions to the national development of Nigeria.
The president-elect was also happy to take office, saying: “I am proud to say that this moment is our moment.”

Mr. Tinubu reiterated his belief in democracy and said that nothing will stop him from holding the country.

“Our paths will not be smooth, but we have faith in our collective abilities to face the challenges before us,” he said.

Mr. Tinubu also took the opportunity to praise Buhari in particular for correcting the injustice of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the recognition and honor he bestowed on the popular winner of the election, Moshood Abiola.

“You have done your part and now a great duty will fall upon me. I understand the honor bestowed upon me today and the magnitude of the task ahead.

“Whether you go to Dura or Niger or wherever, you expect knocks on your door.

“I will not disappoint you,” Mr. Tinubu said.

Mr. Tinubu will be sworn in as President of Nigeria on Monday, May 29. However, his election is being challenged in court by the likes of PDP’s Atiku Abubakar and Labor Party’s Peter Obi.