President-elect Bola Tinubu says he understands the magnitude of the task ahead as he prepares to assume the mantle of leadership of the country on May 29.
Tinubu was declared winner of the February 25 presidential election after defeating Peoples Democratic Party presidential flagbearear, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, conferred Tinubu with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) — the highest national honour — while the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima was bestowed with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Tinubu in his speech after receiving the honour in Abuja, told President Muhammdu Buhari to “expect knocks” on his doors.
He said, “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.”
Tinubu, who will be sworn in as the country’s next President on May 29, assured that he would not disappoint Buhari and Nigerians.
He also commended Buhari for honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu added, “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.
“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 meaning of the honour given to me today and of the task that awaits.
“I 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.”