President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, in Abuja, said he has run a good race and finished his course as Nigeria’s leader for the past eight years.
He said it is, therefore, in order for him to pass the baton of service to another leader who will lead the country for the next four years.
Buhari stated this in his speech shortly after conferring the national honours of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, respectively.
The investiture of national honours, which took place at the State House Conference Center of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was part of the lineup of events for the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony slated for Monday, May 29.
Buhari also performed the Handover of Transition Documents and transferred the Baton of Service to the President-elect.
Buhari said at the event, “I am confident that Nigeria is in capable hands as we embark on this new chapter.
“I have run a good race. I have finished my course. It is now time for another to take up the baton.
“Once again, I congratulate President-elect, Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima on their well deserved investiture.”
Meanwhile, President-Elect, Tinubu, said he understands the honour conferred upon him and his VP-elect and the magnitude of the task ahead.
He asked Buhari to expect ‘knocks on your doors” whether he retires to Daura or Niger Republic.
“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,” said Tinubu.
Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council, said the Transition package includes three key documents.
