“We are grateful to the almighty God for His grace by which this was possible and the Nigerian people for trusting us yet again; that trust will not be betrayed.
“And so on behalf of Mr. President, please accept our deepest gratitude for your support and presence here this evening. The best years of Nigeria begin today, and by the Grace of God all of us will live to enjoy the coming years and many more.”
Remarks by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Inauguration Dinner Held at the State House Banquet Hall Abuja.
Protocols
First, let me thank you one and all for making the time to attend this inauguration dinner. Many have come from different parts of the country and a good number from abroad.
Your coming to the inauguration is proof of your friendship but more importantly your belief in the democratic process and your support for the outcome of this process: the decisive victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari, at the presidential polls.
Something interesting happened earlier today. I am a lawyer and a law teacher and I like to test and interrogate legal scenarios.
At one minute past midnight today. The four-year term of Mr. President and I ended by effluxion of time. So, from one minute past 12 of last night, May 29 to about 10:30 am when we were sworn in for a second term there was no President or Vice President.
Interestingly nothing went wrong, all was okay. When such a situation arises it is the Senate President who acts as President. So, when I arrived at Eagle Square this morning some may have noticed that the Senate President and I were enjoying a joke. He said to me jokingly “you better be careful you know I am the acting President now”. So, we thank Mr. Senate President for not doing anything funny.
As you know, our campaign slogan was ‘Next Level’. And you know that very few people forget campaign promises, even those who are closest to you. My cook in Lagos as soon as he saw me after we won the elections started to sing “everything to the Next Level”. I didn’t know how to respond because I knew that the chap was thinking of a next level salary.
By the way, it is not just junior staff who are always talking about the Next Level. General Gowon, a few minutes ago was telling me that he asked Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the APC Chairman, why he was not wearing his customary Khaki shirt and trousers and of course the Comrade pointed out that this is Next level.
But the worst example of this Next Level is a rude fellow who said to me “you people promised change when you came and after you resumed office you started saying change begins with you. Let me warn that Lai Mohammed, if he tries Next Level begins with you…I will kidnap him”.
The beauty of democracy is the orderly and civilized process of transition. But perhaps more importantly is the sanctity of and respect for the will and choice of the people.
On February 23rd the Nigerian people freely made a choice to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office. It was that choice that we celebrated with pomp and pageantry this morning.
We are grateful to the almighty God for His grace by which this was possible and the Nigerian people for trusting us yet again; that trust will not be betrayed.
And so on behalf of Mr. President, please accept our deepest gratitude for your support and presence here this evening. The best years of Nigeria begin today, and by the Grace of God all of us will live to enjoy the coming years and many more.
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Thank you.
Released by
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
30th May 2019
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