In a familiarization tour of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) accompanied his successor and President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The visit took place on Friday after both leaders observed Jummat at the Aso Villa Mosque.
President Buhari and President-elect Tinubu arrived at the Press Gallery around 1:18 pm. The President showed Tinubu the gallery where they would meet members of the press. This visit followed the conferment of the highest national honors, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima at the State House Banquet Hall, a day prior.
During the visit, the leaders exchanged documents in preparation for the official handover of power on May 29, 2023. President-elect Tinubu expressed his prayers for good health to lead the country and vowed to prioritize the fight against corruption. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to support the All Progressives Congress’s change agenda.
Tinubu further outlined his “Renewed Hope” agenda, which focused on revamping the economy, addressing security challenges, and reducing poverty. President Buhari, in turn, showed Tinubu around his office building, including the Executive Council Chamber, Tea Room, and the State House Banquet Hall. He expressed his honor and wished the incoming President success.
Earlier, President Buhari invited Tinubu to join him for Juma’at at the Mosque, as part of the inauguration program. Former Ogun State governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Mallam Shehu Garba, and other presidential aides were also present.
The visit was accompanied by prayers held at the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja. The Imams prayed for the success of the incoming administration and urged Muslim faithful to remember their leaders and the country in their prayers.
Meanwhile, Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, praised the Buhari regime for its efforts in supporting workers between 2015 and 2023. Despite challenges such as recessions and the Covid-19 pandemic, President Buhari raised the minimum wage and ensured that civil servants received their salaries without any delay.
credit: The Puch News
