By Sadiq Umar, Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to relocate the command structure of the military to the insurgency-ridden northeast zone as part of his Administraion’s measure to end the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
Buhari said the rules of engagement would be overhauled in the fight against the insurgents by ensuring a people-friendly military.
The President made the remarks today during his inaugural speech at the Eagle Square venue of the handover ceremony in Abuja.
Buhari who adduced areas of focus of his government said the doctrine of the Boko Haram insurgents is not Islam, but rather perversion by murderous butchers who should be treated as criminals.
He thanked the allied multi-national forces comprising troops from Chad, Cameroun and Niger for their support in fighting the insurgents, promising further cooperation with the countries.
He promised to reform the power sector, lamenting that over $20 billion dollars have been expended on the power sector since 1999 without any remarkable improvement in the power supply.
Also, Buhari promised to tackle the problem of unemployment, adding that he would fight corruption at all level of government.
The President praised his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, for displaying Statesmanship by conceding defeat in the election, thanking his supporters for the confidence reposed in him by electing him president.
The inauguration ceremony officially commenced at about 10:a.m when Jonathan arrived the venue.
Earlier, dignitaries are seated before the arrival of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo who exchange greetings with the seated dignitaries including all the former heads of state.
Buhari arrived about five minutes after and was at exactly 10:48, he was sworn in as President of the federal republic of Nigeria.
After the exchange of flags, Jonathan who moved round to greet the visiting heads of states and dignitaries for the last time as president, presented the Constitution, Nigerian flag and the Armed Forces flag to his successor marking the official transfer of reign of government.
He immediately took his exit while Buhari proceeded to inspect the parade by the armed forces.
At exactly 10:45 a.m.. Friday, May 29, Muhammadu Buhari mounted the podium to take his oath of office and that of allegiance, effectively becoming President of Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was the first to be sworn in in a ceremony conducted by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, assisted by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.
Shortly after Mr. Buhari was sworn in, the outgoing president congratulated him and presented to him copies of the Nigerian Constitution, and the National and Armed Forces Flag.
Buhari and Osinbajo of the All Progressives Congress were elected at the March 28 presidential election.
This is the first democratic transfer of power from one political party to another in Nigeria’s history.
