Chrys
President-elect Bola Tinubu says he understands the magnitude
of the task ahead as he prepares to take on the mantle of leadership.
The former governor of Lagos was declared the winner of the
February 25 presidential election after defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
On Thursday, Tinubu was conferred with the Grand Commander
of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) — the highest national honour —
while Kashim Shettima, the vice-president-elect, was bestowed with the Grand
Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)
Speaking after receiving the honour in Abuja, Tinubu told
President Muhammdu Buhari to “expect knocks” on his door.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu, who is expected to be sworn in as president on May
29, said he will not disappoint Buhari and Nigerians.
He also praised the outgoing president for honouring the
late MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential
election.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
