Nigerians made wise decision by electing you, Buhari tells Tinubu

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians made a wise
decision by electing Bola Tinubu to succeed him.

According to a statement issued by Femi Adesina,
presidential spokesperson, Buhari spoke on Thursday after he bestowed Tinubu
with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honour.

The GCFR honour is the highest in the country and are
bestowed on presidents.

The President said he “run a good race” and finished his
course, noting that it was time for the baton to be taken from him.

Buhari who was elected in 2015, got re-elected in 2019 and
will complete his second term in office on May 29 when Tibubu is sworn in.

Buhari said Tinubu’s victory at the February 25 presidential
election was “well-deserved”.

“The Nigerian people have recognised your leadership
qualities, political acumen, and passion to serve our great nation, and have
entrusted you with the burden of governing our beloved country,” Buhari said.

 “I do not doubt that
Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under your leadership.
You were the best candidate at the elections and Nigerians have chosen wisely.”

The President expressed optimism that Tinubu would serve
Nigeria with “utmost dedication and integrity”.

He told Tinubu that leadership responsibilities come with
challenges but that he needs to tackle them with courage, wisdom, and
compassion.

“We must remain committed to the principles of good
governance, transparency, and accountability, as these are the foundations upon
which our nation’s progress and development rely,’’ Buhari said.

Buhari said Tinubu has a long and “illustrious track record
of public service, marked by your exceptional achievements in various
capacities”.

“Your transformative leadership in Lagos state, where you
left an indelible mark in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare,
and economic development, speaks volumes about your dedication to the welfare
of the Nigerian people,” he said.

‘WE’VE TOUCHED ALL
SECTORS POSITIVELY’

Reflecting on the performance of his administration, Buhari
said his government has worked hard to tackle “hydra-headed” issues.

He said his administration has touched all aspects of the
nation’s economy positively, including reducing kidnapping and terrorism to the
“nearest minimum”.

“Despite the aforementioned challenges, our administration
has made economic gains over the years. Our administration’s commitment and
determination in the infrastructural upliftment of Nigeria have remained
unshaken.

 “Despite the
shortfall in the federal government’s revenue, due to the weakness in the
global economy that led to a drop in oil revenue, we have touched on all
sectors of the Nigerian economy positively.

“As we celebrate the monumental infrastructural strides
achieved by this administration, it is pertinent to acknowledge that these
transformative endeavours have not only reshaped our physical landscape but
have also paved the way for remarkable economic outcomes that reverberate
across our nation.”