Breaking: Governance not always smooth – Tinubu declares

President-elect, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has declared that although governance may not always be smooth, collective ability will help overcome the challenges that may come the way of his administration.

Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday during the conferment of the national title of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, on him, and the Grand Command of the Order of the Nigeria, GCON, on Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The event which was held at the State House in Abuja also witnessed the handing over of baton of administration and some documents by Buhari to Tinubu.

Said the President-elect: “Our way shall not always be smooth. Yet we are imbued with faith in our purpose and a firm belief in our collective ability to overcome the challenges that confront us.”

While appreciating the contributions of Buhari to national development, Tinubu expressed his determination not to betray the trust reposed in him by Nigerians.

His words: “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.”

The statement by Tinubu reads in full:

“Thank You, Mr. President, for bestowing the nation’s highest honors on my Vice President elect Shettima and me.

“Our deep thanks also for the transition documents and the committed work performed by the transition council headed by the SGF.

“The documents summarize the immense work of your administration. They constitute an impressive and noteworthy scorecard.

“You have made history and no one can take your contribution to our nation’s development.