Inauguration: Oyebode faults absence of presidential speech

A professor of law, Akin Oyebode, has faulted the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to give a speech after he took the oath of office for a second term.

Professor Oyebode stated this on Wednesday during a special programme on Channels Television, The Inauguration.

He said, “We have to separate issues; the ceremonial event of 12th of June is different from the inauguration of the President. The President has from today; begin a new term of office.”

“If his speechwriters were properly guided, he would have spoken about the need to change the architecture of security, the new ministers,” the don added.

“He had four years to prepare for this transition; this is motion without movement. The yearnings, aspirations, goals, dreams of people would seem to have been dashed.”

Professor Oyebode said the failure of the President to give a speech was almost contemptuous.

According to him, an address would have given some inspirational statements that would give the people some succour.

The professor also condemned the failure of the organisers to promote the culture of the Nigerian people at the event to mark the beginning of another four years for the President.

He said, “This military parade with Scottish back pipes introducing the President reminds me of the fact that we don’t even have a culture; a political culture so to speak.

“We have to lean very heavily on the militarist culture to give the whole ceremony some semblance of ceremony.”

“For me, I am grossly disappointed at those who are behind the planning and organisation, they are taking Nigerians for granted”, Professor Oyebode added.

The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Tanko, administered the oath of office on President Buhari at about 10:42 am.