Sen. Kashim Shattima has taken Oath of Office to serve as the 16th Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The oath was administered by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
Shettima, who was the first to be administered the oath, succeeded the immediate past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Nigeria`s seventh consecutive democratic transition.
“I, Kashim Shattima, do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear through allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will discharge my duties and perform my function honestly to the best of my ability and faithfully in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law.
“That, I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the 5th schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“That, I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct and my official decisions, that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, help me God.”
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the new First Lady of Nigeria Mrs Oluremi Tinubu and the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Nana Shettima, in the midst of friends, families, supporters and other well-wishers.
Recall that the Vice-President was nominated by President Tinubu which resulted in the victory of the party in the Feb. 25 Presidential election.
Shattima was born on Sept. 2, 1966 in Maiduguri, Borno State and married to Hajiya Nana Shattima with three children.
He was a two-term Governor of Borno State and was the Senator representing Borno Central in the Senate before his emergence as vice president.
Tinubu takes over as Nigeria’s president amidst pomp and pageantry
Sen. Bola Tinubu on Monday, emerged as the 16th Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces amidst pomp and pageantry.
This followed his swearing in at 10:37 a.m at a Presidential Inauguration held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
Sen. Kashim Shettima was also sworn-in as the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at about 10:30 a.m.
The President shortly after taking the Oath of Office proceeded to inspect the Brigade of Guards.
This was closely followed by a ceremonial parade, air display by the Nigerian Airforce, cultural display as well as 21 Gun Salute.
Tinubu says security will be top priority of his government
President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja assured Nigerians that security will be the top priority of his administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.
He gave the assurance in his inaugural speech after taking oath of office and allegiance administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, at the Abuja Eagles Square.
Tinubu who emerged as Nigeria’s 16 democratically elected president at the Feb. 25 presidential election, said his administration would tackle unemployment issues in the country head-on.
He said his administration would creat meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths and pledged to honour his campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy for youths.
“Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill.
“This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable,” Tinubu said.
He commended the action of out-gone President Muhammad Buhari’s administration to phase out fuel subsidy which he said would save the country at a time of drying resources.
“We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions,” Tinubu said.
He said Nigeria’s monetary policy needed thorough house-cleaning, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should work towards a unified exchange rate.
This, he noted, would direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.
Tinubu said his administration would treat both new and old naira notes as legal tender, adding that in spite of its intended merits, the controversial currency swap policy of the CBN was too harshly applied given the number of unbanked Nigerians.
The president said his primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent.
He promised to work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.
Tinubu’s inauguration and swearing-in was attended by visiting country presidents, Prime Ministers and other world leaders and Diplomats.
Also in attendance were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also at the event, were serving and former governors, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industries and members of the Diplomatic Corps and APC chieftains among others.