Using the 20-point inaugural speech posted online, Mr. President’s address can be broken into the following key messages:
1. Gratitude and appreciation for votes and promise of being worthy of our trust. Special appreciation of Nigerians for collective commitment to building a democratic country, of course PDP was specifically mentioned.
2. Acknowledgement of “brother heads of state and government” or representatives, chair person of African Union, world leaders, development partners and guests. Mr. President should learn to be gender sensitive. Madam President from Liberia – Mrs. Helen Sirleaf Johnson – and other worthy females were present at the inauguration.
3. Salutation of his friend and brother, Mr. VP Sambo for being a pillar of support, First Lady, Madam Peace for galvanizing and mobilizing Nigerian women for the cause of democracy and salutation to his parents. Congratulations to elected Governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and those of the States Houses of Assembly.
4. Tribute to the late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their enduring sacrifice
5. Acknowledgment of the over 70M that registered to vote and those who struggled against limitations and challenges to vote, and of the spirit of resilience to build a strong nation
6. Affirmation of Nigeria’s unity, unshakable determination to unite our nation and improve the living standards of all our peoples. Mr President’s confidence that a people that are truly committed to a noble ideal, cannot be denied the realization of their vision and an assurance that Nigeria’s dream that is so deeply felt by millions will indeed come to reality. An affirmation of the sacrifice that gave the people’s mandate to a candidate from the minorities.
7. A note of sympathy for a fan that overwhelmed by the joy of victory, after campaigning enthusiastically, collapsed and passed on three days later. A sympathetic acknowledgement of the many patriotic and diligent souls especially members of the Armed Forces and the NYSC that were lost in re-birthing our democracy
8. A charge to those elected for patriotism and passion, demonstrable leadership, statesmanship, vision, capacity, and sacrifice, to transform our nation to match the hopes and aspirations of the great people. We must strengthen common grounds, develop new areas of understanding and collaboration, and seek fresh ideas that will enrich our national consensus. It is the supreme task of this generation to give hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak and protection to the defenceless.
9. A promise of transformation in all the critical sectors, by harnessing the creative energies of our people.
10. A promise to grow the economy, create jobs, and generate enduring happiness for Nigerians and trust in the ability of Nigerians to transform Nigeria. “The urgent task of my administration is to provide a suitable environment, for productive activities to flourish. I therefore call on the good people of Nigeria, to enlist as agents of this great transformation”.
Only once in Mr. President’s inaugural address did we see a firm active voice, “The urgent task of my administration is to provide a suitable environment, for productive activities to flourish. I therefore call on the good people of Nigeria, to enlist as agents of this great transformation.”
I request that you review Mr. President's Agenda and share your thoughts on whether we have a worthwhile journey to look forward to.
Omolola Famuyiwa is Project Director of Cares Global Network.
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