Bola Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on Monday at a ceremony in Abuja. The 71-year-old won the election in February and takes office amid economic and security crises in the African country.
Tinbu takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari, who served for two terms. However, his victory is being challenged in court by two rivals – Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
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Tinubu, of the All Progressives Congress, received 8.8 million votes against Abubakar’s 6.9 million and Obi’s 6.1 million. The President’s opposing candidates alleged that the election was rigged.
“The purported results did not meet the minimum criteria of a transparent, free and fair election,” Obi’s running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed said back in February.
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Tinbu, the former governor of Lagos, has promised to build on Buhari’s work. However, he has been accused of drug-related offenses but escaped indictment. Due to a 1993 Illinois court judgment, the 71-year-old forfeited $460,000 in two of his bank accounts.
Social media users are not happy with him being sworn in.
“Today, the Nigerian constitution has been rubbished, the Nigerian democracy is murdered. Sad day. Black Monday ❌❌💔💔,” a Twitter user said.
“Prophecy no come work again 😂 Jagaban is bigger than your so called fake prophecy 😂 allow me to celebrate our 16th president federal republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬 president Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” another one added.
The ruling All Progressives Congress member has been dogged by allegations of corruption. His allies, however, say that Tinbu will have a thoughtful approach throughout his term. The 71-year-old, after the election, traveled abroad twice, sparking health concerns. In 2021 he spent months in London being treated for an undisclosed illness.
However, he has brushed off all criticism.
