AFP, Abuja :
Muhammadu Buhari becomes Nigeria’s new head of state today, in an unprecedented ceremony after he won the first opposition victory over a sitting president in the nation’s history. The 72-year-old takes charge of Africa’s most populous nation, which is facing crises on several fronts, from severe economic turmoil to Boko Haram’s still-raging Islamist insurgency.
The inauguration, before visiting heads of state and dignitaries, comes 32 years after the former army general seized power in a military coup. He was ousted after 20 months in office.
Buhari has described himself as a “converted democrat” and vowed to lead an administration committed to the needs of Nigeria’s 173 million people by cracking down on the scourge of corruption.
But analysts said his first task may be managing the expectations of a nation that has struggled for decades with woeful infrastructure, crippling unemployment and widespread unrest. Beyond the challenges facing the new government, the historic importance of Friday’s ceremony should not be overlooked, said Clement Nwankwo, an activist who fought against military rule.
Muhammadu Buhari becomes Nigeria’s new head of state today, in an unprecedented ceremony after he won the first opposition victory over a sitting president in the nation’s history. The 72-year-old takes charge of Africa’s most populous nation, which is facing crises on several fronts, from severe economic turmoil to Boko Haram’s still-raging Islamist insurgency.
The inauguration, before visiting heads of state and dignitaries, comes 32 years after the former army general seized power in a military coup. He was ousted after 20 months in office.
Buhari has described himself as a “converted democrat” and vowed to lead an administration committed to the needs of Nigeria’s 173 million people by cracking down on the scourge of corruption.
But analysts said his first task may be managing the expectations of a nation that has struggled for decades with woeful infrastructure, crippling unemployment and widespread unrest. Beyond the challenges facing the new government, the historic importance of Friday’s ceremony should not be overlooked, said Clement Nwankwo, an activist who fought against military rule.
