Yesterday was May 29th, a day that has long been used for political inaugurations since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999. As expected, it was a big day, especially for all the elected officials that were sworn in; including President Muhammadu Buhari.
The day was also a public holiday, meaning that many Nigerians had the time to watch the ceremonies on their TV screens whilst reacting to it online. Some of the commentaries underscored how disillusioned Nigerians are over the country’s political system. Other commentaries simply poked fun at some of the dramas that unfolded yesterday.
Nairametrics hereby brings to you some of the best reactions. Please see below:
Mixed feelings: While some Nigerians expressed lukewarm excitement over the development, others could simply not be bothered.
New mantles of Leadership, ushered in with Oath-swearing, in these blessed days of this Magnificent month, May the Leaders be aware of the weight of their Oaths.. #Inauguration2019
— SnrSis (@hawdamie) May 30, 2019
I may be wrong, but I sense there is no much enthusiasm from Nigerians on this #Inauguration2019 .
The day is as ordinary as any day to me, except that I was at home sleeping and tweeting.
How about you?
— Adekola James Sanmi (@sanmiadekola) May 29, 2019
Some others didn’t even know that yesterday was Inauguration Day. This makes you wonder what they thought the public holiday was meant for; National Twitter Day perhaps? Oh well…
Na today?
— obinna ukoha (@obicharming) May 29, 2019
Meanwhile, other Nigerians focused on the major drama that unfolded at President Muhammadu Buhari’s Inauguration ceremony. This involved the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Adams Oshiomole, who was taught a simple lesson on protocols.
Now, just in case you didn’t know about this until now, let us bring you up to speed. Mr Oshiomole was feeling too good about himself, so much so he went to stand where he wasn’t supposed to be. And so he was “removed”.
Although this happened in a matter of minutes, Nigerians observed it. You cannot blame them for making fun of it; it was hilarious.
Adams Oshiomole ???
Dem bounce am like nightclub entrance…
"Sir, You are vip but not THAT V.I.P" #Presidentialinauguration ??#Buhari #Inauguration2019 pic.twitter.com/eLJQgbxCct— Wale Gates ???? (@walegates) May 29, 2019
The oshiomole drama today is not about him being demoted or disgraced off stage but rather shows his lack of knowledge of his position, limits, as "just" a party chairman and not a member of the Executives, Judiciary, Armed Forces even Legislative sef #Inauguration2019
— Putey's Farm (@Pappazz) May 29, 2019
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari was carrying a strange turquoise bag and everybody wants to know why. What was in the bag and why was he carrying it himself? Could that be where his next level agenda is? Oh well, we still have the next four years to find out.
The powerful bag carriers. Please who knows the clear reasons for carrying these bags…? #Inauguration2019 pic.twitter.com/VdgxbsYcwO
— Edema-sillo Gabriel (@SilloGabriel) May 29, 2019
Oh, by the way, let’s not forget the man in the black suit who was just eyeballing the Vice President’s pretty wife. Like someone already asked, what is his problem?
What's his problem? #Inauguration2019 pic.twitter.com/B4e4duV6DN
— Yinka Ogunnubi (@yinkanubi) May 29, 2019
Meanwhile, on to the important stuff; Nigerians expect better leadership. After all, they deserve it. Therefore, President Buhari must do everything within his power to ensure that he makes a positive impact this time around. Otherwise, posterity will judge him on our behalf.
I really hope we see a better set of governors this time around, the type that will seek to develop their states and reduce dependency on FG #Inauguration2019
— HRH Sarkin Kwadayin Wuye (@The_Afrocentric) May 29, 2019
Now, just in case you didn’t see it, Nairametrics recommended 4 ways President Buhari can uplift the capital market during his second term. These include:
- Appoint a board for the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Fast forwarding the privatization programme.
- Listing FG’s share of Joint Venture Oil Assets.
- Articulating a clear macro environment.