Buhari: Tinubu Will Sustain My Administration’s Tempo

Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retired), the current president, has expressed trust in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the future president, to maintain the pace of his rule.

Buhari made this statement on Monday during the Naval Dockyard Limited's Presidential Fleet Review, 2023, at Victoria Island, Lagos.

Buhari stated that the next administration will uphold the connection he had with the Nigerian Navy by giving the required assistance as and when due.

The President declared, "I have no faith that the future government of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue the present tempo of my administration in providing the Navy with the essential assistance to successfully complete its assigned responsibilities."

Buhari praised the excellent combat demonstrations put on by the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and a mix of Nigerian Navy and Air Force assets.

In his words, "I expect this to translate into the actual capability to dominate Nigeria's maritime environment and secure the vast resources therein for the socio-economic development of our great country."

The President listed 20 capital ships for the Navy, including offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transports, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defense boats, helicopters, as well as more than 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault craft, as part of the administration's efforts to recapitalize the Navy Fleet over the past seven years.

Buhari still expressed optimism that Tinubu's leadership would enable the Navy to continue acquiring new equipment, boost shipbuilding for export, support indigenous manufacturing, step up the battle against piracy, and handle concerns relating to crude oil theft in Nigeria's marine sector.

The President concluded by wishing the Navy well as he prepares to leave office on May 29, 2023.

"My best wishes to our Navy for safeguarding our maritime domain and the Nigerian economy," he added. "On May 29, I will be leaving my position. I wish you all good luck. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria as we go forward together."