Tinubu, Shettima conferred with GCFR, GCON ahead May 29 inauguration

President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has been conferred with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) while the vice president elect Kashim Shettima was conferred with Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON).

The investiture of the two highest national honours on the in-coming leaders is part of the Presidential Inauguration programme of events.

The event is current ongoing at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Both leaders were conferred at the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Investiture of National Honours and Official Handover of Transition Documents Ceremony.

In his remarks, President Buhari declared that he is confident that Nigeria would be in capable hands when he leaves office on Monday, May 29.

He said; “By the Honours Award Act, 1963, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, (LFN), 2004, Presidents/Heads of State receive the Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) while the Vice Presidents are awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

“Today, with the authority vested in me, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National Honour of GCFR on His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of the GCON on His Excellency Kashim Shettima respectively.

“I have no doubt that Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under your leadership. You were the best Candidate at the elections and Nigerians have chosen wisely.”

President-elect Tinubu and Vice president-elect Kashim Shettima also received the transition documents.

Other activities lined up as part of the inauguration ceremony are: Public Lecture and Jumaat Prayer at the National Mosque on May 26, Children’s Day Parade and Children’s Party on May, 27 and Inter-denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on May 28.

President Buhari urged Tinubu not to forget that leadership comes with enormous responsibility.