The next president of Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria, has been sworn in a ceremony at the Eagle Square in the capital, Abuja.
Bola Tinubu, 71, won February’s election with a promise to renew hope – as he faces tough economic and security challenges
He takes over from two-term President Muhammadu Buhari amid a high inflation rate, record debt levels and increasing cases of kidnap-for-ransom.
Mr. Tinubu’s victory is being challenged in court by his two closest rivals, immediate past minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi.
According to his rivals, the elections outcomes were manipulated in his favor.
But the outgoing president, who did not run in the election after eight years in power, said the results were “credible” and the vote was “fair and transparent”.
Dignitaries from across the continent were at the swearing-in ceremony in the capital, Abuja, reflecting the significance of the event.
Mr. Tinubu may have little time to celebrate as nigerians are expecting swift action.
Nigeria faces an inflation running at its highest rate for nearly 18 years, a high rate of unemployment with one in three people being unemployed and the shrinking output of the vital oil industry .
He would have to move quickly to convince people who did not vote for him that he is up to the task.
