(29 May 1999) English/Nat
Olusegun Obasanjo became Nigeria's first civilian leader in 15 years on Saturday, expressing hope for a prosperous future for a nation tormented by years of dictatorship.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who during his 11 months in power has guided Nigeria peacefully through its transition to democracy, handed over power to Obasanjo.
Britain's Prince Charles and South Africa's Nelson Mandela joined a crowd of 6-thousand in the capital Abuja to witness the inauguration.
Nigeria's transitional leader arrived for the handover ceremony in style.
He was given a warm welcome by the 6-thousand spectators, crowded into a small square in the capital Abuja.
Visiting dignitaries included the Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, and outgoing South African President Nelson Mandela.
The final handover to civilian power was marked by a large military parade - Africa's most populous nation has been governed by soldiers for all but 10 years since independence in 1960.
Now these troops will be under the control of a civilian administration.
Before the inauguration ceremony began, General Abubakar gave them a symbolic, final salute.
Three airforce jets trailed Nigeria's national colours across the sky to herald what Nigerian commentators called "the swearing-in ceremony of the millennium".
Then it was Obasanjo's turn to take centre stage.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I, Olusegun Obasanjo, do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that I will preserve the integrity of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so help me God."
SUPERCAPTION: Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigerian President
The symbolic instruments of power were handed over to Obasanjo, a one-time farmer and retired soldier who 20 years ago became Nigeria's first - and until now the only - military leader to voluntarily relinquish power.
Nigeria's new president promised tangible improvements in the living standards of his people.
Although the West African nation has great oil wealth, much has been squandered by successive military regimes, and most people live in miserable squalor.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"As your President to head a democratic and civilian administration, I believe that this is what God Almighty has ordained for me and for my beloved country - Nigeria - and its people. I accept this destiny in all humility and with the full belief that with the backing and full support of our people we shall not fail."
SUPERCAPTION: Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigerian President
Dragged down by years of neglect, corruption and mismanagement, the oil-rich country is in serious trouble.
But Obasanjo promised such practices would not be tolerated under his leadership.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The beneficiaries of corruption in all forms will fight back with all the foul means at their disposal, we shall be firm with them - there will be no sacred cows. Nobody, no matter who and where, will be able to get away with the breach of the law or the perpetration of corruption and evil."
SUPERCAPTION: Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigerian President
In a show of togetherness, the new president and his predecessor then toured the arena to greet the cheering crowds.
During his speech Obasanjo had thanked Abubakar for engineering Nigeria's democratic transition and for having "kept his word" in the year since taking over following the death of the notoriously brutal late dictator General Sani Abacha last June.
Nigeria is now looking forward to a brighter future.
Find out more about AP Archive: www.aparchive.c...
Twitter: / ap_archive
Facebook: / aparchives ​​
Instagram: / apnews
You can license this story through AP Archive: www.aparchive.c...