President Muhammadu Buhari has stated again his wish to invite President-elect Bola Tinubu to the State House following his inauguration on May 29.

When he spoke with Mr Tinubu on the phone, the president assured him that the May 29 transfer date to a new administration would be kept.

The two exchanged Eid greetings as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan came to a conclusion.

Messrs Buhari and Tinubu praised God for witnessing the day and prayed for the nation’s stability and well-being.

The Nigerian leader, who had earlier attended Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Abuja, answered reporters’ questions, assuring them that democracy had a bright future in Nigeria.

The president stated that his conviction was founded on Nigerians’ willingness to defend democracy against all threats.

“Nigerians value democracy’s stability.” The failure of more than ten governors to make it to the Senate in the 2023 elections conveyed a message that Nigerians understand the power of their votes and how to wield them.

“Nigerians value democracy. They have demonstrated their devotion to it and will defend it against real or perceived dangers.

“They will vote one way or the other based on their preferences,” he stated.

Later, the president hosted inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by FCT Minister Muhammad Bello, and asked for forgiveness from people he may have injured while carrying out his duties as President throughout his two mandates (2015-2023).

This year’s Sallah Homage commemorates Buhari’s penultimate Sallah Day appearance as president before passing over on May 29.

Mr Buhari stated that he accepted all complaints and critiques in good faith, understanding that it was part of the leadership he prayed for and received from God.

“God blessed me with an incredible opportunity to serve my country.” We are all human, and if I have offended someone while serving my country, I beg their forgiveness.”

The president, who has been in office for fewer than 37 days, recalled his roles as a leader in the country for more than 40 years.

Mr Buhari previously served as a military officer, military governor, minister, and Head of State before being democratically elected President in 2015.

Mr Buhari had earlier issued a goodwill Sallah Message to Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, which marks the conclusion of the 30-day Ramadan fasting season, on April 20.

Mr Buhari stated in the message that the outcome of the 2023 polls would be consistent with his vow to leave a legacy of free and fair elections in the country.

The president also welcomed the outgoing Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Nigeria, Luong Quoc Thinh, and wished him well in his future endeavors.

“During your three years of service here, we have practically lived together. “Congratulations on a productive term,” he remarked.

He expressed gratitude to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for its assistance in areas of security and economic development, and expressed hope that bilateral relations between the two nations would continue to strengthen.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Thinh congratulated Nigeria’s president on the successful 2023 general elections and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s sweeping victory in Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial, and State Assembly contests.

(NAN)