Scott Stearns | Abuja May 29, 2011
Goodluck Jonathan has been sworn in as Nigeria's 14th head of state. Speaking before dignitaries from other African countries and thousands of invited guests, he promised to fight corruption and defend democracy across Africa.
Nigerian soldiers raised the nation's green-and-white flag above Abuja's Eagle Square as air force jets zoomed by in a flyover in honor of President Jonathan's inauguration.
Thousands of invited guests watched the ceremony including the leaders of Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Uganda, Liberia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
School children waving handkerchiefs danced in the square as part of celebrations marking the third civilian presidency since Nigeria's end of military rule in 1999.
Jonathan came to power last year in the political crisis that followed the prolonged illness and eventual death of the late leader Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. Jonathan won his own four-year mandate in elections last month, and took the oath of office Sunday from Nigerian Chief Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu.
“I, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that I will preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so help me God.”
In his inaugural address, President Jonathan said he represents the shared aspirations of all Nigerians.
Copyright, Blaise APLOGAN, 2010,© Bienvenu sur Babilown
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