President of Nigeria

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President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Official seal
Incumbent:	Umaru Yar'Adua.
First president:	Nnamdi Azikiwe
Formation:	October 1, 1963

The President of Nigeria is the elected head of government and head of state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Officially styled President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The current President of Nigeria is Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

History

When Nigeria became a federal republic within the Commonwealth in 1963, it retained the parliamentary system of government inherited from the British. Nnamdi Azikiwe, previously Governor General, became President, which was a ceremonial post, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa remained Prime Minister.

However, in 1966 the military in Nigeria seized power, establishing a federal military dictatorship, and civilian rule was not restored until 1979.

Under the new constitution, modelled on that of the United States, the office of President was an executive post, but in 1983 the military once again seized power. Although elections were held in 1993, the military government of Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election results presumed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a wealthy industrialist. Abiola later died in capitivity, hours before he was expected to have been released. Civilian rule was not fully restored until 1999.

Eligibility

A person shall be eligible for the office of President if he or she is a citizen of Nigeria by birth, at least 40 years of age, is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party. The constitution limits the President to only two four-year terms in office.

Oath of office

The Constitution of Nigeria specifies an oath of office for the President of the federation. The oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria or the person for the time being appointed to exercise the functions of that office:

I do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as President; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria. So help me God.

The report, entitled "Nigeria: Prisoners' rights systemically flouted," found that at least 65 percent of prison inmates have never been convicted of any ...

List of Military Heads of State and Civilian Presidents of Nigeria (1963-Present)