SHOUTS OF CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE IN THE AIR AS MUHAMMADU BUHARI TAKES OVER REINS OF POWER

Shouts of change change change was the slogan at the Eagles square Abuja as Muhammadu Buhari is sworn in as Nigeria's democratically elected President.

Buhari, who was sworn-in in the captial city of Abuja on Friday, is the first Nigerian to oust a sitting president through the ballot box. Garbed in traditional attire, Buhari stood on the stage clutching a Koran in his right hand, as he pledged to uphold the constitution and laws of Africa's most populous nation. The 72-year-old, takes over as head of Africa's most populous nation, top economy and leading oil producer as it limps back to normality after fuel shortages that brought the country to a near standstill.

During his campaign, Buhari has already pledged to get tough on the corruption that pervades every aspect of life the country, he vowed to spare no effort to defeat the Boko Haram armed group which has killed thousands and displaced more than a million people in a six-year campaign to establish a caliphate in the northeast region abutting Lake Chad.

About 30 countries sent high-level representatives for the ceremony, many from the rest of the African continent, which stands to gain if Buhari is able to breathe new life into the economy and restore Abuja's diplomatic credibility and clout. Dignitaries at the ceremony included South African President Jacob Zuma, US Secretary of State John Kerry, British foreign secretary Philip Hammond and French foreign minister Laurent Fabius

All roads leading to the venue were closed and dozens of international flags alongside the Nigerian green and white decorated the ambience. Also giant posters of Buhari and Osinbajo, were visible everywhere. Street traders made brisk business as they hawk watches, badges, hats and green and white polo shirts emblazoned with his campaign slogan "Sai Buhari" (Only Buhari) on the road.