“Cynicism and scepticism will not help our journey to greatness. Let us all believe in a new Nigeria. Let us work together to build a great country that we will all be proud of. This is our hour.”

The President while speaking after he was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, at the Eagle Square, Abuja, listed the task before his administration to include that of transformation of the economy, maintenance of security and a better image for the country.

"You have entrusted me with your mandate and I will never let you down. I know your pains because I have been there; look beyond the hardship you have endured and see a new beginning, a new direction, a new spirit. Nigerians I want you to start to dream again, what you see in your dreams we can achieve together. I call upon all the Presidential candidates who contested with me to join hands with us as we begin the transformation of our country. Let us work together,” he added.

He also promised to form technical and financial partnerships with global businesses and organizations, noting that “We live in an age where no country can survive on its own; countries depend on each other for economic well-being. Nigeria is no different. Returns on investment in Nigeria remain among the highest in the world. We will continue to welcome sustainable investment in our economy.”

Jonathan said his election would not have been possible without the commitment of Nigerians towards the election, saying “That spirit has, over the years, stirred our hopes, doused our fears, and encouraged us to gather ourselves to build a strong nation even when others doubted our capacity.”

He promised to use the mandate reposed on him to justify the confidence of Nigerians in order to deserve their trust.

However, none of the presidential candidates attended the ceremony, but former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo graced the ceremony. Also present were many African and foreign leaders including President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, John Atta Mills of Ghana, Boni Yayi of Benin, Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone and Alassane Outtara of Cote D’Ivoire.

Also, religious leaders and traditional rulers were at the ceremony which was spiced by military parade and calisthenics display by 1050 school children.