In his inaugural speech as Nigeria's newly elected president, Muhammadu Buhari observed the impact of social media on his victory, its relevance in national discourse and what he described as the need for decorum and patriotism on social media platforms.
While thanking his supporters, Buhari recognised his online campaigners in addition to the resolve of those who waited for long hours in rain and hot sunshine to register and cast their votes.
"I [also] thank those who tirelessly carried the campaign on the social media," Buhari said.
A few hours to his inauguration, several Twitter-verified accounts emerged for the president, first lady and their official residence – Aso Rock.
While hinging the success of his government on the support, understanding and cooperation of labour unions, organised private sector, the press and civil society organisations, he also recognised the powerful nature of social media and urged social media users in Nigeria to be responsible and patriotic.
He said: "My appeal to the media today – and this includes the social media – is to exercise its considerable powers with responsibility and patriotism."
His inauguration was streamed live on Twitter using Periscope and within an hour of taking office, his official accounts, handles and social bios had been updated.
Using #BuhariFixThis, citizens called the attention of the newly sworn-in president to several key issues, including electricity, security, unemployment and corruption.
Attention was also given to the missing Chibok girls that attracted global attention when #BringBackOurGirls became a globally trending topic.
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