Goodluck Jonathan sworn in as Nigerian president

Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in Sunday as Nigerian president in a grand presidential inauguration ceremony held on the Eagle Square in Abuja, capital of Nigeria.

Jonathan, 54, took the oath of office before Chief Justice Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu, pledging to uphold Nigeria's unity and pursue its best interests.

Nnamadi Sambo Jonathan was sworn in as the vice president.

Jonathan took over the presidency after his predecessor Umaru Yar A'dua died last year. Jonathan is a southerner from the oil- rich Niger Delta.

The inauguration ceremony, which kicked off at about 11 a.m. local time, saw five Brigades of Guards comprising two from the Nigerian Army and one each from the Navy, Police and the Air force on parade.

There were calisthenics displays from Nigerian children.

After the performances, Jonathan and Nnamadi Sambo were sworn in at 12:45 p.m. local time on the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The ceremony was attended by about 50 foreign delegations with more than 12 African heads of state and government.

Chinese Railway Minister Sheng Guangzu is attending the inaugural ceremony as the special envoy of President Hu Jintao.


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