Fellow countrymen and women: I have, after extensive consultations, decided to step aside as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I will hand over to an Interim National Government on the 26th of August 1993.
The annulment of the June 12 election was undertaken in the supreme national interest. The Interim National Government will conclude the transition to civil rule. I urge all Nigerians to give it the same loyalty that you have given my own administration.
I thank you, fellow countrymen, for the privilege of serving you these past eight years.