Mohammed Morsi, of the Muslim Brotherhood, has been sworn in by Egypt’s highest court, on Saturday 30th of June, 2012, as the country’s first freely elected President.
He succeeded Hosni Mubarak who was toppled 16 months ago.
Morsi took the oath of office at the instance of the supreme constitutional court near the Nile River built to resemble an ancient Egyptian temple. The ceremony was broadcast live by State TV.
Since the over throw of the monarchy about 60 years ago, Morsi now becomes the fifth head of state to rule Egypt. Morsi has reaffirmed his earlier statement to reclaim the presidential powers stripped from his office by the military Junta.
Speaking in a preamble to the swearing in ceremony, one of the judges said that, that day was the birthday of the 2nd Republic in Egypt.
However, observers of Egypt’s political imbroglio, argues that by consenting to take the oath of office before the Supreme Constitutional Court rather than the Parliament, as customary demands, Morsi by implication would bow to the military Junta’s will, saying that it was an indication that the war of nerves for power would continue in Egypt.
It was the wish of Mohammed Morsi that the ceremony took place in the Parliament, in consonance with the country’s interim constitution but the ruling military Junta led by Field Marshall Mutata, dissolved the Islamist dominated house earlier in June, prompted by a court order.
Even though Morsi had earlier made an attempt to ward off the generals who tried to curb his powers, by swearing himself at the liberation square, that act, according to political analysts, had little or no effect because he had to succumb to the court for what was termed ‘proper’ swearing in.
Part of Morsi’s rousing speech at the liberation square in front of Muslims and Christians alike was his promise of dignity and social justice for all Egyptians, vowing also to uphold the constitution and “the Republican system”
He went further to recite the words of an oath he was expected to formally take in front of the supreme constitutional court, saying he “will look after the interest of the people and protect the independence of the nation and the safety of its territory” and promised to preserve a civil state.
Be that as it may, the next few weeks would show the direction Egypt’s political compass will be pointing to. # # #
By Azuka Dibie
