As the February 25th Presidential/National Assembly and the March 18th Governorship/State Assembly elections in Nigeria come to an end, President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has issued a statement calling for the healing process to begin. The statement was released on the official website of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign.
Tinubu congratulated all the governors and assembly members who were elected, stating that they earned the mandate of the people. He also praised President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, observer groups, civil society organizations, development partners, and the electorate for the success of the elections. Tinubu sees these elections as pivotal to the growth and sustenance of democracy and democratic governance at the state level.
While expressing his sadness at the reported isolated infractions during the elections and its aftermath in some states, Tinubu strongly condemned it. He also expressed concern about the report of arson after the announcement of governorship results in one state. He said that these incidents did not represent the peace-loving nature of the Nigerian people. Tinubu emphasized that the physical and verbal assaults committed during the elections were unacceptable and antithetical to democratic ethos. He also condemned cases of ethnic slurs, which are capable of creating needless mischaracterization reported in some locations.
Tinubu appealed to all Nigerians to rise above their differences, which, in reality, are fewer than the valued strings that bind us together as a people irrespective of the circumstances of our births. He said that as former governor of Lagos State, he could attest to the strength in our diversity and togetherness. As the President-elect, Tinubu intends to bring that spirit of inclusiveness into national governance so that together, Nigerians can attain their full potentials.
Tinubu plans to give priority to expanding the civic space and safeguarding citizens’ freedom to exercise their rights within the bounds of the law. He emphasized that the elections are over, and the time for leadership and governance is now upon us. He said that in a democracy, the majority would have their way, but that majority must not suppress the minority from having their say. Tinubu stressed that as democrats, Nigerians must safeguard free expression. Winners must be magnanimous, and those who did not win should have a large heart for tolerance and respect for the greater interest of the nation.
Tinubu believes that the only way to justify the trust and confidence of the people and the mandate entrusted in elected officers is to commit ourselves to the service of the people. He emphasized that elected officers have no other assignment than to be burden-bearers for the masses and ensure they have a better life than what was promised during the campaigns.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to take urgent steps to unite the people, those who voted for us, and those who did not. He emphasized that it is time for nation-building, a task beyond one individual or a section of society. Tinubu believes that every hand from wherever it may come needs to be on deck to champion the healing process by embracing the opponents and their supporters.
Tinubu said, “I am ready to work with you all as your President. I will be a worthy partner you can trust and rely on as we all bond together, in unity of purpose and renewed hope for the betterment of our blessed country and beloved people.”
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