President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed disappointment over the reported physical and verbal attacks that trailed the governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls in some states across the country.
Tinubu noted that such low descent are antithetical to democracy and therefore unacceptable, even as he called for a healing process to commence in earnest, with winners showing magnanimity.
In a statement signed on Tuesday, Tinubu said that the election ought to be a celebration of maturity, democracy and freedom of choice of the people and not a moment of grief, as he condemned pockets of violence, arson that trailed the exercise in some states.
The former Lagos State governor noted that Nigerians should be able to rise above their differences, pointing out that the strings that hold the people are stronger than what divides them.
Tinubu, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election, said, “I’m saddened by the reported isolated infractions during the elections and its aftermath in some states. I strongly condemn it. Also, the report of arson after the announcement of governorship results in one state did not represent who we truly are: peace-loving people.
“The physical and verbal assaults committed are unacceptable and antithetical to democratic ethos.
“Elections should be a celebration of our maturing democracy and freedom of choice and ought not to be moments of grief. I am particularly pained by cases of ethnic slurs, which are capable of creating needless mis-characterisation reported in some locations,” he stated.
While commending governors and State House of Assembly lawmakers that emerged from the process, he said that a healing process should begin, promising to work with all the people including those that didn’t vote for him.
The former governor pledged to take urgent steps to unite the country, and praised President Mohammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and others who played various roles in the measure of success achieved during the polls.
He added, “My appeal is for us to rise above our differences, which, in reality, are fewer than the valued strings that bind us together as a people irrespective of the circumstances of our births.
“As former governor of Lagos State, I can attest to the strength in our diversity and togetherness. As your President-elect, it is that spirit of inclusiveness we engendered in Lagos that I intend to bring into national governance so that together we can attain our full potential.
“I will give priority to expanding the civic space and safeguarding citizens’ freedom to exercise their rights within the bounds of the law.
Tinubu further stated, “Indeed, the elections are over. The people have voted to elect their governors and state legislators that will serve them for the next four years. The time for leadership and governance is now upon us.
“In a democracy, the majority would have their way but that majority must not suppress the minority from having their say. As democrats, we have to 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.
“As the elected, the only way to justify the trust and confidence of the people and the mandate entrusted in us is to commit ourselves to the service of the people. We must all work diligently and sincerely to make life better for the masses. As elected officers, we have no other assignment than to be burden-bearers for the masses and ensure they have a better life that we promised during the campaigns.
He added, “We must take urgent steps to unite the people; those who voted for us and those who did not. We must champion the healing process by embracing the opponents and their supporters. As I have stated previously, the time for politicking is gone. This is time for nation building, a task beyond one individual or a section of the society. We need every hand from wherever it may come to be on deck.
“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.” he said
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