Election Victory Doesn’t Make Me More Nigerian Than Others – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that even though he fought hard to win the February 2023 election, the victory does not make him any more Nigerian than his opponents, who he pledged to relate to as compatriots.
This was even as he said that the outcome reflected the will of the people, adding however, that his victory does not render him any more Nigerian than his opponents nor does it render them any less patriotic.
In his inaugural address after taking the oaths of office and allegiance administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, at the Eagles Square, Abuja, Tinubu assured that they shall forever be his fellow compatriots, adding that he will treat them as such.
In his words; “They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore. The election that brought me to power was tough but, fairly won.
“I dedicate my victory to the country with a promise to do my all to advance its progress. This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria,” he said.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians to burry political differences and join him in a new journey of healing, nation-building and economic prosperity.
Tinubu also pledged to be a president for all, irrespective of the circumstances of history and political differences.
Before Tinubu took the stage for the oath of office, the CJN had administered similar oaths on Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The new president who was symbolically dressed in the national colours of green and white, charged Nigerians to not allow the opportunity for a greater development of the country to slip away.
He further said; “Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.
“The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.
“Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all,” he said.
Tinubu further said that in its over 60 years history, Nigeria has endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble, but for its resilience and strength of its diversity, the country has remained intact.
According to him; “To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.
“This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be”.
To advance the common vision of a better Nigeria, the president solicited the support of all Nigerians to join him in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by many presidents, prime ministers and other world leaders and diplomats that included former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, serving and former governors, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps among others.
