The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, condemned the spate of violent attacks and ethnic profiling of persons during the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu, in a statement, said the elections are over, adding that the healing process must begin immediately.
Tinubu said he is ready to work with all Nigerians as their President, in order to bond together and foster the spirit of unity.
The President-elect said with the conclusion of the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, he congratulated all the elected Governors and assembly members for earning the mandate of the people.
“I must praise President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, Observer Groups, Civil Society Organisations, development partners and the electorate for the success of the elections. The election is pivotal to the growth and sustenance of democracy and democratic governance at the State level.
“Consolidating democratic governance at the sub-national level will bring more development and improved quality of life to the masses. The more we entrench and consolidate the gains of our democratic venture across the length and breadth of our country, the more our people benefit in terms of the dividends of democracy and good governance.
“However, 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,” he said.
The President-elect added that the physical and verbal assaults committed were unacceptable and antithetical to democratic ethos.
He noted that elections should be a celebration of the nation’s maturing democracy and freedom of choice and ought not to be moments of grief, saying that he was particularly pained by cases of ethnic slurs, which were capable of creating needless mischaracterisation reported in some locations.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu stated that in a democracy, the majority would have their way but that the majority must not suppress the minority from having their say.
He said, 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 than we promised during the campaigns.
“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.”