Fair and credible elections have been held and have been won. The honor of that victory and the arduous responsibility I have given it. I say this not to brag or brag because there is no place for such behavior. I’m just stating the facts.
I know many good and good Nigerians who voted for other candidates. He must have been disappointed that his favorite candidate did not win. Other candidates have voiced their displeasure, saying they will go to court to contest the election.
This is in the democratic process. We defend the right to get legal help. As they exercise their legal rights given to us in our democracy, I have determined my path and my thoughts on the leadership of this nation. We have important work to do and I am committed to doing that work for the benefit of everyone, whether they vote for me or not.
This is not the time for continued acrimony and partisan recrimination. These negative things can give rise to strong passions, but they are not the way to a better nation. Only national unity and commitment can achieve these goals.
Nigeria’s critics are quick to conclude that our political system is fractured by the introduction of new parties and promising candidates. This critic is wrong. The emergence of new parties and their candidates underscores the dynamic power of our democracy. People want democracy to work and want their voices to be heard and their interests met. This is a good thing to be promoted, not something to be afraid of.
What should be noted is not the growth of parties, but the regrowth of old prejudices and concerns such as ethnicity, creed and place of origin. As a nation and as individuals filled with love for God and neighbor, we are better than this. At some point, we must decide whether we will be haunted by the ills of the past or whether we will be more courageous and noble encouraged by the superior prospects for a brighter future.
There was a time in the past when government institutions raised more questions than they answered. But the arc of our political history gives us confidence that we can overcome that past. We have walked through the thick of the night to emerge into the light of the coming day. There is no good reason to retreat into the darkness of yesteryear.
We must begin to repair and rebuild this national home. There is time to get things done, but time is also important. We don’t have to wait or worry about the magnitude of what we are facing.
We can mind and body. Now, we must show the passion and strength to complete the historic things that are in our hands.
As the incoming president, I accept the task before me. There is talk of a national unity government. My goals are higher than that. I am asking for a government that has national competence. In choosing my government, I will not be weighed down by considerations that do not match my ability and performance. The days for political gamesmanship are long gone.
I will bring together competent men and women and young people from all over Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous and just Nigeria. There will be young people. Women should be famous. Whether your faith leads you to pray in a church or a mosque will not determine your place in government. Character and competence will. To secure the nation and prosper must be the top priority. We cannot sacrifice these goals for political gain. Political wisdom should take a backseat to the imperatives of governance.
We have bridges and roads to build not only for trade and travel but to connect people of different religions, parties and views in a harmonious dialogue and common purpose. We have families to feed not only to eliminate hunger but to nurture enlightenment, civic responsibility and compassion. We have jobs to create not only to put people to work, but to provide a better standard of living for families and communities to improve and democracy to deepen.
We have water to recharge not only to quench our physical thirst, but to quench our thirst for creative and better solutions to societal challenges. We have a nation to guard against danger and even fear of danger. We hope that all our citizens can live in peace and prosperity.
An important step to restore economic normality has been taken by the decision of the Supreme Court on the parity of old and new notes. It restored the rule of law and economic order. But this is not the end of the story. This is just the beginning of a more comprehensive solution to our economic challenges.
The Renewed Hope Action Plan outlines goals for greater economic growth in urban and rural communities. We are committed to an economy of double GDP growth, greater food security and one with a strengthened manufacturing base as well as an active digital economy where young people will have enough space to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. I know that I am a servant of a greater purpose. So, I immediately went to work.
My team and I participate daily in discussions and meetings to refine policy ideas and solutions so that we can begin actively pursuing the common good on our first day in office.
This great project called Nigeria invites us all.
I ask that we work together as Nigerians for Nigeria. Those who voted for me, I ask that you continue to believe in our policies and plans for the country. I also apologize to my brothers and sisters who did not choose like you. Extend to them the hand of friendship, reconciliation and togetherness.
For those of you who did not vote for me, I ask you to believe in Nigeria and in the capacity of your fellow citizens, even those who voted differently from you. The better Nigeria I seek is not just for me and my supporters. It’s the same with you.
I am not asking you to abandon your political preferences. That would be undemocratic. I ask you to answer the call of patriotic duty as a loyal opposition.
Remain faithful to the cause of Nigeria more, more patient and just. I will also keep faith with this goal.
If we all play the right roles, we will begin the task of rebuilding our national home together, day by day, brick by brick despite our political differences. So, the victory of national progress will belong to all of us. The victory of our nation’s democracy will call you all authors. This is how it should be.
Dear Nigerians, this is our country. This is our moment. We dare not waste it. Nor do we retreat to accept a lesser version of ourselves and our collective destiny. We can no longer be satisfied with calling ourselves the giants of Africa. We must devote ourselves to doing great and historic things that only giants can do. As president-elect, I will do everything in my power to do this, because it is my sworn duty.
I am asking all of you to walk bravely, not for me, but for the love of the country and the people who live there. We are better than we have been. Now is the time to stand fast and believe in what this nation can do.
I, for one, stood up. But this time, I won’t be the last or the only one standing. Imagine how great we can be if over 200 million other souls stand with me. Let the world see an unstoppable Nigeria.
• Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President-Elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria