“Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do or die affair,” President Muhammadu Buhari advised even as he prayed that all Nigerians wil accept this democratic approach to elections contentious.
The President spoke today, Wednesday when he was formally presented with the Certificate of Return as President-elect on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), by the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Buhari expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life to witness another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development, which is the conclusion of the Presidential election in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner.
He congratulated all the Presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign, adding that all of them might have had different views during the campaign, but that the one thing most of them have in common is love of Nigeria and the desire to improve conditions for Nigerians.
“From the comments of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.
“Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition. All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.
“I therefore want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our Government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open. That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.
“The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all.
“We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.
“I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC Government. I thank you all.
“I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country.
“Let me pay tribute here to those who lost their lives either through accidents or mindless violence during the course of these elections. My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”
