President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that noe is time for fence mending as the 2023 general elections has come and gone and the process of healing must begin in earnest.,..
The President-elect made the declaration on Tuesday in a statement titled “Elections are over: Healing process must begin”.
While praising 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, Tinubu described the elections as pivotal to the growth and sustenance of democracy and democratic governance.
He, however, expressed sadness over 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,” he added.
Speaking on the need for all to unite and move the country forward, Tinubu said:
“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, 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 better life that 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.”