….urges opposition parties to be patriotic
By Kamil Opeyemi
The president-elect, Bola Tinubu, says irrespective of political affiliations, Nigeria belongs to all adding that those who did not vote for him should also believe in the country.
Tinubu, in a statement on Thursday, said he is seeking a better country not just for himself and his supporters but for all citizens irrespective of where they belong politically.
While urging the opposition parties to be patriotic while discharging their duty as opposition, Tinubu said it would be undemocratic for him to ask those who did not vote for him to change their affiliation but they should
“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 ask that you reach out to your brothers and sisters who did not vote as you did. Extend to them the hand of friendship, reconciliation, and togetherness.
“To 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 than you. The better Nigeria I seek is not just for me and my supporters. It is equally yours.
“Remain loyal to the cause of a greater, more tolerant, and just Nigeria. I too shall keep faith with this objective.
“If we all play our proper roles, we shall begin the task of rebuilding our national home together, day by day, brick by brick notwithstanding our political differences,” he said
Reiterating his commitment to a better and prosperous Nigeria for all, the former Lagos State Governor said described himself as the servant of a larger purpose adding that he hopes to form a government of unity and competence.
According to him, his team and himself have been daily engaged in discussions and meetings refining solutions so that his administration could begin actively working toward the common good the first day he assumes office.
“As your incoming president, I accept the task before me. There has been talk of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence. In selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance. The day for political gamesmanship is long gone.
“I shall assemble competent men and women and young people from across Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous, and just Nigeria. There shall be young people. Women shall be prominent. Whether your faith leads you to pray in a church or mosque will not determine your place in government. Character and competence will.
“To secure our nation and to make it prosperous must be our top priorities. We cannot sacrifice these goals to political expediencies. The whims of politics must take a backseat to the imperatives of governance.
He added: “We have bridges and roads to build not just for commerce and travel but to connect people of different faiths, parties, and different outlooks in harmonious dialogue and common purpose.
“We have families to feed not just to eliminate hunger but to nurture enlightenment, civic responsibility, and compassion.
“We have jobs to create not merely to put people to work but to afford all a better standard of living by which families and communities are improved and democracy deepened.
“We have water to replenish not just to quench physical thirst but to ignite a thirst for creative and better solutions to society’s challenges. We have a nation to protect such that we eliminate danger and even the fear of danger. May all of our people be able to live their lives in the light of peace and the glow of broadening prosperity.”
Speaking about the economy, Tinubu said an important step toward restoring economic normalcy has been taken by the Supreme Court’s judgement on the naira redesign policy.
He noted that the order has restored both the rule of law and economic decency.
“But this is not the end of the story. It is merely the beginning of a more comprehensive solution to our economic challenges.
“Our Renewed Hope Action Plan outlines goals for greater economic growth in our cities and rural communities. We are committed to an economy of double-digit GDP growth, greater food security, and one with a strengthened manufacturing base as well as an active digital economy where young people will have ample space to fulfill their dreams and aspiration,” he added.
The president-elect said the country would be great if all citizens support him in his bid to make the country better.