Tinubu: Ethnic division during 2023 polls hostile to democracy

The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has expressed displeasure over the ethnic division among Nigerians during the 2023 general election.

Tinubu said the report of arson after the announcement of the March 18 governorship election results in Lagos State did not represent who the citizens are, noting that the physical and verbal assaults committed during the polls were unacceptable and antithetical to democracy.

The President-elect stated that elections should be a celebration of Nigeria’s democracy and ought not to be moments of grief, adding that he would bring into national governance the spirit of inclusiveness the citizens engendered in Lagos State during his regime as governor of the state.

The two-term former governor of Lagos State said this via a statement issued on Tuesday.

Tinubu said: 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.

“The physical and verbal assaults committed are unacceptable and antithetical to democratic ethos.

“Elections should be a celebration of our maturing democracy and freedom of choice and ought not to be moments of grief. I am particularly pained by cases of ethnic slurs, which are capable of creating needless mis-characterisation 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 potentials.

“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.”

The President-elect further enjoined winners in the just concluded elections to be magnanimous just as he urged those who did not win in the polls to have a large heart for tolerance and respect for the greater interest of Nigeria.

Tinubu noted that the only way to justify the trust of the people and the mandate entrusted in those elected is to commit themselves 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 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,” he added.

Tinubu, therefore, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, Observer Groups, Civil Society Organisations, development partners, and the electorate for the success of the elections.

The Star