The president-elect, Bola Tinubu, has promised to serve Nigeria as never before.

Tinubu said he and his vice, Sen. Kashim Shettima, understand the challenges ahead, saying he would listen to Nigerians and do the difficult things that would put the country on the path of progress.

The former governor of Lagos State also vowed to build a brighter and more productive society as the president of the country.

He said this in his acceptance speech on Wednesday morning.

Tinubu said: “I am aware that for many of you Nigeria has become a place of abiding challenges limiting your ability to see a bright future for yourselves.

“Remodeling our precious national home requires the harmonious efforts of all of us, especially the youth. Working together, we shall move this nation as never before.

“My running mate, Vice President-elect Shettima, and I understand the challenges ahead. More importantly, we also understand and deeply value the talent and innate goodness of you, the Nigerian people. We pledge to listen and to do the difficult things, the big deeds, that put us on the path of irreversible progress. Hold us firmly to account, but please give us a chance first.

READ ALSO: Buhari congratulates Tinubu: You’re the best man for the job

“Together, we shall build a brighter and more productive society for today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

“Today, you have given me the greatest honor you can bestow on one man.

“In return, I will give you my utmost as your next president and commander-in-chief. Peace, unity, and prosperity shall be the cornerstones of the society we intend to build. When you gaze upon what we shall accomplish in the coming years, you shall speak with pride at being a Nigerian.”

Tinubu further urged the opposition parties and his challengers to join him to move the country forward, describing them as his brothers.

The president-elect, who said some candidates will not accept the election results, enjoined them to seek legal recourse.

He stated that any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law and not in the streets, urging Nigerians to shun violence.

“To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign.

“You have my utmost respect.

“Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance.

“During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy.  In my heart, you are my brothers.

“Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence. Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets.

“I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign.

“Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist. Many people are uncertain, angry and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation,” Tinubu.

Tinubu, however, expressed his appreciation to Nigerians for participating in the 2023 general election just as he commended INEC conducting a free and fair election.

“Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.

“You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria.

“We commend INEC for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome.  With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life.”

He, therefore, thanked President Buhari “who adeptly led my campaign as its chairman”, APC Governors, party leaders, and his family members, among others.

The Star