President-elect Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to be flexible and demonstrate immense regard for the rule of law, accommodating all in the task of rebuilding the nation.
Buhari had been severally accused of rigidity in decision making when he was former military ruler as well as not taking opinions of others.
“I assure you that our government is one that will listen to and embrace all. I pledge myself and our in-coming administration to just and principled governance. There shall be no bias against or favouritism for any Nigerian based on ethnicity, religion, region, gender or social status,” the president-elect declared.
Buhari spoke while receiving the certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and pledged to uphold the rule of law in which none shall be so above the law that they are not subject to its dictates, or so below it that they are not availed of its protection.
Buhari, the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), got to this stage having won the March 28 presidential election, polling 15, 424,921 and meeting the constitutional requirement of at least 25 percent of votes in 27 states.
He beat the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, President Goodluck Jonathan, who scored 12,853,162 votes, representing 25 percent of votes in 26 states.
At the ceremony, Buhari who felt honoured that Nigerians have chosen him was full of thanks to God for the day and the hour.
“Today, history has been made, and change has finally come. Your votes have changed our national destiny for the good of all Nigerians. There shall no longer be a ruling party again: APC will be your governing party. We shall faithfully serve you. We shall never rule over the people as if they were subservient to government.
“Our long night has passed and the daylight of new democratic governance has broken across the land. This, therefore, is not a victory for one man or even one party. It is a victory for Nigeria and for all Nigerians,” he said.
He assured of running a government of all and urged all to forget their old battles and past grievances and learn to forge ahead.
“You shall be able to go to bed knowing that you are safe and that your constitutional rights remain in safe hands. You shall be able to voice your opinion without fear of reprisal or victimisation. My love and concern for this nation and what I desire for it extends to all, even to those who do not like us or our politics.”
He promised to work for those who voted for his party as well as those who voted against, and even for those who did not vote at all.
“We all live under one name as one nation: we are all Nigerians. Some unfortunate issues about my eligibility have been raised during the campaign.”
Furthermore, Buhari said he would extend the hand of friendship and conciliation to President Jonathan and his team, stating that he harboured no ill will against anyone.
“Let me state clearly that President Jonathan has nothing to fear from me. Although we may not agree on the methods of governing the nation, he is a great Nigerian and still our president. He deserves our support and permanent respect by virtue of the office he has held. This is how an honourable nation treats its servants and conducts its affairs; and this is how Nigeria should be.”
“I look forward to meeting with President Jonathan in the days to come to discuss how our teams can make the transition of administrations as efficient as possible”.
While he thanked the party leaders and members for the steadfast contributions to bring the dream to fruition, he commended INEC, the police and all other government agencies for performing their tasks in a proper manner and for refusing to be induced to undermine the election and the democratic process.
