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By Nasir Kura
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Monday presented a certificate of return to President Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the February 23, 2019 presidential election.
The INEC chairman, who is the Returning Officer of the election, presented the certificate to the president at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, as required by the law.
Speaking at the event, the president, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) assured Nigerians that the administration would consolidate on its achievements.
“The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all. We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.
“I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC Government. I thank you all.
“I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country,” he said.
The president said comments by local and international observers indicate that the Independent National Electoral Commission conducted a free and fair elections, hence the need for political actors in the country to embrace its outcome.
He said in any contest, there must be a winner and a looser and that elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affairs.
“Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat.
“Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition. All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future,” he said.
The president also pledged to continue to engage all parties as the administration would operate an open-door and all-inclusive government for the general progress of the country.
“I want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our Government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open.
That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices,” he said.
The president promised to continue the fight against corruption, saying accumulation of public wealth would not be tolerated.
The president, who thanked God for the electoral victory, also reiterated his call on all APC supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition, saying “victory is enough reward for your efforts”.
Those who attended the event were APC governors, ministers, security chiefs and party faithful, among others.
