The president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described the occasion of his acceptance of certificate of return as the moment that Nigerians have vowed to come together to make Nigeria stand and shine forth as the beloved and brave republic God intends it to be.
Tinubu made the declaration on Wednesday while speaking at the ceremony where he was presented the certificate of return in Abuja.
The certificate of return was presented to him by the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, having emerged as the winner of the presidential election held on Saturday, February 25.
Tinubu contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Vice-president-elect, Kashim Shettima also received his certificate of return.
His words: “I would like to dedicate this day and record it as the moment that we vowed to come together to make Nigeria stand and shine forth at the beloved and brave republic God intended it to be.”
The president-elect spoke on the significance of the certificate of return issued to him.
According to him, “this important document symbolizes our collective democratic attainment and even loftier aspirations. It represents the impending transfer of a most sacred duty and trust from one person to another.
“At its most sublime, this certificate also symbolizes that each of you has the ability to achieve what others believe is impossible for you to achieve.
“I stand before you the president elect. And yes, that is special. But, I am no different than anyone of you.
“If I can do this. You can do better. You must do better.”
Tinubu appealed to all Nigerians irrespective of their political leanings to join hands with him to make Nigeria a better nation.
His words: “For this to be a victory at all, it cannot simply be a victory for one man or even one party. It must become a victory for all Nigerians who are committed to a greater society.
“I know many did not vote for me. And you are disappointed that your candidate is not where I now stand.
“I understand your hurt. To you, I extend the embrace and comfort of one family member to another.
“This great project called Nigeria beckons to us all. It is bigger and more important than any partisan divide.
“To my supporters, I ask you to continue to have faith in the mission that we have articulated.
“To those who didn’t support me, I ask that you not allow the disappointment of this moment to keep you from realizing the historic national progress we can make by joining hands and hearts in common endeavor to pull this nation through.
“In a phrase, I am asking you to work with me. As your president, I need you. More important, Nigeria needs you.”
