It was jubilation in far-away New Delhi, India after the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the February 25 poll.
The President, who is in India with top government officials and business leaders for the G-20 Summit and investment conferences, burst into jubilation when the PEPC gave its judgment.
Savouring his victory, Tinubu reassured Nigerians that he will be president for all irrespective of party affiliations and religion, restating his commitment to achieving his vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
The reaction was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
He lauded the diligence, thoroughness, as well as professionalism of members of the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led panel.
The President noted that the process was a testament to the fact that the Nigerian judicial system has come of age.
According to him, the process from the participation of all the candidates and political parties in the 2023 general elections, to the judicial process that followed, “affirmed that democracy is developing in Nigeria”.
He urged his challengers and their parties to encourage their supporters to put patriotism above partisanship and rally them to support and work with his government in the interest of a better Nigeria.
Assurance
The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians of his renewed and energized focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation, following the judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.
“President Tinubu welcomes the judgment of the Tribunal with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.
“The President recognises the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, in interpreting the law.
“The President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panel’s exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflects the continuing maturation of Nigeria’s legal system, and the advancement of Africa’s largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.
“The President believes the Presidential candidates and political parties that have lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
“The President urges his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for our government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.
“Once more, President Tinubu thanks Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
