Rest assure of robust government, Tinubu promises Nigerians

President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, has promised competence in appointments and engagements. In a message titled, “Nigeria: At the Cusp of Renewed Hope,” he promised to reposition the country.

Tinubu pledged an economy of double-digit Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, more food security, strengthened real sector and active digital economy, where young people fulfil their dreams and aspirations. He called on Nigerians to work with him in building a new nation.

His words: “As your incoming President, I accept the task before me. There has been talk of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence.

“In selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance. The day for political gamesmanship is long gone.

“I shall assemble competent men, women and young people from across Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous and just Nigeria. There shall be young people.

“Women shall be prominent. Whether your faith leads you to pray in a church or mosque will not determine your place in government. Character and competence will.

“To secure our nation and make it prosperous must be our top priorities. We cannot sacrifice these goals for political expediencies. The whims of politics must take a backseat to imperatives of governance.

“We have bridges and roads to build not just for commerce and travel, but also to connect people of different faiths, parties and outlooks in harmonious dialogue and common purpose. We have families to feed, not just to eliminate hunger but to nurture enlightenment, civic responsibility and compassion.”

Tinubu continued: “We have jobs to create not merely to put people to work, but to afford all a better standard of living by which families and communities are improved and democracy deepened. We have water to replenish not just to quench physical thirst, but also to ignite a thirst for creative and better solutions to society’s challenges.

“We have a nation to protect such that we eliminate danger and even the fear of danger. May all of our people be able to live their lives in the light of peace and glow of broadening prosperity.

“An important step towards restoring economic normalcy has been taken by the Supreme Court’s decision on parity of old and new Naira notes.

“This restores both the rule of law and economic decency. But, this is not the end of the story. It is merely the beginning of a more comprehensive solution to our economic challenges.

“I ask that we work together as Nigerians for Nigeria. Those, who voted for me, I ask that you continue to believe in our policies and plans for the country. I also ask that you reach out to your brothers and sisters, who did not vote as you did. Extend to them the hand of friendship, reconciliation and togetherness.

“To those of you, who did not vote for me, I ask you to believe in Nigeria and in the capacity of your fellow citizens, even those who voted differently than you. The better Nigeria I seek is not just for me and my supporters, it is equally yours.”

He added: “I do not ask you to abandon your political preferences. That would be undemocratic. I do beseech you to answer the call of patriotic duty as the loyal opposition.

“Remain loyal to the cause of a greater, more tolerant and just Nigeria. I too shall keep faith with this objective.”