Mar 01, 2023 TO SERVE THE PEOPLE” AN ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU DURING THE CERTIFICATE OF RETURN COLLECTION CEREMONY AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 1, 2023
As I hold this certificate, this moment is one ofcelebration and gladness for us. The road has been long. Yet, we walked it. The battle hasbeen hard fought. Yet , we won it. But more importantly, I realize that I am just a servant ofa larger purpose.
You see, this is more than a document confirming thepositive outcome of an election. This important document symbolizes our collective democraticattainment and even loftier aspirations. It represents the impending transferof a most sacred duty and trust from one person to another.
At its most sublime, this certificate also symbolizesthat each of you has the ability to achieve what others believe is impossiblefor you to achieve. I stand before you the president elect. And yes, that isspecial. But, I am no different than anyone of you. If I can do this. You can do better. You must do better. Our destiny as a people and nation depends on our ability toshed the artificial restrictions of bias and prejudice so that we live fullyunto our democratic creed that no one is innately superior or entitled togreater rights and opportunities than any other Nigeria.
Very soon, this nation shall witness a young person standingbefore you holding this great symbol of democracy and national leadership. Weshall see a woman standing before you, holding this certificate as its owner.We shall experience someone from a tribe that many people have tried to dismissas somehow beginning disqualified for this high office. By dint of hard work, determination and unyielding belief ina noble endeavor, you can achieve the best of things. There are young people listening to me right now who shallone day be the leaders of our precious and exceptional democratic republic. Thus, by taking this certificate, I assume a sacred duty Ishall never ignore. To you the people, especially the youths, I will work dayand night. I will work to the utmost of my ability to make Nigeriabetter.
For this to be a victory at all, it cannot simply be avictory for one man or even one party. It must become a victory for allNigerians who are committed to a greater society. I know many did not vote for me. And you are disappointedthat your candidate is not where I now stand. I understand your hurt. To you, I extend the embrace andcomfort of one family member to another. This great project called Nigeria beckons to us all. It isbigger and more important than any partisan divide. To my supporters, I ask you to continue to have faith in themission that we have articulated. To those who didn’t support me, I ask that you not allow thedisappointment of this moment to keep you from realizing the historic nationalprogress we can make by joining hands and hearts in common endeavor to pullthis nation through. In a phrase, I am asking you to work with me. I may bethe president election but I need you. More importantly, Nigeria needs you.
My heart and my door are open to you. I ask you to come in so that we may begin the task ofrebuilding our national home together, day by day, brick by brick. Where there is poverty. Let us create prosperity and jobs.Where there is hunger. Let us feed the people, chasinghunger from their midst. Where there is now scarcity, let us rediscover abundance. Where there is brutality, may we replace it withbrotherhood. Where violence stalks the land, may we establish peace. Where others have erected temples to hatred and bias, may weconstruct permanent monuments to compassion and abiding affection.
History will record this day as the moment when I officiallystood before you as president elect. However, I would like to dedicate this day and record it asthe moment that we vowed to come together to make Nigeria stand and shine forthat the beloved and brave republic God intended it to be.
