Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s new president, says his political colouration has faded away and he now sees everyone as Nigerians.
Speaking on Monday during his inaugural speech as president, Tinubu asked those who voted against him to embrace “national affinity and brotherhood.”
“My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide,” he said.
“I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political colouration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians.
“May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.”
Speaking further, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration will give room for dissenting opinions and will not “rule over” Nigerians.
The president said his administration will “further mend and heal” the nation, adding that he will not “tear and injure” the country.
“Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip,” he added.
“We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never extinguish.
“Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.”
He also argued that Nigeria had not had a better election that the recently concluded one in its history.
“My victory does not render me more Nigerian than the rest of you. It also does not render my opponents less Nigerian than me. I will treat my opponents, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, as important compatriots,” Tinubu said