Don’t Humiliate Opposition, Buhari Tells Supporters

Don’t Humiliate Opposition, Buhari Tells Supporters

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja 

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja acknowledged his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the president-elect from the February 23 presidential election, admonishing his supporters not to humiliate members of the opposition.

The president who made these remarks at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign office in Abuja at about 5am, told his supporters that victory was enough reward for them.

Buhari who said he was saddened by the loss of some innocent Nigerians during the elections, noted that the election was relatively peaceful but for the activities of those he described as troublemakers whom he said attempted to disrupt the polls.

According to him, the new administration will intensify efforts to effect his campaign promises on security, economic restructuring and the fight against corruption, saying the foundation had already been laid.

Promising to continue to build on the already-laid foundation, Buhari said the next administration would strengthen the country’s sense of unity and policy of inclusiveness in a way that every part of the country is carried along.

He thanked party leaders, supporters and the electorate. He also thanked both the international and local observers and also commended the security operatives for their roles in the election.

His words: “First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God Who has spared our lives to witness another victory for Nigerian democracy and victory for our party APC.

“I thank the millions of Nigerians who voted to re-elect me as your president for the next four years. I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to you for judging me worthy of continuing to serve you and for your peaceful conduct.

“In particular, I would like to thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his masterful leadership as Co-chair of the Campaign Council. I would like to also thank the Party Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, the Director General of the Campaign Council Rotimi Amaechi, all members of the Presidential Campaign Council and other various Support Groups.

“My grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the logistical expenses of the campaign in such a vast country like Nigeria. I also thank the millions of volunteers, self-appointed overseers, canvassers, agents, escorts and sentries who sacrificed so much of their time and resources to ensure the success of these elections. I do not have the words adequate to thank them.

“Although Saturday’s elections were relatively peaceful, troublemakers in a handful of states attempted to disrupt an otherwise orderly process. Security agencies will bring to justice all those arrested in the process.

“I am very sad at the grievous loss of lives during these elections. Security agencies will step up their efforts to protect voters in the forthcoming State elections. I would like to commend our security agencies, as severely overstretched as they are, for handling the difficult task of securing the country during the election period.

“I will like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts. We give thanks also to our Domestic and International observers for contributing to the success of our elections and for their interest in our country and our developing democracy.

“The new Administration will intensify its efforts in Security, Restructuring the Economy and Fighting Corruption. We have laid down the foundation and we are committed to seeing matters to the end. We will strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out. I thank you for your support and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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