…….. vows to crush the Boko Haram sect
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially confirmed General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as Nigeria’s new president-elect, after he got the required 25% of votes cast in 27 states.
This confirmation which took place in Abuja yesterday was announced by Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Jega noted that “as the returning officer for the presidential election which took place on Saturday, 28 March, the candidate with the highest number of votes is hereby declared winner of the election.”
And in his acceptance speech, Buhari, said he felt honoured and humbled that the Nigerian people chose him to lead them. He said INEC has already announced that he shall be the next president, and that he and his team will serve Nigerians diligently. “There shall no longer be a ruling party again: APC will be your governing party. We shall faithfully serve you. We shall never rule over the people as if they were subservient to government.
He also outlined his administration’s plan of action which included pledge to work hard to tackle terrorism, and corruption and restructure the foundation of the nation.
“No doubt, this nation has suffered greatly in the recent past, and its staying power has been tested to its limits by crises, chief among which is insurgency of the Boko Haram. There is no doubt that in tackling the insurgency we have a tough and urgent job to do,” he said.
“But I assure you that Boko Haram will soon know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas. We shall spare no effort until we defeat terrorism,” he added.
“Furthermore, we shall strongly battle another form of evil that is even worse than terrorism—the evil of corruption. Corruption attacks and seeks to destroy our national institutions and character. By misdirecting into selfish hands funds intended for the public purpose, corruption distorts the economy and worsens income inequality. It creates a class of unjustly-enriched people,” he said.
“It has destroyed the economy, it kills unjustly, such illegal undermine democracy. Corruption shall not be tolerated. Join me to fight this and other challenges. We shall not take d people for granted. We shall do the job you expect us to do. This is not the first time Nigerians have voted for us but this is the first time votes are allowed to count”, he said.
“Such an illegal yet powerful force soon comes to undermine democracy because its conspirators have amassed so much money that they believe they can buy government. We shall end this threat to our economic development and democratic survival. I repeat that corruption will not be tolerated by this administration; and it shall no longer be allowed to stand as if it is a respected monument in this nation,” he said.
He said also that despite the rancour of the elections, he will extend a hand of friendship and conciliation to President Jonathan and his team. “I hereby wish to state that I harbour no ill will against anyone. Let me state clearly that President Jonathan has nothing to fear from me. Although we may not agree on the methods of governing the nation, he is a great Nigerian and still our president. He deserves our support and permanent respect by virtue of the office he has held. This is how an honourable nation treats its servants and conducts its affairs, and this is how Nigeria should be,” he said.
“Many risked their lives and others have died. We sent our condolence to those who lost their lives. Our supporters should celebrate the victory with prayers and reflection. It is a historic hour”, he said.
He urged Nigerians to put the past behind and work, promising that he would run a government that would listen and embrace all.
He also commended the role played by the international community to ensure free, fair and credible elections, assuring them that his government will be intolerant of terrorism, drug abuse and climate change.
Buhari was accompanied by his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, Governors Kashim Shettima of Borno state, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto state, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state, and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state, among others.
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