The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, March 1, presented the Certificate of Return to the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a well-attended ceremony in Abuja.

The President-elect arrived the Africa Hall of the International Conference Centre at exactly 3.27 pm, described himself as A Servant Of A Larger Purpose, urging Nigerians of all persuasions to join him in the task of rebuilding the nation.

He charged that Nigeria cannot make progress if  her people continue to work in compartments, erecting artificial barriers and nurse same with prejudices.

Asiwaju stressed that the nation’s destiny depends on the ability of her people to shed such premordial restrictions and work together for loftier ideals.

Clutching excitedly at the Certificate of return (CoR) presented to him by INEC boss, Prof Mahmood Yakubu,the former NADECO chief said the document represent a symbol of nation’s collective democratic attainment.

Tinubu who described himself as a servant for a larger purpose ,

promised  to work hard to improve the lot of the people.

While acknowledging the rough part he had  walked to the Nigeria’s presidency he however assure the younger generation  that they too can  reach  goals if they work hard at their endeavors.

“As I hold this certificate, this moment is one of celebration and gladness for us.

The road has been long. Yet, we walked it. The battle has been hard fought. Yet , we won it.

“But more importantly, I realize that I am just a servant of a larger purpose.  You see, this is more than a document confirming the positive outcome of an election.

“This important document symbolizes our collective democratic attainment and even loftier aspirations. It represents the impending transfer of a most sacred duty and trust from one person to another.

“At its most sublime,  this certificate also symbolizes that each of you has the ability to achieve what others believe is impossible for you to achieve.

“I stand before you the president elect. And yes, that is special. 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 to shed the artificial restrictions of bias and prejudice so that we live fully unto our democratic creed that no one is innately superior or entitled to greater rights and opportunities than any other Nigeria”

“Very soon, this nation shall witness a young person standing before you holding this great symbol of democracy and national leadership. We shall 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 dismiss as somehow beginning disqualified for this high office.”

The president -elect told those who are still sour that their candidate did not win that his victory at the poll is not for just for  a man but that of all Nigerians, and urged all to be prepared to give their best for their country.

“For this to be a victory at all,  it cannot simply be a victory for one man or even one party. It must become a victory for all Nigerians who are committed to a greater society.

“I know many did not vote for me. And you are disappointed that your candidate is not where I now stand.

I understand your hurt. To you, I extend the embrace and comfort of one family member to another.

“This great project called Nigeria beckons to us all. It is bigger and more important than any partisan divide.

To my supporters, I ask you to continue to have faith in the mission that we have articulated.

“To those who didn’t support me, I ask that you not allow the disappointment of this moment to keep you from realizing the historic national progress we can make by joining hands and hearts in common endeavor to pull this nation through.

“In a phrase, I am asking you to work with me.  I may be the 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 of rebuilding our national home together, day by day, brick by brick.

Working together,he said much can be achieved saying that

“Where there is poverty. Let us create prosperity and jobs.

Where there is hunger. Let us feed the people, chasing hunger from their midst.

Where there is now scarcity, let us rediscover abundance.

“Where there is brutality, may we replace it with brotherhood.

Where violence stalks the land, may we establish peace.

Where others have erected temples to hatred and bias, may we construct permanent monuments to compassion and abiding affection”. he said, as dedicated the historic moment not just a day he stood as  president elect, but a day Nigerians vowed to come together to build a country they so much want.

The event which was attended by senior citizens, members of the diplomatic corp, leading APC chieftains was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, national assembly members and governors of the APC states.

In an early morning message he sent to Nigerians following his declaration as winner of the February 25, 2023 election, Tinubu had extended a handful of fellowship to all Nigerians including his leading contenders in the presidential poll, to join in the onerous task to rebuild the country.

While advising them to follow laid down processes to seek justice,if they feel aggrieved, he left a note of caution against resorting to selfhelp and  violence.

While commending fellow contestants in the presidential race, he invites them to reconcile around inclusive governance stating that they may have been opponents but not enemies.

“To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign.  You have my utmost respect.

“Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance.

“During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy.  In my heart, you are my brothers.

Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence.

“Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets.

“I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign”.

Singing a reconciliatory tone he quiped

that “whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.” he said.