We Shall Govern on Your Behalf, Not Rule over You, Tinubu Says In First Address To Nigerians As President 

Recently sworn in President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration will govern Nigerians rather than lord it over them.

During his inauguration speech after his transition into office on Monday, he made the promise as he also vowed to exclusively serve the interests of Nigerians, which he will give utmost priority.

“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.

“We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.”

He further urged Nigerian to follow his administration  as a unified nation, not as one filled with diversity.

The president laid out his plans for the nation in different sectors such as economy, foreign policy, security, job creation, infrastructure and so on. He promised that in the coming weeks of his administration, he and his team would be establishing key aspects of their initiatives which are important to their “concept of progressive good governance.” 

Highlighted aspects of the governance include impartial governance, defence against terror and all forms of criminality , remodelling the economy to bring about growth and development through one million new job opportunities, food security and an end of extreme poverty, prominence of women and youth in politics and strengthening of the effectiveness and efficiency in various anti-corruption agencies.

He addressed former President Muhammadu Buhari appreciating him for his “honest” and “patriotic” leadership as well as resilience in facing challenges during his eight year administration.

In the conclusion of his speech, he assured that the nation will be put in its “rightful place” amongst the world democracies. He added, “In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality. With full confidence in our ability, I declare that these things are within our proximate reach because my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Glamour Adah

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