My administration shall consult, dialogue and not dictate to Nigerians – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu said he plans to govern Nigeria with fairness, equity, and justice and not rule over Nigerians.
Tinubu said this in his inaugural address, shortly after taking oath of office on Monday at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, administered the oath of office to Tinubu shortly after Kashim Shettima had taken his oath of office as Vice President.
Tinubu said that as a nation, Nigerians had long decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.
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He commended his supporters and extended his hands of fellowship to those on the other side of the political divide.
“The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential.
“For me, there is but one answer; we are too great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.
“This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.
“We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble.
“Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future
The president said that the peaceful transition from one government to another was a political tradition.
He lauded the immediate past president for creditably acquitting himself.
“Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love.
“On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend; may history be kind to you; for many years, Nigeria’s critics have trafficked the rumour that our nation will break apart, even perish.
“Yet here we are; we have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.
“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,” Tinubu said.