April 1, 2015 – President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) today restated that corruption shall never be tolerated and shall never be allowed to stand the moment his administration hits the ground running.
Buhari who addressed reporters after receiving his Certificate of Return from Professor Attahiru Jega, chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that corruption distorts the economy and worsens income due to the nation.
He said that corrupt individuals undermine democracy because they have amassed so much money such that they can buy votes, declaring that corruption shall never be tolerated, neither will it be allowed to stand.
He also promised to deal with radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
“Corruption attacks and destroys our institution and character. It distorts the economy and worsens income. They undermine democracy because conspirators have amassed so much money and they believe they can buy vote. Corruption shall never be tolerated and shall never be allowed to stand”, he said.
He pledged that Nigeria will become a more fruitful and prosperous player in the global community as a more constructive partner with regards to economic development and eradication of poverty. He pledged his devotion to make Nigerians comfortable and said he has always put in his best in everything that he has always done.
He extended his hand of fellowship and reconciliation to Jonathan and his team, stressing that he habours no ill will against anyone.
“I extend a hand of fellowship and reconciliation to President Jonathan and his team. I habours no ill will against anyone. President Jonathan has been fair to me although we may not agree on some issues, he is a great Nigerian and he is our president and he deserves respect from Nigerians based on the office that he occupies”, he said adding that he looks forward to meet with Jonathan to discuss transition.
He thanked All Progressive Congress (APC) for selecting him and bringing the dream to fruition. He also thanked INEC too for refusing to be induced to undermine the election process.
Turning to Nigerians, he said that the changed they have been waiting for has come and that his government will craw, walk and if possible run to deliver on the aspiration of Nigerians.
“This is the moment Nigerians have been waiting for and change has finally come. Your votes has changed the destiny of Nigeria. Long night has gone and daylight of new democracy has come, it is victory for Nigeria and for all Nigerians”, he said and held a minute silence for those who died in the north celebrating his victory.
He appealed to those celebrating to do so with caution.
“As the result of the election has shown, your labour has not been and will never be in vain. Democracy and the rule of law will be established in the land”, he said, adding that his government will listen and embrace all.
He promised to establish his government on Justice and rule of law.
“There shall be no favour based on ethnic, religion gender or social status. I pledge myself and government to the rule of law. No body shall be above the rule of law. You shall be able to go to bed knowing that you are safe and your constitutional rights in save hands. You are all my people and I shall treat everyone as my own”, he said, adding that that he will love all who voted for or against him and those who did not vote at all.
“ We are one Nigeria”, he assured.
