Tinubu files a peace suit, condemning ethnic insults and electoral violence.
President-elect Aswáj Bola Tinubu criticized "isolated" incidences of violations, racial insults, and violence that followed the 2023 General Elections yesterday, adding that the polls were now done and the healing process could begin.
Nevertheless, the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, described Tinubu's appeal for reconciliation after a violent election as the height of hypocrisy.
These comments came as The Washington Post praised the general elections, saying that, despite some clear problems in the process, the democratic system had held and was holding – far better, so far, than would have been imagined.
This is despite the fact that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'ad Abubakar III, and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, have urged those who are dissatisfied with the results of the recently concluded general elections to seek redress in court and avoid violent protest.
Tinubu, in what looked to be a post-mortem of the polls, said the polls, which were held across 28 states and the state legislative vote throughout the federation's 36 states, had brought the 2023 election cycle to a fitting finish.
While praising President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders, Tinubu stated that establishing democratic government at the sub-national level will result in greater development and a better quality of life for the citizens.
'Let us transcend beyond sentimental faults.'
Condemning the violence and other negative tendencies that resulted from the election's conduct, the President-elect urged Nigerians to rise above the follies of partisanship, ethnicity, and religious feelings and focus on the "valued ties that link us together as a nation."
"I am disturbed by the reported isolated transgressions during the elections and their aftermath in various states," he stated. That is greatly condemned by me. Also, the story of arson following the release of the gubernatorial results in one state that does not fully represent who we are: peace-loving people.
"The physical and verbal assaults are abhorrent and opposed to the democratic ideal."
"Elections should be a celebration of our developing democracy and freedom of choice, not a time of mourning." I am particularly distressed by reports of racial insults, which have the potential to cause unnecessary mischaracterization in some areas.
"My call is for us to rise beyond our differences, which, in truth, are fewer than the cherished links that bind us together as a people, irrespective of the circumstances of our births.
"As a former governor of Lagos State, I can witness to the power of our diversity and unity."
As your President-elect, I plan to transfer the spirit of inclusion that we fostered in Lagos into national administration, so that we may all reach our full potential together.
"I will give emphasis to increasing the civic space and ensuring citizens' freedom to exercise their rights within the limitations of the law.
"The elections are, indeed, over. The people have voted to choose their governors and state lawmakers for the next four years. The moment for leadership and governance has arrived.
"In a democracy, the majority would get their way but that majority must not prohibit the minority from having their say. As democratic citizens, we must protect free expression. Winners must be gracious, and those who did not win must have a big heart for tolerance and respect for the larger good of the country."
He urged all public representatives to take immediate action to bring the people together and champion the healing process.
"We must act quickly to unify the people, both those who voted for us and those who did not." We must promote the healing process by welcoming both opponents and supporters.
"As I already mentioned, the time for politicking is over. Now is the time for nation-building, a mission that is larger than any one person or segment of society. "We need every hand on deck, from wherever it may come," Tinubu added.
Tinubu's demand for healing after unleashing violence, according to Atiku, is disingenuous.
In response to Tinubu's request, the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, called it hypocritical.
He praised the US administration for criticizing the violent and ethnically fueled election in Lagos State.
Tinubu had expressed regret in a statement he personally signed yesterday over "infractions in various states as well as the toxic discourse that characterized the votes."
In reaction, Atiku, speaking via his Special Assistant on Public Media, Mr Phrank Shaibu, condemned Tinubu's remarks as "after-thought and hypocritical rubbish" in a statement.
He found it odd that Tinubu was talking about reconciliation after his supporters targeted Igbo voters in Lagos to give his party, the All Progressives Congress, an edge in the governorship race.
Tinubu, according to Shaibu, has continued to shield transport hooligans, politicians, and even traditional leaders in Lagos who have been caught on film threatening non-indigenes.
"Tinubu's current remark is filled with hypocrisy and falsehoods," Atiku stated. Traditional elders, transport hooligans, and politicians in his side threatened non-indigenes for a month, but Tinubu remained silent.
"MC Oluomo, a member of Tinubu's presidential campaign committee, was caught on tape threatening Igbo people, but Tinubu said nothing."
“His campaign spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga and Femi Fani-Kayode, went on social media to warn Igbo people against exercising their franchise but Tinubu looked the other way.
"Traditional authorities imposed curfews and slaughtered goats in front of polling booths, but Tinubu said nothing."
"A traditional leader and council chairman of Gbara village, Eti Osa local government called a gathering and threatened non-indigenes with expulsion if they did not vote for the APC, but Tinubu said nothing."
"Those invited by the police disregarded them because Tinubu is protecting them." On election day, several individuals who resembled Igbo were assaulted and barred from voting, but Tinubu remained silent.
"He has rediscovered his voice and is preaching reconciliation now that his party has stolen the election." He should notify the marines about it.
"If Tinubu is serious, he should make certain that all those found guilty are apprehended and prosecuted." But we all know he can't since he's their godfather."
He also praised the US Embassy in Nigeria's statement denouncing the violence against the Igbo as a positive step.
He did, however, say that the US should have gone farther by naming individuals found guilty and revealing the identity of those who may face visa restrictions.
"We thank the US and EU countries for criticizing the violence and intimidation that characterized the gubernatorial election, particularly in Lagos, where Tinubu's henchmen held the state to ransom," Atiku continued.
"However, the US is aware of the identities of the perpetrators of violence and should have mentioned their names." MC Oluomo is a U.S. citizen.
"The US must also go farther by disclosing the identities of others, including the traditional rulers in Lagos who were involved.
