President-elect Bola Tinubu, yesterday, described his election as the incoming president of Nigeria as the greatest gift to him by the Nigerian people, and could therefore not request for anything else.
He, however, declared that his campaign promises were not mere words professed glibly or cynically to win support, but that they represented his bond that binds him to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian.
Tinubu, in a statement, yesterday, said while this was his first birthday as the President-elect, he recalled that a few weeks back, Nigerians gave him the honour of a lifetime by electing him as the next president.
He said with such a privilege already granted to him, he would not go so far as to suggest he was due any more birthday presents this year, because he had already been given the greatest gift.
Thanking all those who had expressed goodwill towards him on the occasion of my 71st birthday and God the Almighty for the life He has given him, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to him along the way, he said, “This year in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone.
“Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May, my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.
“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.
“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises.
“Those promises were not mere words – professed glibly or cynically to win support. They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life. I will not fail,” he promised.
