President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has expressed hurt over cases of ethnic slurs which overshadowed the 2023 general elections.

He stated that such were capable of creating needless mis-characterisation reported in some locations.

Tinubu, speaking via a signed statement on Tuesday titled, “Elections are over: Healing process must begin,’’ added he was saddened by the reported isolated infractions during the elections and its aftermath in some states.

The president-elect said, “Elections should be a celebration of our maturing democracy and freedom of choice and ought not to be moments of grief. I am particularly pained by cases of ethnic slurs, which are capable of creating needless mis-characterisation reported in some locations.

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“However, I’m saddened by the reported isolated infractions during the elections and its aftermath in some states. I strongly condemn it. Also, the report of arson after the announcement of governorship results in one state did not represent who we truly are: peace-loving people.’’

Tinubu stated that the physical and verbal assaults committed were unacceptable and antithetical to democratic ethos.

He congratulated the elected governors and assembly members for “earning the mandate of the people.”

The ex-Lagos State governor said, “The March 18 governorship election held across 28 states and the state legislative poll across the 36 states of the federation have brought the 2023 election circle to a fitting close.

“I must praise President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, observer groups, civil society organisations, development partners and the electorate for the success of the elections. The election is pivotal to the growth and sustenance of democracy and democratic governance at the state level.

  “My appeal is for us to rise above our differences, which, in reality, are fewer than the valued strings that bind us together as a people irrespective of the circumstances of our births.

“As former governor of Lagos State, I can attest to the strength in our diversity and togetherness. As your President-elect, it is that spirit of inclusiveness we engendered in Lagos that I intend to bring into national governance so that together we can attain our full potential.”

Tinubu added that, “We must champion the healing process by embracing the opponents and their supporters. As I have stated previously, the time for politicking is gone. This is time for nation building, a task beyond one individual or a section of society. We need every hand from wherever it may come to be on deck.”

[Punch]