President Bola Tinubu says he will be constitutionally responsible to Nigerians and not govern like a despot.
Speaking during his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Monday, Tinubu said the rule of law will be the guiding principle of his administration.
He said he will engage the citizenry and will never dictate to them as he embarks on the journey to heal the nation.
He said, “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.
“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.”
Tinubu who is the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer in the February 25 presidential election, said the contest was hard fought but was also fairly won.
“Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality. The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.
“They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.
“They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law,” Tinubu said.