IT is almost impossible for election results not to be contested in Nigeria.  The right to contest the results is one that is freely available to candidates. In exploring it, they strengthen the various aspects of our aspirations to an enduring democracy.

President Goodluck Jonathan in his acceptance speech spoke glowingly of the elections – the enthusiasm of Nigerians, the results, while telling his opponents, whom he called partners to join him in re-building the nation.

In probably his best speech, the President asked for unity of the country.  “Together we will build a new economy that is strong, dynamic, and underpinned by a patriotic work ethic.

Together we will remake our society to emphasize the most noble of our national values, and together we shall recreate a great nation welded in unity and harmony; a nation marching towards collective progress in which no one is left behind,” he said.

“Now, we must all unite. We must quickly move away from partisan battlegrounds and find the national common ground. We must show the world that this nation of many people will always find the love, the courage, and the path to move forward as one.

Let us join hands to build a prosperous nation. This is the challenge of our generation. This is our unfinished task. On my part, I promise to run an all-inclusive government.”

Challenges are numerous. The enthusiasm of Nigerians in voting for the President comes with high expectations that he would set the country firmly on the long-awaited road to transformation.  The challenges are increasing by the day.

The President said he was “greatly pained at reports of incidences of unnecessary violence and loss of lives and property in some parts of the country.” Security is a major challenge. Without tackling it, chances of making progress in other areas will be limited. Nigeria at the moment is not a business destination – people are waiting for government to be decisive with the security issues.

Whatever it is doing, the government needs to do more.  The President said “nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.” The point is important too for those who commit themselves to the selfish contests that result in the bomb blasts that are becoming features of our political disputes.

Nigerians know they are one. Nigerians have concertedly pursued their common good. However, these are the ordinary Nigerians, who do not care about their origins and beliefs until politicians want to exploit them for their blinkered ends.

“We are all Nigerians and I will be President to all,” the President promised. Being President to all Nigerians is the biggest promise any President has made.

Some weeks down the line, will the President remember the poor, the weak, the sick, the elderly, the unemployed, the oppressed, the thousands of people who have been awaiting trial for years, pensioners.

The promised all-inclusive government should protect all Nigerians, especially those who have been abandoned to the ravages of illnesses, illiteracy, unemployment, injustices for decades. There are chances of a great presidency in the challenges the plight of Nigerians present.