By Gabriel Ewepu, Abuja

THE Ambassador of Nigeria to Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde, John James Usanga, yesterday, hailed the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the February 25 presidential election along with his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima.

This was contained in a congratulatory message signed by Usanga himself, where he maintained that there is no way Nigerians would not benefit and enjoy people oriented policies of Tinubu’s administration.

He also assured Nigerians that Tinubu being a man of the people will ensure Nigeria’s image and position as the largest economy in Africa and powerhouse will bring about stronger ties in the international community within a short time.

However, the Nigerian envoy allayed fears of Nigerians on religious and ethnic bias rather expressed optimism that the Tinubu-led administration would give a sense of belonging to Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, regions or political affiliations.

The statement reads in part, “Knowing Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s previous record set in his years of public service, especially as the Governor of Lagos State coupled with his capacity for strategic leadership in building men and developmental space, there is no doubt in my mind that he will come up with strategies that will confront head-on the challenges currently being faced by the country.”

“As a promoter of sustainable democracy through his persistent activism, he is sure to continue in the developmental strides of President Muhammadu Buhari and put the country first.”

Meanwhile, he lauded the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, for keeping strictly to the February 25 date of conducting the presidential and National Assembly elections, which was widely anticipated that it might be postponed, and added that the security agencies also did well by being civil and ensure that there was no breakdown of law and other as they were able to drastically reduce electoral violence throughout the exercise.

Ambassador Usanga said, by coming out to vote candidates of their choices in the Presidential and National Assembly elections, Nigerians have once again demonstrated their commitment to deepening democracy in the country.

However, he counseled the president-elect to carry all Nigerians along including those in the opposition in the spirit of sportsmanship in order to hit the ground running.

He also appealed to the presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi including supporters to shun all forms of violence and animosity rather work and support Tinubu for the sake of the country.

“The stakeholders should remember that the whole of Africa, and indeed the world at large, looks up to Nigeria as the hope for the survival of Africa in the scheme of things. Once Nigeria sneezes, the rest of Africa will catch the flu.

“Therefore, we should be mindful of the fact that service to the nation is not about personal gain or self-aggrandizement. If the generality of the people makes their choice, then those who lost out must put their hands on the paddle to push the boat further into the sea of greatness rather than constitute an obstacle”, he added.