In a rare show of democratic strength, President Goodluck
Jonathan has called his main challenger, Major General Muhamadu Buhari of the
All Progressive Congress (APC), to congratulate him on his victory at the March
28 presidential poll.
President Jonathan's call to congratulate Buhari about
5.05 pm yesterday, much before the final results were eventually announced by
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Attahiru
Jega, in the wee hours of this morning, drew applause from major national
leaders, who described the president's gesture as quite statesmanly.
In a statement by President Jonathan last night, he
expressed appreciation to all Nigerians who participated in the polls and
expressed satisfaction that he had expanded the democratic space in the
country, wherein a free and fair election could be held.
According to him, “I promised the country free and fair
elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to
participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see
endure”.
He enjoined his supporters who may want to protest the
outcome of the poll to refrain from such actions.
“Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about
the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our
constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth
the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear
country is more important than anything else.
"I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going
through the process of the March 28th general elections with the commendable
enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.
I also commend the security services for their role in
ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.
"To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your
support. Today, the PDP should be
celebrating rather than mourning. We
have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth
and free and fair elections.
“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away
from ethnic and regional politics. We created a pan-Nigerian political party
and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social
transformation.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the
biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as
a party and look to the future with renewed optimism," he said.
President Jonathan, who appreciated the opportunity to
serve his fatherland at the highest capacity, pledged to continually uphold the
tenet of service until his administration ends on May 29. He further confirmed
having congratulated Buhari.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great
opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will
continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my
tenure.
I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General
Muhammadu Buhari.
Confirming Jonathan’s congratulatory call to Buhari, the
National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the
president had exhibited an uncommon courage and exemplary character by
accepting defeat in such a swift manner.
President Jonathan’s call has doused the tension and
anxiety that had enveloped the land for fear of post-election violence, as many
of his avid supporters have also congratulated the president elect.
Leading other African observers, former Head of State,
Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, also visited the presidential villa yesterday to
specially commend President Jonathan for the sportsmanly conduct of conceding
victory without a fuss.
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