President Barrack Obama says
Attahiru Jega, chairman of the
Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), deserves special
recognition for the success of the
March 28 presidential election.
Obama commended President Goodluck
Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, the
president-elect, for not encouraging acts
capable of undermining the interest of the
country throughout their campaigns.
He urged both leaders to educate their
supporters on the need to shun violence.
“Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and its chairman,
Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition
for what independent international
observers have deemed a largely peaceful
and orderly vote,” he said in a statement
issued on Wednesday.
“Looking ahead to the gubernatorial
elections on April 11, it is imperative that
national attention turn to ensuring isolated
logistical challenges are overcome and
peace is protected, even in the most hotly
contested races.
“I commend President Goodluck Jonathan
and President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari
for their public commitments to non-
violence throughout the campaign.
“President Jonathan has placed his
country’s interests first by conceding the
election and congratulating the president-
elect on his victory.
“I look forward to working with President
Jonathan throughout the remainder of his
term, and I thank him for his many years
of service and his statesmanlike conduct
at this critical juncture.
“I also look forward to working with the
newly-elected government on our many
shared priorities.”
Obama commended Nigerians for actively
participating in the poll, saying by so
doing, they have shown the world that
they are committed to democratic
principles.
“On behalf of the American people, I
extend congratulations to the people of
Nigeria,” he said.
“By turning out in large numbers and
sometimes waiting all day to cast their
votes, Nigerians came together to decide
the future of their country peacefully.”

Na so.

Hmmm! Jega is definitely the Nigerian man of the year.