President Allasane Quattara of Côte d’Ivoire yesterday applauded President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in the March 28 presidential election.

According to him, unlike former President Laurent Gbagbo who maintained a sit-tight attitude to power, the step taken by Jonathan had saved the most populous black nation from a violent crisis that would have threatened the unity of the country.

Addressing journalists after meeting with Jonathan behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, the Ivorian leader recounted the civil war in his country which broke out following the refusal of that country’s former President, Laurent Gbagbo, to concede defeat.

Quattara noted that by this act of statesmanship, President Jonathan had set an example for the rest of West Africa to follow.

He also said he was in Abuja to congratulate President Jonathan, President-elect Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and the people of Nigeria on the successful general elections as well as to appreciate the leadership Jonathan had provided for the sub region over the period.

Turning to President Jonathan who was present at the press briefing, Quattara said, “And so, I wanted to show you our appreciation over the leadership we have received from you during these years. You know that about five years ago, Côte d’Ivoire had elections and I won the election and the former president decided not to leave office.

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