PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday, revealed that the fear of the country being plunged into crisis caused him to promptly concede victory to Major General Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election.
He said having worked extensively to prevent conflicts in African countries or restored peace and stability, he realised the enormous cost of conflicts to some countries, noting that Nigeria was not in the position to afford such political crisis.
The president spoke while receiving members of the African Ambassadors Group, who were on a farewell and solidarity visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Naming former crises-ridden countries in the West African sub-region such as Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and Guinea Bissau, he said: "I have been involved in solving many problems in African countries for more than five years and I know the enormity and cost of conflicts, especially on the citizenry. We cannot afford that in Nigeria.
"If we were to have a political conflict in Nigeria, I am not sure the sub-region will be able to accommodate our citizens. My commitment is to always put the country before my personal ambition and that is what I have demonstrated."
He added that having committed himself to strengthening democracy in Nigeria and Africa, he decided to concede victory to show example to the world that democracy can survive and thrive in Africa without conflicts.
Jonathan said: "I believe that character matters in leadership. And it is not just about who becomes the president of a country, but somebody has to be there and the person needs the support of all to succeed. I made a choice to keep the country away from conflict.
"I have always advised other African leaders that we will need to have a country before we can have the ambition to become presidents.
"We don’t have to expose our people to deaths because we want to stay in power. Some people hold on to power, maybe, for fear of the unknown."
The president also called on the global community and Nigerians to support the incoming government of Buhari when it comes on board.

http://tribuneonlineng.com/content/i-conceded-defeat-avert-crisis-jonathan

Nice words/sentiments.However Health Workers,Teachers SaLary remains UNPaid!
PLS Do Not Empty treasury before you go!

FelaLives:
Nice words/sentiments.However Health Workers,Teachers SaLary remains UNPaid!
PLS Do Not Empty treasury before you go!

If there was war would you be talking of salary? All those borno LGA wey workers desert, are they thinking salaries?

We know, thank you Mr president.

Before nko? You didn't want to concede defeat? Na Gbagbo style go be your lot because majority of naija people don get tired of you and everything you stood for. Btw, what you did was the way the game should be played. You are appreciated for that and the fact you stated 'no human blood is worth your ambition'.

Happy retirement from the presidency #ProfessorOneChance

"GEJ- The best president that once ruled Nigeria" - This is what many would be saying in the next 2-3yrs from now.
It remained to be seen if Buhari can ever concede a defeat in a case of future election!
I wish Burundi president is not too desperate like Jonathan......!

8 days to go.

I still dey sleep....... zzzzzzxzx

GEJ u did ur best as a president, but you make me and the rest of us whom may have voted for you know you care for us by considering defeat to avoid Blood of innocent Citizens.

I love my president

Space ab

Na lie. We voted yu out coz we are tired of your cluelessness. Byebye. Sai Baba

Heavens know!!!! Thesame way Christ conceded to satan to make Heavens!!!! Goodluck GEJ! Obey Excodus14-14 and please sin no more!!!!

shoro niyen

he did the right thing this time... Though disliked by many, you wouldn't help but agree that he played mature on this one.. Let's move forward now

My able president, may you live long for your statesmanship

I salute your courage Sir! You are a noble man. The post election crisis of 2011 in the north is still very fresh in my memory. God forbid a repeat of the sad memories. Indeed you are a man of peace.

Tell that to the birds!

Caseless:
Tell that to the birds!

That means birds values truth more than Nigerians. GEJ my hero!