President Goodluck Jonathan on
Wednesday said he conceded defeat to
Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28
presidential election because of his desire
to keep the country away from conflict.
He said having been involved in solving
many problems in African countries for
more than five years, he knew the
enormity and cost of conflicts and would
not want Nigeria to witness such.
A statement by his Special Adviser on
Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati,
quoted the President as speaking while
receiving members of the African
Ambassadors’ Group, who were on a
farewell and solidarity visit to his boss at
the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said he would always be committed to
strengthening democracy in Nigeria and
Africa.
Jonathan added that his decision to
concede defeat was to show example to
the world that democracy could survive
and thrive in Africa without conflict.
The President 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 President.
“We don’t have to expose our people to
deaths because we want to stay in power.
Some people hold on to power, may be,
for fear of the unknown.”
The President recalled working extensively
for more than five years with other African
leaders to forestall crisis in some African
countries, especially in the West African
sub-region.
He also said he led peace efforts in some
of the countries like Cote ‘d’Ivoire, Mali
and Guinea Bissau.
“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.
Jonathan then called on the global
community and Nigerians to support the
incoming government of Buhari.
He said the incoming government would
need the cooperation and commitment of
the global community and Nigerians to
effectively deliver on its promises to the
people.
“The President-elect is not new to
governance in Africa so I want you to show
the same commitment to him as you have
to me. The President-elect knows that our
commitment is always to project Africa. I
am urging you to extend the same warmth
and solidarity you have shown to me to
him,’’ he said.
The President further enjoined African
leaders to encourage trade within the
continent by building infrastructures and
institutions that could promote trade and
relationships.
In his remarks, the Dean of Diplomatic
Corps in Nigeria, Oubi Bochir, commended
Jonathan’s high sense of patriotism,
statesmanship and transparency in the
last general elections.
He noted that the President won the heart
and minds of all Nigerians and Africans
after the elections.
Source: PunchNg

Are we still on this? Well it's less than a week, it'll soon become story for d gods...