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Buhari Appreciates Jonathan’s Statesmanship

Nigeria’s President elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has congratulated the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, for the statesmanship showed in conceding even before his declaration as the winner. … Continue reading Buhari Appreciates Jonathan’s Statesmanship


President Buhari Greets Goodluck Jonathan At 61
(File) President Muhammadu Buhari exchanges pleasantries with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

JonathanNigeria’s President elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has congratulated the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, for the statesmanship showed in conceding even before his declaration as the winner.

In a speech after he was declared the winner of the Presidential election by the chairman of the electoral body, General Buhari said President Gooduck had called to congratulate him on his victory.

“At exactly 5:15 yesterday (Tuesday) evening, President Jonathan called to congratulate me on my victory.

“For this, I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his statesmanship.

“President Jonathan was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him.

“I look forward to meeting him soon, as we plan the transition from one administration to another.

“He will receive nothing but cooperation and understanding from me, who led this nation to democracy,” General Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, said.

The President elect further stressed that Nigerians made his election possible because they believed in the future of Nigeria and democracy.

He urged supporters and all Nigeria to be calm.

“I thank all Nigerians who have made this day possible, our country has now joined the community of nations that have used the ballot box to physically change an incumbent president in a free, fair election.

“Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will literarily  be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times. This was a hard-fought contest. Emotions were high. We must not allow them to get the better of us. This is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future. We do this first by extending a hand of friendship and conciliation across the political divide. We hope and pray our friends in other parties reciprocate.

“You stood in line patiently for hours. In the rain, in the sun and then in the dark to cast your votes. Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duties. You did so peacefully.

“You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today.

“You voted for change and now change has come.

“INEC has released the official result of the Presidential Election. It has declared that I gained the most votes with the required spread and won this election.

“In a more profound way, it is you, Nigerians that have won,” he stressed.

General Buhari appreciated his party, the media, civil society and security agents for their selfless service that further strengthened Nigeria’s democracy.