Jonathan seeks global support for Muhammadu Buhari
President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday called on the global
community and Nigerians to support the incoming government of
President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari.
He made the call while receiving members of the African Ambassadors
Group, who were on a farewell and solidarity visit to the State House,
Abuja.
The President, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser
on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the incoming government
will need the cooperation and commitment of the global community and
Nigerians to effectively deliver on its promises to the people.
He said: “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 also enjoined African leaders to encourage trade within the
continent by building infrastructures and institutions that promote
trade and relationships.
The President recalled working extensively for more than five years
with other African Presidents to forestall crisis in some African
countries, especially in the West African sub-region, and also leading
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 said.
Stressing that he would always be committed to strengthening
democracy in Nigeria and Africa, Jonathan noted that his decision to
concede victory was to show example to the world that democracy can
survive and thrive in Africa without conflicts.
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 presidents. 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.”
In his remarks, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, His
Excellency Oubi Bochir, commended President Jonathan’s high sense of
patriotism, statesmanship and transparency in the last general
elections, saying that he won the heart and minds of all Nigerians and
Africans after the elections.
“Let us make it clear, that within the Nigerian and African context
and the example your Excellency has set, there was no loser in the
elections but winners. The President-elect by winning the majority of
votes, and the incumbent in establishing a long lasting legacy by
winning the hearts and minds of all Nigerians and Africans,’’ he said.
Mr. Bochir, who is the Ambassador of Saharawi Arab Democratic
Republic (SADR) to Nigeria, extolled President Jonathan for making a
single phone call that saved the country from political conflict,
restored confidence in African democracy and left a benchmark for other
countries to follow.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps was accompanied on the visit by
eight other ambassadors from Cameroon, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea,
Kenya, South Africa, South Sudan, Namibia and Ethiopia.
