Power Transititon: Jonathan Has Raised Benchmark –Mark
Power Transititon: Jonathan Has Raised Benchmark –Mark
President Goodluck Jonathan has raised the benchmark of peaceful democratic transition by willingly conceding defeat and congratulating the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, declared yesterday. The UNION reports that Jonathan willingly conceded defeat and congratulated Buhari, even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the March 28 presidential election results. Mark, who addressed his colleagues on their return from the Easter break and the 2015 general elections, pointed out that by so doing, Jonathan has consequently set a new democratic template in Africa, where leaders are notorious for their infamous sit-tight. “I am happy to note that Nigerians harkened to our persistent appeals for a peaceful and violent free election. The outcomes of the elections have clearly disappointed doomsday prophets, who predicted disaster and even a possible breakup of this country. “In this regard, I will like to commend the maturity and sportsmanship disclosed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who willingly conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.
That singular act saved us from a possible crisis and catastrophe. The President’s action added value to the consolidation of democracy in our land. It raised the benchmark of peaceful democratic transition, and consequently set a new democratic template in our continent, notorious for our infamous sit-tight leaders,” Mark said. Mark also extended his warm felicitation to Buhari for extending the hand of fellowship to Jonathan and his team. “He has also followed it up with his conciliatory statements that further reinforce the unity and peace in our society,” he added. Mark, who equally commended Nigerians for their comportment before during and after the elections, observed that Nigerians have proved to the world that Nigeria has laid a solid foundation for democracy to thrive. “In a special way, let me congratulate our colleagues, distinguished senators and Honourable members, who won their elections to return to the National Assembly. We are elected on different platforms to represent our constituents but in the National Assembly, we are united by the common good to legislate the good governance, peace and unity of Nigeria. “I also wish to felicitate with our other compatriots, who will be coming to the National Assembly in the next dispensation.
Let me in a similar manner congratulate our colleagues, who won their elections as chief executives of state governments. I am sure they will miss this hallowed chambers and our activities when they resume their new positions. Specifically, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Governor-elect for Kebbi State, Senator Jibrilla Bindo, Governor-elect for Adamawa State, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor-elect for Cross River State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor-elect for Delta State. “We also have from the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Governor-elect for Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Masari, Governor- elect for Katsina State and Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor-elect for Enugu State. I urge them to continue to exhibit the highest sense of responsibility and duty anchored on transparency, accountability and honesty which they have demonstrated over the years. These governors-elect are our ambassadors in their respective states. “Also deserving of commendation are two of our colleagues, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Senator Ajimobi Abiola re-elected in Ogun and Oyo states, respectively. This is a clear demonstration of hard work and diligence.
I wish to also use this opportunity to congratulate every Nigerian, who was elected into public office at this period in the history of our nation. “For the successes of the 2015 general elections, special commendation must go to Prof Attahiru Jega and his team at INEC. The introduction of card readers added value to the electoral process. I, therefore, urge Nigerians to accept and indeed imbibe the new voting technology. The card readers have proved to be effective, efficient and result-oriented and we should embrace this technology. “However, INEC must note the areas of its shortcomings. Those on field report nation-wide and continue to improve on them. I consider it imperative at this point to share my thought with all of you. The beauty of every contest is in participating. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. It is the same with every election. Whichever way it goes, as long as it reflects the wishes of the people and it is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, we must learn to accept the outcome in good fate. “My distinguish bosses and colleagues, may I appeal that we utilize whatever time is left of our tenure to conclude what may be outstanding in our legislative calendar so that the incoming parliament will be given a solid foundation to build upon in the service of our nation. It is my prayers and expectations that we continue to improve on the good works of this Seventh Assembly,” he concluded.
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