World Leaders Laud Nigeria, Jonathan
World Leaders Laud Nigeria, Jonathan
The international community hailed Nigeria for conducting successful and peaceful presidential and National Assembly elections saying that it was an indication that democracy is being consolidated in the country, a development, which they said has put the country on the good books of the comity of nations. In the congratulatory massages which poured into the country, yesterday, the international community along with eminent Nigerians said for conducting successful elections, Nigeria had demonstrated to the world that she is seriously committed to democracy. In the messages to President Goodluck Jonathan, the presidential candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), they urged the leaders to steer the country to the path of good governance while commending Jonathan for conceding victory to his opponent in the election. Gen Buhari hailed Jonathan for his magnanimity for conceding victory to him, describing him as a great statesman.
Elections Shows Nigerians’ Commitment To Democracy –Obama
United States President, Barack Obama, yesterday congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, saying his election was a demonstration of Nigerians’ commitment to democratic principles. Obama, in a message issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, commended Nigerians for their large turnout in exercising their franchise. He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his show of sportsmanship by conceding defeat to Buhari. “The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles. “By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully. “I commend President Goodluck Jonathan and president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign. “President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating president- elect, Buhari, on his victory,’’ he said. Obama said he looked forward to working with Jonathan throughout the remainder of his tenure. He urged Buhari and Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the outcome of the, focus on unifying Nigeria, and together leading Nigeria through a peaceful transition. “Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote. “I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process”, Obama said.
Mo Ibrahim Salutes Buhari, Says Jonathan Has Achieved Legacy
Sudanese telecoms magnet and philanthropist, Mo Ibrahim said the news from “Nigeria today is wonderful,” adding that “ Africa’s largest country has concluded a peaceful election process.” Ibrahim said President Goodluck Jonathan “ has already gracefully conceded and congratulated his successor – a first for Nigeria and a benchmark for other African countries to follow.” “Today, we Africans are all proud of Nigeria and President Jonathan” “Thank you Mr President. If you are seeking a legacy, you have definitely achieved it.”
Nigeria Has Sent A Signal That Will Impact Africa – Germany
German Foreign Minister, Frank- Walter Steinmeier, expressed delight with elections that led to the emergence of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari saying that it was an indication that Nigerian is on the part to consolidating democracy. Said Steinmeier: “since last night, it has been clear that General Muhammadu Buhari is the winner of the presidential election in Nigeria. In this poll, Nigerians have sent a signal that could have an impact on the region and on Africa as a whole.” “For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the electorate has voted against the incumbent president and brought about a change of government democratically. “I congratulate Muhammadu Buhari on his election. The Nigerian electorate has given him a clear mandate, which must now be fulfilled. Buhari and Jonathan have already urged their followers to follow due process in disputes over the election results. “I support this call. In view of the great challenges faced by Nigeria, all those involved must now focus on ensuring there is an orderly transition of power. By conceding defeat at an early stage, Jonathan has taken an important step in safeguarding the handover of power.”
Ban Ki-Moon Thanks Jonathan
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- Moon has congratulated Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections. Ban in a statement issued on Tuesday night in New York, said he had spoken to Jonathan and Buhari on the outcome of the polls as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Buhari was announced the winner by the electoral umpire, Prof. Attahiru Jega, ahead of incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan in a keenly contested March 28 election. Ban commended Jonathan for his leadership qualities throughout the electoral process and his statesmanship in upholding the democratic process. He also applauded the INEC for organising the elections in a professional and credible “manner under challenging circumstances”.
Be Magnanimous In Victory, Obasanjo Tells Buhari
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo advised the President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to demonstrate magnanimity over his victory in the Saturday’s presidential election. Obasanjo gave the advice in Abeokuta in his congratulatory message to Buhari. The former president noted that Nigeria’s political system was unnecessarily overheated by politicians. He observed that emphasis of the campaign was more on trivialities and was largely characterized by divisive, undignifying and disrespectful statements. Obasanjo therefore advised Buhari to be magnanimous by “binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaigns and the evil disciples”. The elder statesman expressed the belief that such disposition would enable Buhari to focus on pressing issues requiring urgent attention when he eventually assumed office. Obasanjo urged him to embark on institutional reforms, to improve various sectors including education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure, power and agriculture. He also urged him to step up measures to promote national unity and cohesiveness as well as rid Nigeria of corruption.
Tambuwal Congratulates Jonathan, Buhari
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, over the successful conduct, and the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the election as a watershed in the history of Nigeria. He said the will of the majority of the people, as expressed in the results of the election, should be respected. Tambuwal said by conceding defeat, President Jonathan has written his name in gold and will be remembered for playing a critical role to douse tension in the aftermath of the election. While urging the President to ensure a smooth and successful transition, the Speaker equally tasked the Presidentelect to carry all Nigerians along in the new dispensation. “As I have always maintained, there is time for politics and time for governance. Politicking is over and we must accept that fact,” he stated. Tambuwal added that special mention must be made of Professor Attahiru Jega and his colleagues at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their doggedness in the face of mounting pressures. He commended the International Community, the media and civil society organisations for their support, and urged them to ensure the success of the remaining elections scheduled for April 11, 2015.
EU Urges Focus On Nigeria’s Challenges
Following the declaration of the results of Nigeria’s Presidential election, the European Union (EU), has congratulated President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari urging that it is time to evolve strategies for tackling the nation’s challenges. This is just as the EU thanked Nigeria’s outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan for his great contribution to building the country and to consolidating its democracy over the past five years, This was contained in a congratulatory message by the High Representative/ Vice-President of the E U, Federica Mogherini to General Muhammadu Buhari, of the All Progressive Congress, APC and the President-elect, in Abuja, yesterday. In the message, the EU assured Nigeria of its continued support, saying that it has been in partnership with the country for over 50 years, supporting its development and its values in promoting peace, prosperity and democracy. “Nigerians can now look forward to focusing on the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the country. The European Union has been a close partner for Nigeria over the past 50 years, and will continue to support its development and to share its values in promoting peace, prosperity and democracy on the continent and in the world.” “On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March, the Nigerian people voted in presidential elections, the final results of which have been announced today” The EU also assured that it look forward to working with the newly elected President and his government in the future. The EU which strongly supported the elections through its observer mission and other contributions during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections, also commended other stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for sporting the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and all those who have gained seats in the Senate or the House of Representatives, of all parties. I acknowledge the candidates that have conceded defeat gracefully.”
Victory, Bedrock For National Rebirth — Atiku
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the March 28 Presidential election as a bedrock for national rebirth. A statement released to newsmen in Abuja yesterday and signed by Mr Paul Ibe, the Deputy Head of Media to Atiku, said that Buhari’s victory at the polls bore witness to the his ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption. ‘’The great Nnamdi Azikiwe once wrote that history will continue to vindicate the just. Your victory in the polls, with votes from across the length and breadth of our country, bears witness to the acceptance of not just our party, the APC, but also your ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption as the bedrock for national rebirth.
Jonathan Is Hero -Mark
While commending Jonathan for his meekness yesterday, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, also described the President as a worthy statesman. “President Jonathan has assumed a clear leadership in the comity of African nations where Heads of Government are perceived to be sit-tight leaders. “He (President Jonathan) has set a classic acceptance of the aphorism that power belongs to God and He grants whoever He pleases. For this, history will be kind to him,” Mark said. In his congratulatory message to the President-elect, Mark describing it as a reflection of the wishes of majority of Nigeria. He commended the political resilience of Buhari, noting that Nigerians have rewarded his efforts with this victory at the polls. He, however, urged the President-elect to be magnanimous in victory and govern Nigeria equitably and fairly, irrespective of party affiliation or creed. Mark, who also urged Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful during this process of transition stressed that: “This election has further demonstrated that democracy has come to stay in our country”.
Ekwerenmadu Commends Jonathan, Wishes Buhari Well
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, commended Jonathan for leading by example. “I commend President Goodluck Jonathan for not only bequeathing the legacy of reformed electoral process, but also leading by example in the quest for the post-election stability, peace, security, and harmony of Nigeria.“Such unprecedented show of statesmanship had gone a long way in rewriting the history of the nation’s democracy, and ensuring post-election peace and security of Nigeria. “Whichever way we look at the 2015 presidential election,the real winner is Nigeria, and the greatest beneficiaries are Nigerians and our democracy, especially our electoral system. “I congratulate General Buhari, who no doubt has the experience, popular support, and goodwill to continue with the transformation process, and commend President Goodluck Jonathan for not only bequeathing the legacy of reformed electoral process, but also leading by example in the quest for the post-election stability, peace, security, and harmony of Nigeria,” he said.
Jonathan Elevated -NBA
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has congratulated president-elect, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the March 28 presidential election. In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the NBA President, Mr Augustine Alegeh, wished Buhari a very successful and peaceful tenure. “We wish him God’s blessings and protection as he undertakes the onerous mandate of running the affairs of Nigeria for the next four years. “We trust that he will take steps to fulfill and actualise the promises which secured the mandate of Nigerians. We wish him a very successful and peaceful tenure. “We urge him to be a president to all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliations as this would be in the best interest of our democracy.’’ The NBA also noted the prompt and dignified acceptance of defeat by President Goodluck Jonathan while the results were still being collated. “This singular act, apart from being in line with the best democratic practices in the world, has further elevated his status as a statesman and true democrat.
Nigeria On Path Of Revival -ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday said that the outcome of the March 28 Presidential election showed that Nigeria was on the path to the much needed revival. Dr Nasir Fagge, National President of ASUU,who spoke with journalists in Lagos ,said that the entire electoral process and the resultant outcome was a sign of good things to come. ‘’Let me start by first congratulating the President-elect, Maj.-Gen. Buhari, for the victory. I think with this election this time around, our country is gradually finding its way toward revival. ‘’For the first time, our collective wish as a people has prevailed and of course, as you know, our elections had not always come out in a way that truly reflect the minds of Nigerians. ‘’With a new administration in place, it is my belief that issues surrounding insurgency, education, power and health will be given priority attention. ‘’We, therefore, expect that with attention being given to these areas, within the shortest possible time, our country will be placed firmly among comity of nations. ‘’I also want to give kudos to the electoral umpire, Prof. Attahiru Jega who has shown that he is truly an intellectual, irrespective of all odds,’’ he said.
CAN, Christian Elders Commend Jonathan, Congratulate Buhari
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) on Wednesday congratulated the President-Elect and presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) on his election. The two religious organizations in their separate congratulatory messages e-mailed to journalists in Abuja, also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for displaying quality Christian and democratic character and concession of defeat at the elections. The President of CAN and Founder of Warri-based Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in his message to Buhari also saluted Nigerians for a peaceful election and called for “harmony between Christians and Muslims in their quest for a prosperous Nigeria.” While praying for a prosperous future for Nigeria, Oritsejafor also praised President Goodluck Jonathan for exhibiting good sportsmanship in conceding defeat to Buhari. The Secretary of NCEF, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, in his congratulatory message said, “despite the enormous tension and apprehension that preceded the election, Nigerians have demonstrated political maturity that elections can be won and lost without recourse to violence or acrimony.” While congratulating Buhari for his victory at the elections, NCEF wished him a successful tenure in office and “joined all Nigerians and indeed the entire world to commend his act of statesmanship, quality Christian and democratic character by his peaceful concession of defeat.”
Sonaiya, Says Expectations Of Nigerians High
Prof. Remi Sonaiya of KOWA Party yesterday congratulated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the presidential election, and reminded him that the expectations of Nigerians were very high. Sonaiya, the only female among the contestants that lost to Buhari in the March 28 election, congratulated the APC candidate on behalf of her party. Sonaiya prayed that God would give Buhari the needed wisdom to give Nigerians a better quality of life. While congratulating Buhari, she said: “I also wish to note that the expectations of Nigerians for a better quality of life are very high.
NLC, TUC Congratulate Buhari, Call For Peace, Harmony
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have congratulated Nigerians for their peaceful conduct during the just-concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections. Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the NLC General Secretary, and Mr Bobboi Kaigama, the TUC President, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), urging them to keep the spirit of togetherness alive. “We are happy that generally, the election was free, fair and devoid of the anticipated violence. “We observed that the process has improved from the previous elections held in this country. We are highly impressed and use this medium to say kudos to INEC “Above all, this election is generally free, open and fair though with minor hitches here and there.
Okwu’s APGA Congratulates Buhari, Hails Jonathan
The leaders and members of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) congratulate the President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the 28th March Presidential Polls. With this victory by the President-elect, he has proven the cliché that quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit. The people of Nigeria through popular vote, voted for change. And in so doing the Party in opposition through a free, fair and transparent election replaced a government in power. And by so doing Nigerian voters and APC have made history. Our democracy is strengthened and deepened by the success of the polls. The nation now moves from civil rule to genuine democracy. Nigerians demand from the President-elect strict adherence to section 14 (2)b of the constitution where it states that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government at all levels. In that wise, the President-elect must kick the ground running after his swearing-in on 29th May, by tackling the twin monster of corruption and insurgency. The nation’s battered image must be restored with strong progressive governance. It is time to build the Nigeria of our dream. It is time to heal and reaffirm our confidence in the fatherland. General Buhari should see himself as the father of the nation, reach out to the populace, unite the nation and lay a solid foundation that will bolster our emerging democracy.
Solomon, Utomi, Others Speak On Buhari’s Victory, Jonathan’s Response
Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, says the triumph of retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election is a victory to democracy in Nigeria. Solomon, in a telephone interview to newsmen yesterday in Lagos, said that the victory was elating. “We are all happy; it is a victory to Nigeria and not individuals alone.”It should be seen beyond individuals, via APC or via Buhari. “All in all, it is a victory to democracy in Nigeria,” he said. The Senator said that in the last 16 years of practicing democracy, Nigerians had taken a giant leap. “We have conducted an election that is, by and large, free and fair and against all odds; it came and just went like that; indeed, it is a victory to Nigeria,” he said. Solomon said that in no particular order, Buhari, President Goodluck Jonathan and Prof. Attahiru Jega were heroes in the struggle. Also, the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe, told NAN that the outcome of the presidential election was good news for Nigerians and for Lagos residents in particular.“We believe that for the first time in the history of this nation, Nigerians will be proud of the person they elected as President. “We know his history, we know his antecedents and we know what he is capable of doing,” Igbokwe said. He described Buhari as a man that could be trusted to run the affairs of the country. “You can achieve greater glory on the outside more than the inside sometimes. Jonathan has helped in the creation of that culture for our country. Also, the South-West Chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) said the just concluded presidential election had ushered in a new era of the nation’s democracy. South-West Secretary of the CNPP, Mr Austin Nnorom, described the President’s reaction to the result as a welcome development. “Jonathan’s action is healthy for our democracy and we urge Buhari to run an inclusive government.
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