President
Muhammadu Buhari has again acknowledged the role played by former
President Goodluck Jonathan in midwifing a peaceful and successful
transition programme in the country.
He said this on Sunday in his address to the AU Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“I cannot fail to acknowledge the very
positive role played by my predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan, in
averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition
of power between the two parties,” he said.
President Buhari said his election had been described as historic.
“I agree that it is indeed historic
because for the first time in the practice of democracy in my country,
an opposition party has defeated the ruling party in a keenly contested
election.
“The election was also held against the
backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among
our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the
election could spell doom for Nigeria.
“I am glad that even though those fears
and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different,
to the relief of all of us,’’ he said.
Mr. Buhari reiterated that the process,
which was adjudged as the fairest and most credible in the history of
elections in Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged and sustained
determination of the Nigerian people, and their desire to deepen
democracy.
He said the people’s quest was amply
supported, and even encouraged by the goodwill of friends and partners
in the international community.
“I therefore wish to seize this
opportunity to convey my very deep appreciation to all those who
contributed to the success of that election.
Credit: NAN
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