President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday in Abuja, urged world leaders and international institutions to give their fullest possible support to the administration of the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.
President Jonathan also called on all Nigerians to do their utmost best to help the incoming President succeed in leading the country to greater heights of accomplishment.
At separate audiences with the new ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia, President Jonathan appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders in Nigeria, which, he said, General Buhari will need to move the country forward to greater, peace, security and progress.
Responding to the commendation of his exemplary concession of victory in the
Presidential elections by the new ambassadors, President Jonathan said that he acted out of his abiding conviction that the unity, well-being and progress of Nigeria must supersede all personal ambitions.
In a statement issued by Reuben Abati, the president’s spokesman, Jonathan said, “Democracy has to be nurtured to grow. Strong democratic institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They must be protected and nurtured. As for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first.
“You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition.
“Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy.”
Speaking with Denis Guaer, the new French ambassador, Jonathan urged France to extend the support and assistance it gave to his administration to General Buhari’s government.
“President Francois Hollande was our guest in Nigeria during the celebration of Nigeria’s Centenary. He has been very supportive of the country in the fight against terrorism. I expect that the same warmth and goodwill will be extended to the incoming government. I expect that France will continue to work with the new administration, especially on issues of terrorism.
“The United Nations has been supportive as well. Our troops, supported by regional forces, have done very well in fighting the terrorists in recent times. What we need now is support to help our people get back their lives,’’ he said.
The ambassadors commended President Jonathan for setting a record of humility, patriotism and courage in safeguarding the democratic process in Nigeria and Africa.
“Nigeria is not only an economic power in the world today, but also a great democratic example.
“The last elections and your response was truly a great achievement and you will always be remembered for it,” the French ambassador said.
Guaer Baboucar Sambe the new Ambassador of Senegal and Samia Zekaria Gutu the new Ambassador of Ethiopia, who were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to President Jonathan, also assured him that they will do their best to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their countries during their tenure.
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