I conceded defeat to prevent crisis – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on
Wednesday said he conceded
defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in
the March 28 presidential election
because of his desire to keep the
country away from conflict.
He said having been involved in
solving many problems in African
countries for more than five years,
he knew the enormity and cost of
conflicts and would not want
Nigeria to witness such.
A statement by his Special Adviser
on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben
Abati, quoted the President as
speaking while receiving members
of the African Ambassadors’ Group,
who were on a farewell and
solidarity visit to his boss at the
Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said he would always be
committed to strengthening
democracy in Nigeria and Africa.
Jonathan added that his decision to
concede defeat was to show
example to the world that
democracy could survive and thrive
in Africa without conflict.
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 President.
“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.”
The President recalled working
extensively for more than five
years with other African leaders to
forestall crisis in some African
countries, especially in the West
African sub-region.
He also said he led 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 added.
Jonathan then called on the global
community and Nigerians to
support the incoming government
of Buhari.
He said the incoming government
would need the cooperation and
commitment of the global
community and Nigerians to
effectively deliver on its promises
to the people.
“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
said.
The President further enjoined
African leaders to encourage trade
within the continent by building
infrastructures and institutions that
could promote trade and
relationships.
In his remarks, the Dean of
Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, Oubi
Bochir, commended Jonathan’s
high sense of patriotism,
statesmanship and transparency in
the last general elections.
He noted that the President won
the heart and minds of all Nigerians
and Africans after the elections.