Why I Conceded Defeat – Jonathan

“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.”
With those words, President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday explained his decision to concede defeat to Major General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the May 28, general election. The President, who sought reelection on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), placed a congratulatory call to General Buhari before the final results of the election were collated, once it was clear that his challenger had won.
Jonathan gave the explanation during separate meeting with the new ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia. He said he could not allow his personal ambitions to scuttle a democratic system he had helped nurture in a manner that could result in collective tragedy.
According to him, any contrary action by him at that point could spell doom for not just Nigeria but the continent as well.
He said: “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,’’ President Jonathan declared.
He urged world leaders and international institutions to give their fullest possible support to the incoming administration of Buhari.
He also called on all Nigerians to do their utmost to help the incoming president succeed in leading the country to greater heights of accomplishment.
The president appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation, which, he said, Gen. Buhari will need to move the country forward to greater, peace, security and progress.
Speaking with the new French ambassador, Denis Guaer, Jonathan urged France to extend the support and assistance it gave to his administration to the incoming 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,” he said.
Jonathan continued: “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.”
The ambassadors commended the President 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. And it is all by your effort, Mr.
Continued from page 4President. The last elections and your response was truly a great achievement and you will always be remembered for it,” the French ambassador told the President.
Guaer, the new Ambassador of Senegal, Baboucar Sambe, and the new Ambassador of Ethiopia, Samia Zekaria Gutu, who were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to Jonathan, also assured him that they would do their best to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their countries during their tenure.