Read the State House press release..
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Thursday in Abuja urged world leaders
and international institutions to give their fullest possible support to
the incoming Administration of Gen. 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.
“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,’’ President Jonathan declared.
Speaking with the new French ambassador, Mr. Denis Guaer, President
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.
And it is all by your effort, Mr. President. 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.
Mr. Guaer, the new Ambassador of Senegal, Mr. Baboucar Sambe and the new
Ambassador of Ethiopia, Samia Zekaria Gutu 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.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 16, 2015
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