PRESIDENT of the Senate, David Mark, has congratulated the President-elect, Gen. Muhammad Buhari, for his victory at the polls, describing it as a reflection of the wishes of majority of Nigerians.

Mark, who commended the political resilience of Buhari, urged him to be magnanimous in victory and govern Nigeria equitably and fairly irrespective of party affiliations or creed.

The President of the Senate also lauded the sportsmanship of President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as a worthy statesman.

“President Jonathan has assumed a clear leadership in the comity of African nations where heads of government are perceived to be sit-tight leaders.

“He has set a classic acceptance of the aphorism that power belongs to God and he grants whoever he pleases. For this, history will be kind to him,” Mark said.

Besides, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, over the successful conduct and the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the election as a watershed in the history of Nigeria, saying the will of the majority of the people, as expressed in the results of the election, should be respected.

The Speaker said by conceding victory, President Jonathan has written his name in gold and would be remembered for playing a critical role to douse tension in the aftermath of the election.

While urging the President to ensure a smooth and successful transition, the Speaker equally tasked the President-elect to carry all Nigerians along in the new dispensation.

Also, Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State have described President Goodluck Jonathan as a true statesman and a patriotic Nigerian for speedily conceding victory to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While Uduaghan, who spoke at a Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba yesterday, said that by the courageous act of President Jonathan in conceding defeat and personally calling to congratulate the President-elect, and that he has exhibited an uncanny patriotism and statesmanship, Okorocha in a statement yesterday in Owerri signed by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said he was impressed by the history made by Jonathan in conceding victory to Buhari in the presidential contest, congratulating him for the display of the historic political maturity.

The Delta State governor, who congratulated Buhari on his victory, stated that the emergence of the President-elect signified the enthronement of true democratic culture in Nigeria by the President.

Okorocha, however, advised the President to be mindful of the antics of some of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs close to him and that he should not allow himself to be forced or coerced into taking any action or actions that would diminish all he has gained in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community for conceding victory to Gen. Buhari and congratulating him.

Besides, the Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, has congratulated Buhari of the APC on his victory, describing it as a refection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, the governor, who wished the President-elect a successful tenure as President and Commander-in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urging him to lead with fairness, justice and unreserved dedication to the progress and unity of the country, also commended President Jonathan for his prompt acceptance of the outcome of the elections and congratulating his “worthy opponent,” saying that he demonstrated true statesmanship, patriotism and selflessness that was worthy of emulation by all politicians in the country.

He also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigerians for the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections and called on them to continue to build on the progress that has been made.

In the same vein, Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has praised the Gen. Buhari for his victory at the just-concluded presidential polls.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Jacob Edi, the governor said that the retired General’s success in the election is a further testimony that democracy is now firmly rooted in Nigeria, adding that just like in sporting event, a winner is expected to emerge at the end of every election.

He, therefore, wished the President-elect a successful tenure as he begins the onerous task of leading the country in the years ahead.

Wada also commended outgoing President Jonathan for creating an enabling environment for democracy to flourish having ensured a credible general election and for steering the ship of state in the last six years.

Meanwhile, Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Florence Ita-Giwa, has congratulated Buhari on his victory, but urged political leaders to emulate President Goodluck Jonathan’s statesmanship and magnanimity.

In a statement she signed and made available to newsmen yesterday, the political leader of Bakassi tasked Buhari to live up to the people’s expectation by maintaining peace and ensuring sustenance of democratic values.