Obama praises Nigeria’s president for conceding defeat
US President Barack Obama praised Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday for conceding defeat in an election that he said showed “Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.”
“President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating president-elect (Muhammadu) Buhari on his victory,” Obama said in a White House statement.
Buhari won the election by 2.57 million votes official results showed Wednesday, defeating incumbent Jonathan in a close fought race.
“I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture,” Obama said.
With dissatisfaction rife over insecurity and corruption and the economy faltering as oil revenues dive, voters turned out in force sensing an unprecedented opportunity for change in the weekend election.
“The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles,” Obama said.
“By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully.”
After an often bitter campaign that included highly charged rhetoric on both sides, Buhari said he planned to meet with Jonathan soon to plan the transition.
“I urge president-elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition,” Obama said.
Buhari, a 72-year-old former army general who led Nigeria as a military ruler in the 1980s, said the vote had proved the country’s “belief in democracy.”
Obama also praised Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and its chairman, which he said “deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote.
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12 Comments
I feel pained to hear a civilized man like Obama shower praises on the Nigerian election where closed to 100 people died in the process with the level of coercion, intimidation by Buhari using bako haram and all round manipulation by Prof. Jega INEC. What makes election free and fair. Most Southerners Jonathan’s strong hold were disenfranchised right from PVC collection, In the North even with the insurgency recorded 85-95 PVC collection.Underage equally voted evidences are there to show for these atrocious manipulations. And i ask Obama how many people died in the American election, How many bomb explosions did you record in American election, How many under aged voters did you record. You are a disgrace to civilization for not recognizing these agonizing facts
Who gives a shit what Obama thinks ?
I feel pained to hear a civilized man like Obama shower praises on the Nigerian election where closed to 100 people died in the process with the level of coercion, intimidation by Buhari using bako haram and all round manipulation by Prof. Jega INEC. What makes election free and fair. Most Southerners Jonathan’s strong hold were disenfranchised right from PVC collection, In the North even with the insurgency recorded 85-95 PVC collection.Underage equally voted evidences are there to show for these atrocious manipulations. And i ask Obama how many people died in the American election, How many bomb explosions did you record in American election, How many under aged voters did you record. You are a disgrace to civilization for not recognizing these agonizing facts
I feel your pain, but do not “worry be happy” Nigeria belongs to all of us. Please return to Nigeria and contribute to the national development. Have a nice day
@Moweta. I can assure you that more people died worldwide (not just in America) after they chose their president… Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Libya, Palestine, Congo, Rwanda, Haiti, Vietnam, Bosnia, Panama….
Attahiru Jega and his team are assured a soft spot in the history of the greatest African nation – Nigeria.
The glory belongs to God Almighty. Thanks to Jega and his team. Nigeria saecular saeculorum.
…for some it appears to be a last fight, but I doubt it.
Because “Jacob (those who sincerely voted for Jonathan) shall continue to have rule over Esau (who sold the Birth right of their “Children and Baby as Voters” for a piece of pottage to make the North lead in number of voting strength and try to weaken the hands of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan).
By the grace of God you will see how all will come out to be.
Moweta Collins;Pls be civilized don’t double post ur ideas to occupy space because Nigerians have gone past where this your idea posits. GEJ should be the chief mourner not YOU. “When preparing drugs for the eye we don’t add pepper”. Grow up fast so you don’t pollute those around you with same Virus.What you intend to market to us is BLOOD SHED if you were in Gej shoes? GEJ our “present Democracy HERO” knows better that that. You can ask Gbagbo TO COUNT THE COST OF YOUR THINKING. Great Nation is emerging and those who can’t think POSITIVE may have to re-locate. Dear Brother DON’T MOURN MORE THAN THE BEREAVED.Long live New Nigeria.Sectionalism/Religious politics coffin has been built; don’t get in there.
And, Long Live Sharia Law – this is the blind side of so many Nigerians
i am sure hussein is happy now that his fellow islamic terrorist has won but his pleasure will be shortlived
animal!!!
From a black (American) president to another black (Nigerian) presidents (GEJ/GMB), all must have considerable experience of the sheer hate, bigotry and hypocrisy prevalent among the less enlightened segments of societies…
Obama is an animal..he with Hilary Clinton plotted the failure of GEJ but almighty will pay the terrorist obama. The blacks allover the world gained nothing from his presidency.. His Islamic agenda has succeeded in nigeria. Congratulation alhaji Hussein obama
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