Why I conceded defeat - President Jonathan finally opens up

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)