BY Mayowa Tijani
Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has commended Lionel Zinsou, prime minister of Benin Republic, for emulating him and conceding the presidential election in peace.
Jonathan, who said Zinsou with “patriotism and maturity”, added that he monitored the election and was glad to see the orderly manner in which the people conducted themselves.
“Having followed the elections in the Republic of Benin very closely, I am very impressed with the orderly manner with which the administration of President Boni Yayi conducted those polls,” he said.
“They were adjudged peaceful, credible and transparent by local and international observers and President Yayi deserves commendation for providing the leadership that led to this outcome.
“I also congratulate the people of the Republic of Benin for their role in the election and for showing the world that the Republic of Benin and its citizens have come of age in the practice of democracy.”
Jonathan also extended his regards to the president-elect, Patrice Talon, and all Beninoise.
“I especially wish to appreciate the incumbent Prime Minister of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Lionel Zinsou, who was a candidate for President, for his exemplary conduct of conceding defeat and congratulating the choice of the people, Mr. Patrice Talon, on his victory at the polls.
“Such a gesture by Prime Minister Zinsou is rare and should be applauded by all statesmen as the highest display of patriotism and maturity.
“Finally, I congratulate Mr. Patrice Talon on his victory and wish him a successful and peaceful tenure after his swearing-in, even as I urge that there should be no victor or vanquished in this process.
“All the Beninoise people are winners and have cause to be proud of their nation.”
Jonathan conceded the March 28, 2015 presidential elections in Nigeria, in a rather historic fashion, receiving numerous international accolades for the singular act credited to have averted potential bloodshed.
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