Jonathan: Everyone must support Buhari

President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to world leaders and international institutions to lend support to the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president-elect.

He also urged Nigerians to do their best in ensuring that Buhari succeeds in the uphill task of leading the country.

Speaking with the new ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia, while they were presenting their letters of credence to him at the presidential villa on Thursday, Jonathan said Buhari requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

He said he congratulated Buhari before the result of the election was officially announced because he placed the interest of the nation above his personal ambition.

“Democracy has to be nurtured to grow,” he said.

“Strong democratic institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They must be protected and nurtured.

“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.

“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.”

The ambassadors commended Jonathan for setting a record of humility, patriotism and courage in safeguarding the democratic process in Nigeria and Africa.

They assured him that they would do their best to strengthen ties between Nigeria and their countries during their tenure.