Jonathan’s ally, Clark, ready to work with Buhari

Edwin Clark, former minister of information and staunch supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan, has congratulated Muhammadu Buhari over his victory at the March 28 presidential election, pledging to work with him.

Commending Jonathan for conceding defeat, Clark observed that through that action, the president has put to shame those who felt the country would cease to exist after the election.

“I congratulate you and reassure you that as you get to commence the process of peaceful transition and government, you will have my full support, as a man who strongly believes in the unity of Nigeria,” he said.

“Just as I supported our most respected late president, Umaru Yar’Adua, and his successor, President Jonathan, as along as you will, at all times, uphold the dignity of Nigeria and those things that bind us together as one united country.

“Remember that part of our old national anthem, which says, ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’

“This was exactly what the late Nelson Mandela of South Africa stood for, and the late Martin Luther Kings Jnr of the United States of America fought and died for.

“I note that the election was keenly contested but the outcome has been determined by INEC, in the exercise of its statutory duties. We must therefore move forward in the interest of peace, unity and progress of our country.

“I have noted that this is equally the position which you so well stated during your acceptance speech at the collection of your Certificate of Return.”

‎”I am glad that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was so gracious to beat the gun in congratulating you, both by a historic telephone call and a national broadcast, underlined the need for the spirit of placing our national interest above individual or group ambition.”

Clark advised Buhari not to marginalise any section of the country and ensure that his government is tolerant of criticism.