Jonathan’s name ‘special in Nigeria’s history’

Leaders of the economic community of West African states (ECOWAS) on Tuesday praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his contributions to regional peace and security, and for overseeing the conduct of successful elections in Nigeria. John Mahama, president of Ghana and chairman of ECOWAS, particularly said Jonathan’s name would remain “special” in the history books of Nigeria’s democracy.

Speakers at the opening of the 47th ordinary session of ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government in Accra, capital of Ghana, hailed the president for conceding victory to President-elect Muhammadu Buhari after the conduct of the election.

The one-day summit was Jonathan’s valedictory appearance at the regional summit before the May 29 inauguration of Buhari.

Mahama opened the torrent of tributes when he described Jonathan’s post-election conduct as “a personal show of mature statesmanship”.

His speech was greeted with a resounding applause by summit delegates.

“I believe that his name (Jonathan) will be recorded in a special place when the history of Nigeria’s democracy will be written,” he said. “Let me also on this occasion salute Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for his victory in the presidential election.”

He expressed hope that the successful conduct of the general election in Nigeria and Togo would be replicated in forthcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Guinea.

He added that with the conduct of the elections in Nigeria and Togo, West Africa had shown the world that the region could become a “world leader” in democratic governance.

In his remarks, Kadre Ouedraogo, president of ECOWAS commission, said ECOWAS had received increased credibility on the political front because of the choices made by Jonathan and Buhari in the conduct of the presidential election.

He commended both leaders for placing the general interest of their country above theirs.

“In speaking particularly to President Jonathan, I wish to assure him that the commission will never forget his crucial contribution in the management and resolution of the crises in Guinea Bissau, Mali and Burkina Faso, as well as in the fight against the Ebola Virus disease, among other challenging matters,” Ouedrago said.

“I am confident that nothing will come to make us forget the great pride Nigeria has brought us only a few weeks ago.”

Also, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, special representative of the UN secretary-general for West Africa, acknowledged Nigeria’s effort in maintaining peace and security in West Africa, notably in Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau and Mali.

Chambas noted that under Jonathan’s watch, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger have continued to collaborate in the fight against Boko Haram.

He paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against Boko Haram and offered condolences to their families, also saying that UN would continue to support the joint efforts between ECOWAS and the economic community of Central African states (ECCAS) to tackle terrorism.

ECOWAS is celebrating its 40th year of existence this year, and the regional leaders are expected to extend the mandate of the ECOWAS security mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB) while also approving the 2015 budget for the mission.