Muhammadu Buhari, winner of March 28 presidential election has extended a hand of fellowship to President Goodluck Jonathan, dedicating his victory to the people of Nigeria.
Speaking shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the president-elect, Buhari commended Jonathan for ensuring a free and fair election.
“President Jonathan has called to congratulate me on my victory,” he said.
“For this I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his statesmanship.
Advertisement
“President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another. He will receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from me and my team.
“The good people of Nigeria answered the call of history; when the account of this fine moment is written, it will be said that it was the people themselves who led this nation to democracy.
“You stood in line patiently for hours in the rain, in the sun and in the dark just to cast your vote. Even though the election was extended to Sunday in some parts of the country, you still performed your civic duties and you did so peacefully.
Advertisement
“You voted with your heart and your votes affirm that you believe that Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today. You voted for change and now change has come.”
Buhari said the people decided to entrust him with their mandate because they believe that he can transform the country and promised not to live below expectation.
He further said Nigerians have shown their love for democracy and that the result of the election reflects the will of the people.
“We have proven to the world that we are people who have embraced democracy. We have put one-party state behind us,” he said.
Advertisement
“You have voted for a party and president that will serve and govern but never rule over you. Change has come. A new day and a new Nigeria are upon us. The victory is yours and the glory is that of our nation – Nigeria
“INEC has released the official results of the presidential election. INEC has declared that I gained the most votes with the required spread and thus won this election. In a more profound way, it is you, Nigerians that have won. The people have shown their love for our nation and their belief in democracy.
“The declaration of INEC accurately reflects the will of the people. While there might have been some logistical obstacles and irregularities associated with the exercise, the result shall stand as what the people want.”
Expressing appreciation for being given the opportunity to serve, Buhari appealed for cooperation and understanding among the people.
Advertisement
“I thank all Nigerians for making this day possible,” he said.
“Our country has now joined the comity of nations which can use the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent president in a free, fair and credible election. To me this is indeed historic.
Advertisement
“Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will naturally be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times.
“This not the time for confrontation, it is the moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work towards a better future.
Advertisement
“We do this first by extending our hand of fellowship and conciliation across the political divides. We hope and pray that our brothers in other parties reciprocate.”
Advertisement
3 comments
This is a promising statement from the heart of a statesman. GMB, we have campaigned for you and voted you in, we will watch you for 6 to 12 months max, and you will hear our verdict on you. We are watching o! and helping you too, but for just 12 months max. GEJ, we salute your courage and love for Nigeria by promoting true democracy. God bless you Mr. President. We are watching you Mr President-elect.
Dear General Muhammad Buhari, accept my congratulations as you are called by the teeming population of Nigeria to once again lead our dear and God-own country for the next four years. Sir, your job begins!
Kindly fulfil all your electoral promises. I acknowledge the fact that there is no Victor nor vanquish vi-a-vis this 2015 general election. Please, extend the hand of reconciliation across the now opposition. Make good use of the human resources around you to turn around this great nation.
Nigerians need quick response. Sir, do not fail us! We need security more than anything now. Nigerians want to have access to good economy, potable water, uninterrupted power supply, readily available petroleum products and other basic amenities like good road.
Sir, our existing Refineries are working optimally. Only that Nigerian government prefers to sell crude oil than processing it in Nigeria. Losses to oil theft is unquantifiable! Please, rescue this nation from wastage.
Cost of running government is too exorbitant! Please, reorganise our military. Pay them handsomely so that they will have no cause to take bribe. Provide all their basic amenities as well as equipment to face challenges. Sir, what is your plan about our Judiciary? These guys are too corrupt.
The youth wants our schools rid off the mad d**s (lecturers) that are not fit but bought their ways in. They have turned our female folks to harlots! They must make love to them before they can pass! This is an injustice of the highest order.
Please, bridge the gap between the north and the south. As almighty Allah said, “I created man and woman, nation by nation, continent by continent, tribe by tribe with different languages, all these are not for fun but to be relating peacefully! The best of man in the sight of Allah is he who fears Him”.
God bless you as you take over the mantle of leadership.
To President GEJ, thank you for keeping this nation one! You will forever be remembered.
Thanks
Rasheed K. Alayande
Lagos, Nigeria.
While we celebrate the GMB as the President – Elect, We should quickly say a BIG thank you the Incumbent President as records will have it as the first President to congratulate GMB. I think he should be highly commended. However, the BIG Shame of 2015 General Election goes to those Eligible Voter’s who fled the shores of Nigeria for fear of the unknown, This is a shame to them. You cant criticize a government you never elected hence a big shame to them. However, Let me strongly say this that the People of Nigeria are now wiser now. We cant be deceived for too long especially as it relates to the welfare of Nigerians.
The New APC government has promised so many things that they will do for us if elected now the dial has been cast the Hen have come home to rust. I pray their government should leave up to their expectation as promised or else the Cain that was used to flog the first wife is still kept behind…..
Let us all support and enthrone Democracy in Nigeria.
As my BIG SHOUT OUT GOES TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF NIGERIA for waiting and standing to be counted…. God Bless Nigeria.