President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday implored world leaders and international institutions to give their fullest possible support to the incoming Administration of President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).
He also urged all Nigerians to do their utmost best to help the incoming president succeed in piloting the country’s affairs to greater heights of accomplishment.
Speaking at separate audiences with the new ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia, Jonathan appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders in Nigeria, which, according to him, Buhari would require to move the country forward to greater, peace, security and progress.
When the new ambassadors lauded him for his exemplary concession of victory in the presidential elections by the new ambassadors, president noted that he acted out of his abiding conviction that the unity, well-being and progress of Nigeria must supersede all personal ambitions.
His words: “Democracy has to be nurtured to grow. Strong democratic institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They must be protected and nurtured. As for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first.
“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.
“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”.
To the new French ambassador, Mr. Denis Guaer, Jonathan urged France to extend the support and assistance it gave to his administration to General Buhari’s government.
He said, “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. 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. What we need now is support to help our people get back their lives”.
On their part, the ambassadors commended President Jonathan for setting a record of humility, patriotism and courage in safeguarding the democratic process in Nigeria and Africa.
“Nigeria is not only an economic power in the world today, but also a great democratic example. And it is all by your effort, Mr. President. The last elections and your response was truly a great achievement and you will always be remembered for it,” the French ambassador told Jonathan.
Mr. Guaer, the new Ambassador of Senegal, Mr. Baboucar Sambe and the new Ambassador of Ethiopia, Samia Zekaria Gutu were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to Jonathan.
They assured him that they will do their best to strengthen ties between Nigeria and their countries during their tenure.
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