GLOBAL leaders and organisations have congratulated Nigerians, especially the President-elect, Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for the successful conduct of Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly polls.
They said in separate statements on Wednesday that the orderly conduct of Nigerians during the elections and the acceptance of defeat by Jonathan were remarkable.
The leaders and organisations are the United States President Barack Obama; the United Kingdom Prime Minister, David Cameron; French President, Francois Hollande; South African President Jacob Zuma; United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the European Union, the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, the African Union and the Commonwealth.
Obama, in a statement by the White House, said that INEC and Jega deserved a special recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Commending Jonathan for conceding defeat and Buhari for emerging victorious, he urged them to ensure a peaceful transition.
Obama said, “The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles. By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully.
“I commend President Jonathan and the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign.”
Obama noted that Jonathan placed Nigeria’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating the President-elect on his victory.
He added, “I urge President-elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition.”
Concerning the efforts of Jega in keeping the poll free, fair and credible, Obama said, “Nigeria’s INEC and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote.
“I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.”
However, the US president urged Jega and INEC to improve its performance ahead of April 11 elections.
Obama said, “Looking ahead to the governorship elections on April 11, it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring isolated logistical challenges are overcome and peace is protected, even in the most hotly contested races.
“On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-elect Buhari and look forward to continuing to work with the newly-elected government on our many shared priorities.”
Also, Cameron in a statement on www.gov.uk said, ‘‘I send my warmest congratulations to General Buhari on being elected as Nigeria’s next President.
“This election has been a credit to the Nigerian people and a truly historic moment for Nigerian democracy.
“The UK remains a steadfast partner for Nigeria as it realises its potential as Africa’s economic powerhouse and works to tackle terrorism in the region.”
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