Buhari Hails Jonathan At AU Summit

President Muhammadu Buhari
has again acknowledged the role played by
former president Goodluck Jonathan in
midwifing a peaceful and successful
transition programme in the country.
He said this on Sunday in his address to
the AU Summit in Johannesburg, South
Africa.

“I cannot fail to acknowledge the very
positive role played by my predecessor,
President Goodluck Jonathan, in averting
the feared crisis, and in facilitating the
peaceful transition of power between the
two parties.
President Buhari said his election had
been described as historic.
“I agree that it is indeed historic because
for the first time in the practice of
democracy in my country, an opposition

party has defeated the ruling party in a
keenly contested election.

“The election was also held against the
backdrop of the fears and concerns
expressed both in Nigeria and among our
international friends abroad and partners
that the outcome of the election could spell
doom for Nigeria.
“I am glad that even though those fears and
concerns were not without basis, the
outcome was totally different, to the relief
of all of us,’’ he said.

Buhari reiterated that the process, which
was adjudged as the fairest and most
credible in the history of elections in
Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged and
sustained determination of the Nigerian
people, and their desire to deepen
democracy.

He said the people’s quest was amply
supported, and even encouraged by the
goodwill of friends and partners in the
international community.
“I therefore wish to seize this opportunity
to convey my very deep appreciation to all
those who contributed to the success of that
election. (NAN)