Accompanied by a convoy of eight motorcyle riders and more than 20 cars, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday went to to the collation centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to receive his certificate of return as winner of Saturday’s presidential election.Speaking shortly after both he and vice president, Namadi Sambo, received their certificates, the president thanked Nigerians for the cooperation given to the government and INEC during the period of voting.
Mr. Jonathan, who was accompanied by almost all the members of the federal executive cabinet and some governors, also said it was sad that just when the international community was beginning to commend Nigeria for the well organised elections, there was unrest in some parts of the country.
“This is what happened in the late ‘50s when some parts of the country witnessed things like this. But that is what the new generation leaders have to face. We will make sure that in the next four years, issues like this will not lead to riot again,” he said.
The president commiserated with those who lost their loved ones and properties in the violence, stating that government will look into attendant issues to ensure that similar things do not happen again.
He further appealed to political and religious leaders to condemn the act so that the country will witness major development.
“Nobody will want to invest in a place that is unstable, that people fight, kill, and destroy. Most of the youth involved in this act, from what we see, look like unemployed young people. These are people we are committed to change their lives, these are people we must find jobs for them so that they will no longer be tools,” Mr. Jonathan said.
Beginning of good governance
Mr. Jonathan commended the INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega, and his team for making Nigeria proud in the manner the election was conducted.
“Before now, the international observers use to paint our elections in different colours; but this year’s elections, first that of the National Assembly and then the Presidential, the information we have received and what we have read in the papers is that they have given us a pass mark.
“It has to be so because of the competence of INEC officers. We thank you. All Nigerians are happy because you have placed us on higher rank of the ladder and others have seen us as people who conduct credible elections,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that he will run an open government where all will play a key role, irrespective of party affiliations.
“This is the beginning of good governance, this is a beginning of economic development, and this is the beginning of major changes in this country,” he said.
‘Be magnanimous in victory’
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum yesterday congratulated Mr. Jonathan on his election victory.
“This election is historic in the sense that it is one of the freest and most keenly contested since our country’s return to democracy 12 years ago,” the group, an association of state executives, said.
“While we congratulate the winner and urge the president-elect to be magnanimous in victory, we kindly urge the other contestants to be gallant and gracious in defeat. We also plead that all the contestants join the president-elect in the development challenges facing our great country,” the group further said.
The governors said there is no winner in the contest, saying the ultimate winners are the Nigerian people who trooped out in their millions to enthrone a leader of their choice, in an atmosphere devoid of violence, intimidation, and manipulation.
“The Forum assures the president-elect of it’s absolute loyalty and support in the implementation of his campaign promises to the electorate. We urged all Nigerians to do the same,” the statement said.
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my president congratulation,i voted u because i no you will help give us that are unemployed jobs1pls dont let us down.
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