President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja hailed his
predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, for voluntarily conceding defeat in
the 2015 general elections, describing him as a true democrat.
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| Former President Jonathan and President Buhari |
Buhari said this at the unveiling of a book titled “My
Transition Hours” by Jonathan. The book launch was attended by hundreds
of guests from outside and across the country.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,
Boss Mustapha, the president said Jonathan’s act of courage had made him
a patriotic leader and earned him popularity among Africans and other
leaders.
“You are a leader of the past, of now and of the future; you will
rise again; I wish you the best you wish yourself, ” Buhari said.
He called on Nigerians to see elections as contests, which should be done in a free, fair and peaceful environment.
He said Nigerians should eschew bitterness, bigotry, hate speech and “promote Nigeria for us and generation yet unborn.”
Jonathan in reaction condemned any act of inducement of voters and
vote buying during elections in the country, adding that the act was
contrary to democratic norms and therefore, wrong.
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The event was graced by hundreds of prominent Nigerians, including
former Heads of State Abdulsalam Abubakar, Yakubu Gowon, ex-President
Olusegun Obasanjo and the Peoples Democratic Party presidential
candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole,
former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President Bukola Saraki,
ex-PDP governors and many members of the political class, traditional
rulers and members of the diplomatic corps also graced the event.
PUNCH
