World leaders greet President -elect, laud peaceful polls

MESSAGES of congratulations have continued to pour in from world leaders to Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at the polls.

Among the leaders who greeted Buhari yesterday included, United Nations (UN), Secretary-General, Ban Ki- moon, United States (U.S.) President, Barak Obama, his French counterpart, Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister, David Cameron, his predecessor Tony Blair and former U.S. Ambassador Walter Carrington.

Ban said in his message commended results of the presidential and parliamentary elections, saying he had spoken to both Jonathan and Buhari.

He commended Jonathan for his leadership throughout the electoral process and his statesmanship in upholding the democratic process. He also applauded the INEC for having organised and carried out the elections in a professional manner under challenging circumstances.

He called on all Nigerians to accept the outcome of the elections, while appealing to them to address any complaints they may have through existing legal and constitutional channels.

He said that the successful conduct of the polls is a testament to the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy and appealed that that the same democratic spirit prevails in the conduct of the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections on April 11.

Obama noted that 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, “Obama said yesterday in a statement by the White House and circulated by the African Press Organisation (APO).

Commending President Goodluck Jonathan and Buhari for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign, he said: “President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating Buhari on his victory. I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture. I urge Buhari and 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.”

Obama also said the chairman of the Independent National Election
Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega, deserves 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.

Looking ahead to the gubernatorial elections on April 11, it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring that 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.”

A statement from the French Embassy in Nigeria yesterday, said that Buhari’s election as the next president of Nigeria is a result of the commitment of the Nigerian people and the quality of work of the INEC.

“President Hollande will speak today with Buhari. He intends to establish with him the trustful relations he had with Jonathan, from whom he welcomes the sense of responsibility”.

“France continues to stand with Nigeria to uphold democratic values, fight against terrorism and promote economic partnership between our two countries,” the statement read while commending Jonathan for his sense of responsibility in conceding defeat.

Cameron described the elections as a credit to Nigerians. He however, raised attention to the need to defeat terrorism in the country. “I send my warmest congratulations to 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.”

Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond in his statement, congratulated Buhari and Jonathan for the free and fair polls.

“I congratulate Buhari on his election victory as the next President of Nigeria and also Jonathan for the statesmanship he has shown in delivering free and fair elections and accepting the result”.

“It is now important for both parties to ensure the transition to a new government remains peaceful. Britain has a very deep relationship with Nigeria and we look forward to working with the new president, his government and the people of Nigeria in their aspirations for prosperity,” he said.

Blair’s statement reads: “I congratulate Buhari warmly on his election victory. I welcome wholeheartedly the statement from President Jonathan conceding the result.

“I also applaud the Nigerian” people. It is an extraordinary sign of Nigeria’s strength and resilience as a country that there has been this election with its outcome accepted so clearly despite all the challenges Nigeria faces.

“It gives all of us who care about Nigeria great optimism and confidence in its future.”

Carrington said: “Nigeria has passed the most important milestone on the road to an enduring democracy – the peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box from one party to another.

Buhari has achieved a decisive victory. In spite of serious security threats the people of Nigeria turned out in impressive numbers to declare by whom they wish to be governed for the next four years. President Jonathan has set the stage for a peaceful transfer of power through his gracious congratulatory call to his successor.”

The former envoy added: ‘‘I feel great optimism for the future of my wife’s homeland. A united Nigeria under the leadership of a man so dedicated and capable of curbing corruption and restoring peace and security can reclaim its moral authority as the leader of the continent from which my ancestors came. Arese and I pray for the success of the Buhari administration and will do all we can to work for the strengthening of relations between the U.S. and Nigeria.”