Why I Conceded Defeat To Buhari – Jonathan Finally Speaks (You All Need To See This)

President Goodluck Jonathan has defended his decision to
concede defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 election,
saying he was concerned about allowing his personal ambition
scuttle a democratic system he helped nurtured, with the likely
consequence of a “collective tragedy”.
Mr. Jonathan said Thursday that he needed to check his ambition,
as the consequences of not doing so may have been dire not only
for Nigeria, but Africa.
The president made the remarks during separate meetings with the
new amba$$adors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia. He was
responding to commendations for his decision to promptly accept
defeat after it became clear Mr. Buhari had won the polls.
“Democracy has to be nurtured to grow. Strong democratic
institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They
must be protected and nurtured. As for me, as a matter of
principle, it is always the nation first,” Mr. Jonathan said.
“You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It
should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle
national progress for personal ambition.
“Since I a$$umed duty, I have been involved in quelling political
crisis in some African countries and I know what they pa$$ed
through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a
system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy,’’
President Jonathan declared.
Mr. Jonathan urged world leaders and international institutions to
give their fullest possible support to the incoming administration
of Buhari.
He also called on all Nigerians to do their utmost best to help the
incoming president succeed in leading the country to greater
heights of accomplishment.
The president appealed for patience, understanding and
cooperation, which, he said, Mr. Buhari will need to move the
country forward to greater, peace, security and progress.
Speaking with the new French amba$$ador, Denis Guaer,
President Jonathan urged France to extend the support and a
$$istance it gave to his administration to Mr. Buhari’s
government.
“President Francois Hollande was our guest in Nigeria during the
celebration of Nigeria’s centenary. He has been very supportive of
the country in the fight against terrorism. I expect that the same
warmth and goodwill will be extended to the incoming
government. I expect that France will continue to work with the
new administration, especially on issues of terrorism.
“The United Nations has been supportive as well. Our troops,
supported by regional forces, have done very well in fighting the
terrorists in recent times. What we need now is support to help our
people get back their lives,’’ he said.
The amba$$adors commended President Jonathan for setting a
record of humility, patriotism and courage in safeguarding the
democratic process in Nigeria and Africa.
“Nigeria is not only an economic power in the world today, but also
a great democratic example. And it is all by your effort, Mr.
President. The last elections and your response was truly a great
achievement and you will always be remembered for it,” the
French amba$$ador told the President.
Mr. Guaer, the new Amba$$ador of Senegal, Baboucar Sambe, and
the new Amba$$ador of Ethiopia, Samia Zekaria Gutu, who were at
the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to
President Jonathan, also a$$ured him that they will do their best
to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their countries during
their tenure.