BERN – Some Nigerians in Europe on Wednesday commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘statesmanlike approach’ in conceding defeat to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
They made the commendation in separate interviews with the Europe correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bern.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Buhari declared winner in the March 28 presidential election ahead of incumbent Jonathan.
Jonathan in a show of sportsmanship on Tuesday congratulated his main rival via a telephone call ahead of the official final announcement by INEC.
The move has continued to generate positive reaction from the Diaspora Nigerians, with many of them describing him as a hero who has opened Nigeria’s democratic space.
Mr Philip Ilenbarenemen, the Publicity Secretary, All Progressive Congress(APC) UK chapter said ” Jonathan’s acceptance has shown that he is a noble man”
” I personally never expected this outstanding response from him.
“By accepting the outcome of the election as the will of the people Jonathan has doused tension”, he told NAN.
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Similarly, Mr Bimbo Afolayan, Chairman, Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), said the just-concluded presidential election would go down in history as Nigeria’s best.
“This is one of the best times ever for Nigeria. Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. This is the first time the opposition has won the Presidency.
“This is also the first time an incumbent will be congratulating the winner, this experience has made Nigeria a strong and striving democracy ”
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“We need to take this opportunity to move the nation forward and place Nigeria firmly among the comity of democratic nations” Afolayan said.
In the same vein, some Nigerian professionals residing in Switzerland, France and Germany told NAN via telephone interview that Jonathan’s response to the election” meant democracy is on course in country.”
They told NAN that among the main heroes of the election were Jonathan, Buhari and INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega,
They said though the exercise had its shortcomings aggrieved politicians should seek redress through the legitimate channels. (NAN)
