President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday said despite his
defeat in the hands of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of the All Progressives
Congress in the last presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party should
be celebrating rather than mourning.
In his statement after the announcement of the election
result, Jonathan said the PDP should be rejoicing because it had in the last 16
years steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics.
He said,
“To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your
support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning. We have
established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and
free and fair elections.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest
and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party
and look to the future with renewed optimism.”
The President thanked all Nigerians for the opportunity
given him to lead the country.
He assured them that he would continue to do his best at the
helms of national affairs until the end of his tenure on May 29.
Jonathan disclosed that he had conveyed his personal best
wishes to Buhari and prayed that God continue to bless Nigeria.
While thanking Nigerians for turning out en-masse for the
March 28 elections, he said he had kept his promise to bequeath the culture of
free and fair elections to the country.
He added that he had also expanded the space for Nigerians
to participate in the democratic process, saying that is one legacy he would
like to see endure.
Jonathan said although some people have expressed mixed
feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral
Commission, those who might feel aggrieved should follow due process based on
the constitution and electoral laws in seeking redress.
Punch
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