Jonathan Urges World Leaders To Support Buhari’s Government

President Goodluck Jonathan on
Thursday implored world leaders and
international institutions to give their
fullest possible support to the incoming
Administration of President-elect, Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).
He also urged all Nigerians to do their
utmost best to help the incoming
president succeed in piloting the
country’s affairs to greater heights of
accomplishment.
Speaking at separate audiences with the
new ambassadors of France, Senegal
and Ethiopia, Jonathan appealed for
patience, understanding and cooperation
from all stakeholders in Nigeria, which,
according to him, Buhari would require
to move the country forward to greater,
peace, security and progress.
When the new ambassadors lauded him
for his exemplary concession of victory
in the presidential elections by the new
ambassadors, president noted that he
acted out of his abiding conviction that
the unity, well-being and progress of
Nigeria must supersede all personal
ambitions.
His words: “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.
“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 assumed duty, I have been
involved in quelling political crisis in
some African countries and I know what
they passed through and what some are
still going through. If you scuttle a
system for personal ambition, it becomes
a collective tragedy”.
To the new French ambassador, Mr.
Denis Guaer, Jonathan urged France to
extend the support and assistance it
gave to his administration to General
Buhari’s government.
He said, “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”.
On their part, the ambassadors
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
ambassador told Jonathan.
Mr. Guaer, the new Ambassador of
Senegal, Mr. Baboucar Sambe and the
new Ambassador of Ethiopia, Samia
Zekaria Gutu were at the Presidential
Villa to present their letters of credence
to Jonathan.
They assured him that they will do their
best to strengthen ties between Nigeria
and their countries during their tenure.