The international community hails Buhari, Jonathan, Jega

Some top world leaders and organisations have congratulated Nigerians,
especially the President-elect, Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.),
President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chairman, Independent National
Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for the successful
conduct of Saturday's presidential and National Assembly polls.
They said in separate statements on Wednesday that the orderly conduct
of Nigerians during the elections and the acceptance of defeat by
Jonathan were remarkable.
The leaders and organisations are the United States President Barack
Obama; the United Kingdom Prime Minister, David Cameron; French
President, Francois Hollande; South African President Jacob Zuma;
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the European Union,
the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, the African Union and the
Commonwealth.
Obama, in a statement by the White House, said that INEC and Jega
deserved a special recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Commending Jonathan for conceding defeat and Buhari for emerging
victorious, he urged them to ensure a peaceful transition.
Obama said, "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.
"I commend President Jonathan and the President-elect, Muhammadu
Buhari, for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the
campaign."
Obama noted that Jonathan placed Nigeria's interests first by
conceding the election and congratulating the President-elect on his
victory.
He added, "I urge President-elect Buhari and President 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."
Concerning the efforts of Jega in keeping the poll free, fair and
credible, Obama said, "Nigeria's INEC and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega,
deserve 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."
However, the US president urged Jega and INEC to improve its
performance ahead of April 11 elections.
Obama said, "Looking ahead to the governorship elections on April 11,
it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring 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."
Also, Cameron in a statement on www.gov.uksaid, ''I send my
warmest congratulations to General 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."
President Hollande on his part welcomed the commitment of Nigerians
and the quality of work of INEC towards the success of the polls.
A statement from the French Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, said that
Hollande would speak with Buhari on Thursday(today), adding that he
intended to establish with Buhari the trustful relations France had
with Jonathan.
The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, congratulated Buhari on
his emergence as the President-elect and Jonathan for his leadership
and commitment to "consolidating democracy, peace and stability in
Nigeria."
To Zuma, Jonathan's action was indicative of his readiness and
commitment to ensuring a smooth transfer of power with a view to
ensuring that Nigeria did not experience violence.
The UN Secretary-General, Ki-moon, congratulated Buhari and
called on all Nigerians to accept the outcome of the elections.
A statement by the UN said, "The Secretary-General talked to
President Jonathan and Maj. Gen. Buhari.
"He congratulated President-elect Buhari and commended President
Jonathan for his leadership throughout the electoral process and his
statesmanship in upholding the democratic process.
"The Secretary-General believes the successful conduct of these polls
is a testament to the maturity of Nigeria's democracy."
Ban hoped that the same democratic spirit will prevail in the conduct
of the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on April
11.
Also, the Head of ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, former Ghanaian
President John Kuffuor , and the African Union and the Commonwealth
congratulated Nigeria's National Peace Committee for its work.
They called on Nigerians to carry through the entire electoral process
the maturity and discipline displayed during the presidential and
National Assembly elections.
At a meeting in Abuja, Kuffuor and the AU Observer Mission Chief,
former Liberian leader, Prof. Amos Sawyer, and head of the
Commonwealth poll observers, Bakili Muluzi, advised the
Abdulsalami Abubakar-led committee to continue to build trust and
confidence for peaceful coexistence during the post-election period.
They said, "Elections are about governance and our prayer is that
Nigerian political parties, their candidates and teeming supporters
will accept the results of the elections, with the winner showing
magnanimity and the runner-up showing cooperation."
The EU High Representative and Vice-President, Federica Mogherini, in
a statement thanked Jonathan for his contribution to consolidating
Nigeria's democracy over the past five years
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