I accepted defeat to avert crisis – Jonathan

Firstclass newsline learnt tha the president said having been involved
in solving many problems in African countries for more than five
years, he knew the enormity and cost of conflicts and would not want
Nigeria to witness such.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben
Abati, quoted the President as speaking while receiving members of the
African Ambassadors' Group, who were on a farewell and solidarity
visit to his boss at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said he would always be committed to strengthening democracy in
Nigeria and Africa.
Jonathan added that his decision to concede defeat was to show example
to the world that democracy could survive and thrive in Africa without
conflict.
The President said, "I believe that character matters in leadership.
And it is not just about who becomes the President of a country, but
somebody has to be there and the person needs the support of all to
succeed.
"I made a choice to keep the country away from conflict.
"I have always advised other African leaders that we will need to have
a country before we can have the ambition to become President.
"We don't have to expose our people to deaths because we want to stay
in power. Some people hold on to power, may be, for fear of the
unknown."
The President recalled working extensively for more than five years
with other African leaders to forestall crisis in some African
countries, especially in the West African sub-region.
He also said he led peace efforts in some of the countries like Cote
'd'Ivoire, Mali and Guinea Bissau.
"I have been involved in solving many problems in African countries
for more than five years and I know the enormity and cost of
conflicts, especially on the citizenry. We cannot afford that in
Nigeria.
"If we were to have a political conflict in Nigeria, I am not sure the
sub-region will be able to accommodate our citizens.
"My commitment is to always put the country before my personal
ambition and that is what I have demonstrated," he added.
Jonathan then called on the global community and Nigerians to support
the incoming government of Buhari.
He said the incoming government would need the cooperation and
commitment of the global community and Nigerians to effectively
deliver on its promises to the people.
"The President-elect is not new to governance in Africa so I want you
to show the same commitment to him as you have to me. The
President-elect knows that our commitment is always to project Africa.
I am urging you to extend the same warmth and solidarity you have
shown to me to him,'' he said.
The President further enjoined African leaders to encourage trade
within the continent by building infrastructures and institutions that
could promote trade and relationships.
In his remarks, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, Oubi Bochir,
commended Jonathan's high sense of patriotism, statesmanship and
transparency in the last general elections.
He noted that the President won the heart and minds of all Nigerians
and Africans after the elections.
Firstclassnewsline.net