Despite accusation of non-cooperation with its transition committee by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to acknowledged the role played by Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigeria’s immediate past President, in midwifing a peaceful and successful transition programme in the country.

Buhari who spoke on Sunday in his address to
the AU Summit in Johannesburg, South
Africa noted: “I cannot fail to acknowledge the very
positive role played by my predecessor,
President Goodluck Jonathan, in averting
the feared crisis, and in facilitating the
peaceful transition of power between
the two parties,”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that President Buhari said his election had been described as historic.

“I agree that it is indeed historic because
for the first time in the practice of
democracy in my country, an opposition
party has defeated the ruling party in a
keenly contested election.

“The election was also held against the
backdrop of the fears and concerns
expressed both in Nigeria and among
our international friends abroad and
partners that the outcome of the election
could spell doom for Nigeria.

“I am glad that even though those fears
and concerns were not without basis, the
outcome was totally different, to the
relief of all of us,’’ he said.

Buhari reiterated that the process,
which was adjudged as the fairest and
most credible in the history of elections
in Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged
and sustained determination of the
Nigerian people, and their desire to
deepen democracy.

He said the people’s quest was amply
supported, and even encouraged by the
goodwill of friends and partners in the
international community.

“I therefore wish to seize this
opportunity to convey my very deep
appreciation to all those who contributed
to the success of that election.”, he said.

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