Why GEJ is one of Nigeria's greatest presidents - Abba Moro

Moro said Jonathan contributed immensely to the development and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria and Africa.

Moro said Jonathan created a solid foundation in the country’s electoral system by conceding defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

He said: "Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a great icon and hero of democracy in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world. He subordinated personal interest to the national interest when, even before the votes for the presidential election were tallied, for the first time in the history of democracy in Nigeria, called his challenger, General Muhammadu Buhari to concede defeat.

"This doused the pent-up tension and shamed the West’s orchestrated prophecy of Armageddon and the disintegration of Nigeria.

"By this singular act of statesmanship, a rare political demonstration in Africa, indeed the world, President Jonathan stabilized the polity and ensured a smooth transition of power, again for the first time in the history of democracy in Nigeria from the candidate of the ruling party to the candidate of the opposition party.

"By putting in place a platform of credible, free, fair and transparent elections, Jonathan laid the foundation for sustaining and deepening democracy in Nigeria.

"Today, he remains one of the greatest presidents ever produced by Nigeria since the country’s attainment of Independence in 1960.

"Congratulations to a worthy Nigerian symbol of democracy at 59; a man who via good governance and sterling leadership style brought Nigeria to the path of glory and made significant impact in the lives of the Nigerian people."

ALSO READ: 3 major achievements of Jonathan at 59

He added that Nigerians are now clamouring for Jonathan's return to power because they have realised that voting him out in the first place was a mistake.