'Jonathan averted feared crisis' - President lauds predecessor at AU Summit

dimeji akinloye

June 15, 2015 2:29 AM

Buhari said Jonathan averted the feared crisis, by facilitating a peaceful transition of power.

President Muhammadu Buhari and former president Goodluck Jonathan at a peace treaty meeting prior to Nigeria's March 28 and April 11, 2015 general election.

President Muhammadu Buhari has once more acknowledged the role played by former president Goodluck Jonathan in midwifing a peaceful and successful transition programme in the country.

He said this on Sunday, June 14, in his address to the AU Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

"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.

President Buhari said his election has 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.

dimeji akinloye