'I conceded defeat to avoid bloodshed,' Ex-President says

dimeji akinloye

December 18, 2016 4:28 PM

Jonathan stressed that no one, in and out of Nigeria, persuaded him to concede defeat, adding that he did it out of his personal principle.

Former president, Jonathan Goodluck

Former President,

Jonathan said he called Buhari to concede defeat because he believes that no blood of any Nigerian is worth his political ambition.

He stated this at the 2nd combined convocation ceremony of Bingham  University, Nasarawa State, where he was honoured with the Doctor of Letters (Honaris Causa) by the University Senate in recognition of his self-abasement and prized patriotic humility and love for peace.

Also honoured with the same title was former military head of state, Yakubu Gowon, "in "recognition of his commitment and selflessness to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity."

Jonathan said: "It is my belief that no one's political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian and I am fulfilled knowing that by conceding while the votes were still being compiled was borne out of my personal principle and conviction. It is generating positive impact on other nations.

"Let me make it very, very clear, nobody within or outside the country persuaded me to do that. I know it is the right thing to do. My ambition is not worth the blood of Nigerians. It was not just a political slogan."

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On the 2014 National Conference, the ex-president said he convened the conference to help  unite the country together and avoid the creation of tension and crisis in the polity.

dimeji akinloye