President Goodluck Jonathan has thanked Nigerians for the opportunity for the opportunity given to him to serve the country as President.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure Fellow Nigerians.”
President Jonathan, who contested the last Saturday election under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lost to the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari said that he is happy to leave the legacy of the expansion of democratic space for Nigerians to participate in the process.
In a personal message, the President recalled that he promised the country free and fair elections and that he has kept his word.
“I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure. Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.
“I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28th General Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.
“I also commend the Security Services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.
President Jonathan who expressed gratitude to Nigerians for turning out en-masse in the March 28 general elections, also thanked his colleagues in the PDP for their support.
According to him, today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning, adding that they in the party have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.
“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.
“I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.
“May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I thank you all.” [myad]
