President-elect, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari
President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has saluted the resilience exhibited by Nigerians who trooped out in their numbers to vote in the just concluded Presidential election.
Buhari said this in an address he read in the early hours of Wednesday, after the official results of the elections were made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He told party supporters that President Goodluck Jonathan called to congratulate him at exactly 5:15pm on Tuesday, (hours before the results were made public) to concede defeat and congratulate him.
While describing President Jonathan as a statesman, the President-elect asked Nigerians to join him to appreciate the President for taking the path of honour.
According to him, President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent.
Buhari said this in an address he read in the early hours of Wednesday, after the official results of the elections were made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He told party supporters that President Goodluck Jonathan called to congratulate him at exactly 5:15pm on Tuesday, (hours before the results were made public) to concede defeat and congratulate him.
While describing President Jonathan as a statesman, the President-elect asked Nigerians to join him to appreciate the President for taking the path of honour.
According to him, President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent.
He also extended his hand of fellowship to the out-going President and said he looked forward to meeting him soon as “we plan the transition from one administration to another.”
Buhari promised that himself and his team will show understanding, cooperation and respect to the President.
The President-elect said, “The good people of Nigeria, answered to the call of history. When the account of this fine moment is written, it will be said that it was the people themselves who led this nation to democracy.
“You stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain and then in the dark to cast your ballots. Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duty.
“You did so peacefully. You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today. You voted for change and now change has come.”
He also said his victory was a victory for the Nigerian people, this he said was reflected in the geo-graphical spread of the votes he received.
Buhari reiterated that the declaration of INEC accurately reflects the will of the people.
He, however, admitted that there might have been some logistical obstacles and irregularities associated with the exercise, but that the result shall stand as what the people want.
The President-elect also said, “Our country has now joined the community of nations that have used the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent President in a free and fair election. To me this is indeed historic.
“Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will naturally be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times.
“This was a hard- fought contest. Emotions are high. We must not allow them to get the better of us. This is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future.”
He appealed to Nigerians to remain law abiding and peaceful as the eyes of the world are focused on us to see if we could vote peacefully and carry out a representative election in an orderly manner.
He also expressed gratitude to various groups and individuals at home and abroad for their support for Nigeria before and during the process, he expressed the hope that such show of support will continue.
“We have put one party state behind us. You have voted for a party and president that will serve and govern but never rule over you. Change has come. A new day and a new Nigeria are upon us. The victory is yours and the glory is that of our nation – Nigeria” He said.
JOHN ALECHENU
