Now that the elections are over and there hasn’t been crazy violence, dignitaries from all over the world are calling to congratulate Pres Goodluck Jonathan. Check that plus audio from GEJ’s concession convo with Buhari, on the click.
People in the States or used to western politics, are probably wondering why we’re all happy that President Goodluck Jonathan conceded after losing out in Nigeria’s Presidential Elections to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. Isn’t that what he’s supposed to do? – asked a non-African friend of mine asked. And it’s a very valid question. In theory, a peaceful transition is supposed to happen in a democracy. But unfotunately, that’s not what always happen. There are instances all over the developing world of violence erupting due to the results of a presidential election (take Ukraine, for example). And Nigeria’s democracy is relatively young (only 19 years of this current period, and spatterings of democratic rule since independence in 1960, just 55 years ago) so really, anything could have happened.
But Jonathan conceded, the country is largely in peace and we’re moving ahead. So the election was not only a win for Buhari and the opposition, but Nigerians as a whole.
That said, Pres. GEJ has been getting a lot of praise for how he’s stepped down like a gentleman; Reuben Abati, the Official Presidential Spokesman updated twitter folks on some of those who’ve reached out to the Pres:
Also, audio of the call Jonathan made to Buhari to congratulate him on winning hit the interwebs today; it’s short & sweet – listen to it below:
Your thoughts?
