US President,Barack Obama hails Buhari, Jonathan

United States President,Barrack Obama, on Wednesday, commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the President-elect, Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), for their public commitments to non-violence during their campaigns. Obama, in a statement said President Jonathan placed Nigeria’s interests first by conceding defeat while congratulating Buhari on his victory. “I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture. I urge President-elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition,”Obama stated. The US President also commended the large turnout of voters, saying this shows the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles. Obama also called for a special honour for the Independent National Electoral Commission and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega. According to him, the electoral body and Jega deserve special recognition for the largely peaceful and orderly election. The statement read, “I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. Looking ahead to the governorship elections on April 11, it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring isolated logistical challenges are overcome and peace is protected, even in the most hotly contested races. ” On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-Elect Buhari and look forward to continuing to work with the newly-elected government on our many shared priorities.”