The European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria has described President Goodluck Jonathan’s concession of defeat before the announcement of the presidential election result as an extraordinary example to the world.
Mr Santiago Fisas, the EU chief observer, told State House correspondents after his team submitted an interim report on the elections to Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday that the example was worthy of emulation.
He said the president was glad to receive the team and to also accept the interim report.
“I congratulate him because he conceded defeat in the election even before he knew the official result.
“That I feel is a very important thing; that is an extraordinary example for many countries in Africa and all over the World.
“I congratulate him for that. Of cause, we talked a little bit about the elections and I took the opportunity to give to him our preliminary statement about the elections and he was very happy to accept it.“
Fisas said that the team would submit the final report on the elections after observing the governorship and state houses of assembly elections on April 11.;
According to him, the report will be made public in July.
The EU team also said that the report would be submitted to the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
Fisas, who acknowledged that many people did not expect elections in Nigeria to be conducted peacefully, maintained that the government and the people had proved such people wrong.
He said: “There have been other Presidents but Nigeria is an important country in Africa and an example to Africa and the rest of the world.
“You know many people didn’t expect this kind of elections; they expected a lot of problems after the elections which did not happen.“
The EU praised Jonathan and Nigerians for showing commitment to the elections in spite of the harsh weather conditions.
Fisas said that he expected Buhari to tackle some of the problems noticed during the elections when in office. (NAN)
Even after the election results, Mr. President, GEJ, a core fine gentleman!
He remains smiling and unruffled. I just love this man.
True to his word that no man’s blood is worth his political ambition, he chose the path of peace, joy and honour.
GEJ, I have never met you one on one but I had the opportunity of being one of the Corpers you addressed in Kiama in the year 2000, I saw in you that you’re not a man of pretence and you’re not a desperate man.
I have never stopped respecting your high level of loyalty nor has my admiration for you dwindle low because of your desire to make life pleasant for all you influence. If any opportunity arises again that requires my support for you, I am willing to be there.
My prayer and desire for you in your future endeavours is that God will help you and separate from you sycophants.
-Abimbola’Niyi Banwo