A recording of the telephone call by President Goodluck Jonathan to Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on March 31, congratulating him on his victory at the last Saturday’s presidential election hit the Internet on Thursday. The recording revealed what transpired between the two leaders.
President Jonathan had reportedly called Buhari hours before the official declaration of the presidential election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission that Buhari had won the March 28 presidential poll.
The audio of the conversation credited to one ENDS.ng @EveryNigerian was titled, “Historic congratulatory call from President Goodluck Jonathan to President-elect Muhammadu Buhari on March 31, 2015.”
This gesture by President Jonathan had been praised in many quarters with Nigerians and world leaders hailing him for his demonstration of what they described as rare humility and spirit of sportsmanship.
Many said it was this gesture by Jonathan that put paid to the fear that violence might erupt across the country in the event that the result of the election was rejected by whoever was declared the loser by INEC.
According to the audio, the following conversation ensued between Jonathan and Buhari:
Jonathan’s aide: Your Excellency, Sir.
Buhari’s aide: Good evening.
Jonathan’s aide: Hope I’m speaking with General Buhari, sir.
Buhari’s aide: Yes.
Jonathan’s aide: Ok, President Goodluck Jonathan will like to speak with you, sir.
Buhari’s aide: Ok, ok, I’m connecting you, sir.
Jonathan: Your Excellency.
Buhari’s aide: Hold on …I’ll connect you, sir.
The phone rings for a moment.
Jonathan: Your Excellency.
Buhari’s aide: Hold on, sir.
Buhari: Your Excellency.
Jonathan: Your Excellency, how are you?
Buhari: I’m alright, thank you very much, Your Excellency.
Jonathan: (laughs) Congratulations.
Buhari: Thank you very much, your Excellency (laughs).
Jonathan: Yeah, so how are things?
Buhari: (laughs) Well…
Jonathan: So, you’d find time to come one of these days so that we can sort out how to plan the transition period.
Buhari: Thank you very much, your Excellency.
Jonathan: Congratulations.
Buhari: Thank you.
Jonathan: Ok.
Buhari: My respect, Your Excellency.
Truly commendable. Kudos to Mr Jonathan
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