US President Barack Obama has commended Nigeria for the peaceful conduct of the presidential election in the country.
There were pancake fears within and outside the country that this cycle of elections in the country would result in unprecedented violence, which might even lead to dismembering the country.
The the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, had personally visit Nigeria to meet with the two chief protagonists in the election, President Goodluck Jonathan of Peoples Democratic Party and Muhammad Buhari of All Progressives Congress, du ringing he wrenched from them their commitment to peace in the elections.
Obama particularly praised Jonathan for placing Nigeria’s “interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-Elect Buhari on his victory”.
In a statement issued in Washington D.C, Obama said: “The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles. By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully.
“I commend President Goodluck Jonathan and President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign. President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-Elect 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.
The U.S. President further enjoined 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.
“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”, he said
