Obama congratulates Nigeria’s Jonathan

Obama congratulates Nigeria’s Jonathan

US President, Barrack Obama, has congratulated Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan on his election victory, but described as “deplorable'' the post-election violence that followed the April 16 presidential election. 

Obama also commended Nigerians for their resolve and patience during April's historic presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections''.

A White House statement said Obama conveyed his support to Nigeria during a telephone conversation with Jonathan on Wednesday.  

“As I told President Jonathan, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Nigeria so that this and future generations of Nigerians can live in peace, democracy and prosperity,'' Obama said.

Commendations

In his words; “the success of the elections was a testament to Nigerian voters who waited in long lines, stayed to watch their votes counted and were determined that these elections marked a new chapter in Nigerian history.'' 

He commended Nigeria’s Electoral Commission, members of the National Youth Service Corps and Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, for playing a role in ensuring that the final results reflected the will of the Nigerian people.

He urged Nigerians to also ensure that authorities “investigate and address'' any allegations of fraud or irregularities.  

Building the future

Condemning the post-election crisis in the country, Obama said: “Violence has no place in a democratic society and it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to reject it.

“Democracy, however, neither begins nor ends with elections. 
“Now is the time for Nigeria’s leaders and its people to come together and build the future that they deserve —a multi-party democracy that addresses the aspirations of all Nigerians, especially its youth, who did so much to make the recent elections a success, and who will define the nation’s future,'' he said. 

NAN/Williams