Former President Shehu Shagari, has acknowledged with respect, the maturity and love for Nigeria as demonstrated by President Goodluck Jonathan in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections.
He also congratulated the president-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) on his victory at polls.
The elder statesman, who maintained that President Jonathan’s foresight and discipline to have conceded defeat even before the formal declaration of result by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), clearly explains his uncommon patriotism to his fatherland.
“I wish to commend President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his foresight, courage, maturity and patriotism for conceding defeat even before the final result was announced.
“This singular act has earned President Jonathan my respect and that of the people, not only in Nigeria but the world over. I wish to state that, that act has provided him a special place in the annals of Nigeria’s history as a statesman and a true democrat”, he stated.
Shagari, whose government was overthrown by Gen. Buhari in a military coup in the second republic, said in the message, “Let me join my compatriots, former Nigerian leaders, millions of Nigerians at home and in diaspora, world leaders and the international community in congratulating the President-elect.
“Your victory at the polls is an indication of your track record of service to your fatherland which endeared you to the Nigerian populace who massively voted you.
“As a patriot, I trust that you will put your vast experience and knowledge of the country, its people and the connections you established with other countries of Africa and the world during your almost two years of leadership of the country to bear in the running of a united and all-inclusive government that will revitalise all sectors of Nigeria”.
