Jonathan seeks world leaders’ support for Buhari

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged world leaders and international institutions to give their fullest support to the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He has also called on Nigerians to assist the President succeed in leading the country to greater heights.
He made the call at separate audiences in Abuja with the new ambassadors of France, Senegal and Ethiopia. He appealed for patience, understanding and co-operation from all stakeholders in Nigeria, which, he said, Buhari will need to move the country forward for peace, security and progress.
Responding to the envoys’ commendation trailing his conceding defeat in the presidential election, President Jonathan said he acted out of his abiding conviction that the unity, well-being and progress of Nigeria must supersede all personal ambitions.
“Democracy has to be nurtured to grow. Strong democratic institutions are the backbone and future of our democracy. They must be protected and nurtured. As for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first.
“You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition.
“Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy,’’ he said.‎
To the new French ambassador, Mr. Denis Guaer, President Jonathan urged France to extend the support and assistance it gave to his administration to Buhari’s  government.
“President Francois Hollande was our guest in Nigeria during the celebration of Nigeria’s centenary. He has been very supportive of the country in the fight against terrorism. I expect that the same warmth and goodwill will be extended to the incoming government. I expect that France will continue to work with the new administration, especially on issues of terrorism,” he said.
The ambassadors commended  Jonathan for setting a record of humility, patriotism and courage in safeguarding the democratic process in Nigeria and Africa.
“Nigeria is not only an economic power in the world today, but also a great democratic example. And it is all by your effort, Mr. President. The last elections and your response was truly a great achievement and you will always be remembered for it,” the French envoy said.
Mr. Guaer, the new Ambassador of Senegal, Mr. Baboucar Sambe and his Ethiopian counterpart, Samia Zekaria Gutu, who were at the Presidential Villa to present their Letters of Credence to the President, also assured him that they will do their best to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their countries.