Buhari hails Nigerians, congratulates Jonathan

Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has
dedicated his win to Nigerians, saying they are the
ultimate victors.
In a televised speech Wednesday, after the chairman
of the Independent National Electoral Commission,
INEC, Attahiru Jega, officially declared him the
winner of Saturday’s presidential election, Mr.
Buhari said “In a more profound way, it is you,
Nigerians that have won. The people have shown
their love for our nation and their belief in
democracy”.
Mr. Buhari said Nigerians have made history, and
that it was the resolve of Nigerians that made the
change they were yearning for possible.
“The good people of Nigeria, answered the call of
history. When the account of this fine moment is
written, it will be said that it was the people
themselves who led this nation to democracy,” he
said.
“You stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain
and then in the dark to cast your ballots. Even when
the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you
still performed your civic duty. You did so peacefully.
You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that
you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what
it is today.
“You voted for change and now change has come,” he
said.
Respect for President Jonathan
Mr. Buhari also confirmed that he received a call
from President Goodluck Jonathan “at exactly
5:15pm” congratulating him for his victory.
“For this I want all Nigerians to join me in
congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his
statesmanship,” he said.
He also said Mr. Jonathan engaged in a spirited
campaign and was a worthy opponent.
“I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look
forward to meeting him soon as we plan the
transition from one administration to another. He
will receive nothing but understanding, cooperation
and respect from me and my team,” Mr. Buhari said
The president-elect also thanked Nigerians for
putting their faith in him, even as he said the
country has now joined the ranks of those
nations that have used the ballot box to peacefully
change an incumbent President in a free and fair
election.
“To me this is indeed historic,” he said.
Mr. Buhari reiterated his earlier call to all his
supporters to remain peaceful as they go about their
celebrations and not engage those who never wanted
a change.
“Most people will welcome the result because it is
the one they voted for. Others will naturally be
disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect,
respectful and peaceful in these times,” he said.
He said the electioneering was a hard- fought contest,
adding emotions are presently high.
“We must not allow them to get the better of us. This
is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment
that we must begin to heal the wounds and work
toward a better future.
“We do this first by extending a hand of friendship
and conciliation across the political divide. We hope
and pray our friends in other parties reciprocate,” he
said.
Mr. Buhari said he will address the nation after
receiving his certificate of return from INEC possibly
Wednesday.