Goodluck Jonathan: ‘I conceded defeat to prevent crisis,’ President says

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President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday has said he conceded defeat to his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari  in the march 28 presidential election in Nigeria to prevent crisis.
The President explained that after many years of resolving conflicts in other African countries, he didn’t want the same fate for Nigeria.

A statement released on Wednesday, May 20, by Jonathan’s media aide, Reuben Abati quoted the President’s as speaking while receiving member of the African Ambassadors’ Group who where on a farewell and solidarity visit to the president at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Jonathan added that,“I believe that character matters in leadership. And it is not just about who becomes the President of a country, but somebody has to be there and the person needs the support of all to succeed. I made a choice to keep the country away from conflict,” he said.

He stressed that, “I have been involved in solving many problems in African countries for more than five years and I know the enormity and cost of conflicts, especially on the citizenry. We cannot afford that in Nigeria. If we were to have a political conflict in Nigeria, I am not sure the sub-region will be able to accommodate our citizens. My commitment is to always put the country before my personal ambition and that is what I have demonstrated,” he added.

“I have always advised other African leaders that we will need to have a country before we can have the ambition to become President. We don’t have to expose our people to deaths because we want to stay in power. Some people hold on to power, may be, for fear of the unknown,” Jonathan said.

The President said further that he would always be committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria and Africa.

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