Ghana’s President, John Mahama on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 visited President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, hailing him for his statesmanlike gesture in conceding defeat and congratulating President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari following the Saturday, March 28, 2015 presidential election.
Speaking to Statehouse correspondents after holding a closed door meeting with President Jonathan, President Mahama said by his actions, President Jonathan has earned the respect of Nigerians and the international community, adding that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which he heads expects a smooth transition.
He said: “I took the opportunity to commend him (Jonathan) for the statesmanship that was displayed after the election.
“We all knew that he congratulated President-elect Buhari after the election results and he conceded defeat.
“I feel that was a very great sign of maturity and has earned the respect of all Nigerians and the respect of the international community.
“We expect a smooth transition and possibly the role that Nigeria plays in the ECOWAS being the biggest economy not only in our sub-region but in the whole continent.”
On the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, President Mahama said: “We share the same values and more often than not, we agree on international issues and we will continue to share that relationship and I am sure it will make the bonds between our countries stronger.
“If you recall, before the elections and on behalf of the authority of ECOWAS, I gave a solidarity message to Nigerians to step up and consolidate your democracy by having a peaceful, free and transparent elections.
“I believe that the whole world is congratulating you on the peace and stability that have continued to endure before, during and after the elections.
“I have been conferring with President Jonathan on several issues in respect of ECOWAS. We are due to have a summit and we discussed issues about the summit and a few outstanding issues relating to ECOWAS.”
See photos from the visit below:
President Jonathan welcoming President Mahama of Ghana to State House, Tues. April 21. @ecowas_cedeao @JDMahama pic.twitter.com/EZipJ224gj
— Reuben Abati (@abati1990) April 21, 2015
President Jonathan with President Mahama of Ghana, State House, Tues. April 21. @ecowas_cedeao @JDMahama pic.twitter.com/5JlgRXPFaV
— Reuben Abati (@abati1990) April 21, 2015
President Mahama addressing State House correspondents during his visit to President Jonathan, Apr 21 @JDMahama pic.twitter.com/AD5B0i6Dg9
— Reuben Abati (@abati1990) April 21, 2015
