The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs, Professor Rufai Alkali on Friday, April 3, 2015 said President Jonathan’s statesmanlike gestures in the aftermath of his unsuccessful re-election bid has elevated him to the status of ‘eternal hero’
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Alkali said President Jonathan’s actions in spite of visible inconsistencies and irregularities of the just-concluded election is evidence that he is a man of honour, more so as he did so before the election result was officially announced.
He said: “The destinies of all great nations in the world are greatly shaped by the behaviour, attitude and actions of their leaders.
“The March 28 Presidential election, which has been described by both domestic and international observers as a defining moment in the history of Nigeria, has come and gone.
“It is an undisputable fact that the saving grace of our great country in this historic election has been the candour, conduct and comportment of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has elevated himself to the status of an eternal hero and a champion of democracy.
“This is particularly so because in spite of the glaring irregularities and inconsistencies of the electoral process, President Jonathan took the unprecedented step of conceding to his opponent, General Buhari, even before the result was formally announced.
“It is clear that Mr. President’s participation in this contest was not for his personal interest but for the advancement of our vision of a united and prosperous Nigeria. This is precisely why he expanded the democratic space by allowing an opposition group to flourish.
“In a number of countries around the world, there are countless examples of interventions to scuttle opposition parties including systematic efforts by government to undermine their leadership.
“It is to President Jonathan’s credit that the two general elections conducted under his watch have been adjudged the best in the history of the country. He has therefore reached a moral high ground and shall continue to be a source of inspiration to all who believe in Nigeria’s democracy.”
