President Jonathan Reveals Real Reason He Conceded Defeat

President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed why he conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election. 

Jonathan said he conceded defeat because of his desire to keep the country away from conflict. 

He explained that having been involved in solving many problems in African countries for over five years, he knew the enormity and cost of conflicts and would not want Nigeria to witness such. This was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati. 

The statement quoted Jonathan as speaking while receiving members of the African Ambassadors’ Group, who were on a farewell and solidarity visit to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Jonathan assured that he would always be committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria and Africa. Jonathan said, “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. “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.” He also recalled working extensively for over five years with other African leaders to forestall crisis in some African countries, especially in the West African sub-region. 

The president also stated that he led peace efforts in some of the countries like Cote ‘d’Ivoire, Mali and Guinea Bissau. “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.