‘I conceded defeat to prevent crisis,’ President says

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he conceded defeat to his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari to prevent crisis in Nigeria.

The President explained that after many years of resolving conflicts in other African countries, he didn’t want the same fate for Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday, May 20, by Jonathan’s media aide, Reuben Abati on the President’s comments during a farewell and solidarity visit to him by the African Ambassadors’ Group.

“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,” Jonathan said.

“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.