PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday congratulated the opposition candidate in last Sunday’s presidential election run-off in Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, on his victory.
In a statement by Dr. Reuben Abati, his spokesman, Jonathan, who is currently participating in the ongoing Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in Seoul, South Korea, described the election of Sall as “victory for democracy and just reward for all Senegalese people who kept faith in the democratic process and voted responsibly in what has proved to be a watershed election. The Senegalese people have confirmed that theirs is a mature democracy built on freedom and respect for rules and laws.
“If there was ever any doubt, this election has proved that the foundation of Senegalese democracy is rock solid. This is good for the Senegalese people and also for our sub-region, especially at a time one of our brother countries is facing grave challenges to constitutional order,” he said.
Also, the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has commended the people of Senegal over the successful conclusion of the polls.
A statement by his special adviser on media, Uche Anichukwu, said Ekweremadu who congratulated President-elect Sall for winning in a free, fair, and credible manner, also commended the incumbent President Wade for conceding defeat, describing his action as an invaluable asset to Senegal’s democracy and unity.
Jonathan further observed that Sall’s “commitment to democracy and remarkable leadership and doggedness in the face of great odds are proof that he is the right person to heal wounds, unite the country and lead Senegal along the path of peace, equity and prosperity.”
He also commended incumbent Wade, “for graciously accepting defeat, showing great maturity and statesmanship and organising an election that was adjudged free and fair, whose outcome he has accepted.”
Jonathan recommended Wade’s example to all other leaders on the African continent.
According to President, “the outcome of the election in Senegal is good for West Africa and the African continent,” he stressed, adding “he looks forward to working with President-elect Sall and the people of Senegal for the mutual benefit of our two countries and for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region.”
