Ghanaian President, John Mahama, on Tuesday commended President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the March 28 presidential elections, adding that he showed a great sign of maturity.
According to him, President Jonathan, by his action, had earned the respect of Nigerians and the international community.
Mahama stated this while speaking with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Ghanaian President, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, disclosed that the sub-regional body expected a smooth transition from Jonathan to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.
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.
“I feel that was a very great sign of maturity and he has earned the respect of all Nigerians and the respect of the international community for all what he did.
“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.”
According to Mahama, Nigeria was a very important member of ECOWAS, and that he expects the country to continue to play this prominent role in the ECOWAS sub-region, adding that because of the special relation that exists between Nigeria and Ghana, he has decided to congratulate Nigerians on what has been a very good election.
“We share the same values and more often than not, we agree on international issues and we will continue to share that relationship and am sure it will make the bonds between our countries stronger,” he added.
Mahama also convey the commendation of the ECOWAS to Nigerians for successful elections.
He said: “If you recall before the elections 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 election.
“I believe that the whole world is congratulating you on the peace and stability that has continued to endure before, during and after the election.
“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.”
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