The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has commended President Goodluck Jonathan over what they described as his display of “quality Christian and democratic character.”
The statement said: “The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) wishes to join all Nigerians to thank God for the peaceful conduct of the Presidential elections. Despite the enormous tension and apprehension that preceded the election, Nigerians have demonstrated political maturity that elections can be won and lost without recourse to violence or acrimony.
“The National Christian Elders Forum wishes to congratulate and commend the President and Commander in Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for displaying quality Christian and democratic character by his peaceful concession of defeat at the polls and congratulating the winner General Muhammadu Buhari. We join all Nigerians, and indeed the entire world, to commend his act of statesmanship.
“It is encouraging to observe that Nigeria is maturing democratically. Today, we celebrate a sitting president, who after conceding defeat at the polls can say, “I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word.” Mr. President, we are proud of you.
“The National Christian Elders Forum wishes to encourage all politicians in the country to play politics according to the admonition of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan that “nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
“The sterling Christian and democratic qualities aptly demonstrated by President Goodluck Jonathan are in line with the objective of the National Christian Elders Forum that democracy must thrive and be firmly rooted in Nigeria. The fruit of democracy is a peaceful, just, fair, and equitable society. These are the pillars upon which we can build a prosperous nation. The Elders Forum shall continue to work to entrench these values in our nation.
“Once again, we congratulate all Nigerians for a peaceful election and we congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan for saving the nation from bloodshed and chaos.
“The National Christian Elders Forum also congratulates the newly elected president, General Muhammadu Buhari, and we wish him a successful tenure in office.