US Senate, Congress, Others Congratulate Jonathan, Buhari

The United States Senate Committees on Judiciary and Foreign Relations, the Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs, Secretary John Kerry together with Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation in the Americas (NIDOA) yesterday congratulated the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and President Goodluck Jonathan for the successful presidential election held last Saturday.

Speaking in a statement made available to our correspondent, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Chris Coons, said that the election was an important step for Nigeria’s democracy and future. “Nigeria still faces considerable challenges; so it is critical that all parties commit to a peaceful transition of power and recognise the importance of a government with broad democratic legitimacy. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Obama Administration to help President-elect Buhari combat Boko Haram and build a more secure and prosperous country for all Nigerians”, he said.

In its own statement signed by its chairman, Senator Robert Menendez, US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations applauded the Nigerian people and political leaders on both sides for their commitment and dedication to the democratic process.

Commending INEC and its chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, for the work it has done in administering the elections, the committee said it hoped that the Governorship and State Assembly elections on April 11 would proceed in the same peaceful and orderly manner. “I look forward to continued cooperation between our countries on development, trade and security matters”, Menendez said.

Also, chairman of the US Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), lauded the Nigerian people for turning out in their millions to exercise their civic rights regardless of Boko Haram’s threats to disrupt the elections.

“Now, voters must respect the outcome. Disputes should be handled in the courtroom, not in the streets. President Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated true leadership in conceding to Mr Buhari. President Jonathan must now ensure that his loyalists follow his lead and step away from power peacefully, forever distinguishing himself and this transition in Nigeria’s history. President-elect Buhari made some bold commitments during his campaign, including to root out Nigeria’s rampant corruption. He should stay true to his political pledges. The committee stands ready to work with President-elect Buhari in tackling the number of security and economic challenges facing Nigeria, particularly combating Boko Haram”, Royce further said.

Meanwhile, the United States secretary, Senator John Kerry, has congratulated the people of Nigeria and the Nigerian government on the historic and largely peaceful elections that took place on March 28.