BUHARI TO GEJ: ‘You’re a leader of the past, of now and of the future; you will rise again’

Former President Goodluck Jonathan was on Tuesday described by his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, as “a leader of the past , of now and of the future.”

Buhari, who gave the accolades to Jonathan in recognition of how he voluntarily conceding defeat in the 2015 general elections, described him as a true democrat, adding that he would “rise again.”

Buhari stated this at the lunch of Jonathan’s book entitled “My Transition Hours,” in Abuja.

Buhari was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

He said, “You are a leader of the past, of now and of the future; you will rise again; I wish you the best you wish yourself.

According to Buhari, Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in 2015 had made him a patriotic leader as well as earned him popularity among Africans and other leaders.

While noting that Nigerians should avoid bitterness, bigotry, hate speech and “promote Nigeria for us and generation yet unborn,” Buhari urged citizens to see elections as contests that must be done in a free, fair and peaceful environment.

Jonathan speaking, condemned the heightened issues of inducement of voters and vote buying during elections in the Nigeria; a development he said was wrong and against democratic norms.

READ ALSO: How Obama, fake news caused my defeat in 2015– Jonathan

In attendance at the event were hundreds of prominent Nigerians, among whom were former Heads of state Abdulsalam Abubakar, Yakubu Gowon, ex – President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the All Progressives Congress national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, ex-PDP governors and many members of the political class, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic corps also graced the event.

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