Date: 2011-04-19

Kwara State Governor, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has rejoiced with President Goodluck Jonathan on his victory at the polls.

In a congratulatory message to Mr. President, Dr Saraki said: "On behalf of the Government and People of Kwara State, I wish to heartily congratulate Dr Goodluck Jonathan on his resounding victory in the 2011 Presidential elections.

"I also congratulate Nigerians for the successful conduct of the election which has been acclaimed by both national and international observers as one of the most credible free and fair elections in our country’s political history.

"Mr. President, your declaration as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a reflection of your acceptance by majority of Nigerians who gave you their votes to pilot the affairs of our great country for the next four years".

The governor however commended Dr Jonathan for living up to his words to ensure credible 2011 general elections and appealed to him to extend his hands of fellowship to other candidates who contested the presidential election with him in the interest of democracy.

The election, he said, is indeed a historic national achievement which transcends any individual or political party victory. The success of the presidential election confirms Nigeria’s enthusiasm for democracy and demonstrates our readiness to lay a good example for the rest of Africa.

Dr Saraki urged other presidential candidates who vied for the office to accept defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship rather than dissipating energy in wasteful spending through instituting litigations and join hands with Mr. President so that we can collectively move the country forward.

He advised those who may have reasons to be aggrieved with the process or outcome of the election to seek lawful and peaceful redress while assuring all and sundry that President Jonathan will not disappoint them.

Dr Saraki also commended the Chairman of INEC; Professor Attahiru Jega for justifying the confidence reposed in him and urged him to improve in the subsequent elections.

Mas’ud Adebimpe
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
19/04/2011