After three attempts, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) yesterday won a resounding victory over President Goodluck Jonathan and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It would be the first time in the nation’s history that an opposition candidate will defeat a sitting president in an electoral contest.
Declaring Buhari winner of the last weekend’s presidential election, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and returning officer of the polls, Prof. Attahiru Jega announced that with a total votes of 15,424,921 and having won in 21 states, the APC candidate has fulfilled the constitutional provisions and is duly elected.
His arch rival, Jonathan won 12,853,162 votes and majority in 15 states and the federal capital territory.
According to the constitution, for a candidate to emerge President, he msut win more than 50 percent of all valid votes, plus a mandatory 25 percent in two-thirds of the country’s 36 states.
Buhari won majority in 21 states and 25 percent in 27 states.
Buhari emerges president-elect: We told you
There were people and organisations that predicted that the nation was on the cusp of change.
LEADERSHIP’s reportage, analyses and prognoses of the presidential elections have been spot-on.
In our Sunday March 30 edition, we reported that the Nigerian electorate was ‘drafting a statement on change’. On Monday, we saw clearly that history was beckoning. Yesterday, we reported the first round of election results, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed Buhari’s ‘march to the Villa.’
In all, with INEC almost through with collation, LEADERSHIP has been vindicated as speaking for the people. It is expected that, later today, the INEC chairman will announce the emergence of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, as president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The facts are clear. Results of the presidential polls indicated that the APC candidate won in the two largest zones – North West and South West. Buhari also enjoyed wider popularity than his arch-rival President Goodluck Jonathan, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the North East zone.
The incumbent president clinched the South South and the South East.
As things stand, the Daura-born retired general is marching to the seat of power in Aso Rock Villa. Try as PDP might to put a spanner in the works, the time appears ripe for change.
We felicitate with the president-elect and Nigeria as they embrace change.
Jonathan concedes defeat, congratulates Buhari
Sensing that the election had been won and lost President Jonathan called the President-elect on the telephone at 5:15pm to congratulate him. The results of two states, Delta and Borno, were still being awaited at the time the president put a call through to his would-be successor.
He called the eventual winner again at 5:20pm to inform him that he was going to commence in earnest the arrangements for a seamless transition.
Buhari appreciated the patriotic fervour of the president and praised him for his courage and magnanimity in extending a hand of fellowship to him.
The two gladiators had engaged in a fierce electioneering campaign, with their supporters more often going beyond bounds in verbal assaults.
Jonathan immediately after summoned a meeting with the leadership of the National Peace Committee for the 2015 general elections, led by a former military leader, Gen. Abdusalami Abdusalami (retd).
Others at the meeting included the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onayeikan, and a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs Priscilla Kuye.
There had been much anxiety over the presidential election with fears that the people’s will could be tinkered with, and that it would spark violence by partisan interest groups.
Jonathan’s actions are seen as a soothing balm to the frayed nerves of people calling for the dismemberment of the country through violence.
Please keep my legacy of free and fair polls – Jonathan
* Confirms congratulating Buhai
* Urges PDP to celebrate, not mourn
President Goodluck Jonathan last night made a modest request: that his legacy of expanding the democratic space for Nigerians to participate freely as exemplified in last Saturday’s presidential poll be allowed to thrive.
In a statement he issued officially in respect of the conduct of the election, the president also confirmed that he had earlier in the day phoned to congratulate the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
In the statement he officially signed, which was made available to LEADERSHIP by presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, Jonathan said his actions were in fulfilment of his promise of clean polls.
Jonathan said: “I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure.
“Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by INEC, I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.
“I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.
The president expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the chance they gave him to serve them as leader, saying he would continue to do his best “at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.”
He reiterated his position that his political ambition is not a do-or-die affair.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else,” he said.
He also applauded the people and the security operatives for their conduct which ensured peaceful polls last weekend.
Jonathan also consoled members of his party, the ruling PDP, saying they should be happy to bequeath democratic freedom to the country.
“To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning. We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.
“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism,” he concluded.
‘Orubebe made a fool of himself’
Jonathan’s statesmanlike disposition contrasts sharply with the disgraceful conduct of former minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the PDP agent at the collation centre, Mr Godsday Orubebe, who almost disrupted the peaceful collation and announcement at the International Conference Centre, venue of the exercise.
The spokesperson of the APC presidential campaign organisation, Garba Shehu, in a statement, denounced “the bizarre show of shame by Orubebe.”
He said: “As disgraceful as the action by Orubebe was this morning, it typifies the kind of thing Nigerians should expect from the PDP and its agents, in an expression of their desperation and pent-up frustrations with the popular decisions of Nigerians in the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections.”
Orubebe had seized the microphone at the collation hall to disparage INEC chairman, Professor Jega, as the announcement of presidential election results from different states of Nigeria was ongoing.
Orubebe had angrily shouted at Jega: “We have lost confidence in what you are doing. You are tribalistic. You are selective… We don’t believe in you anymore. You are compromised and we won’t take it from you.”
He went on to accuse the INEC boss of ignoring earlier complaints lodged by the ruling party about alleged voting irregularities in some states in the north while he attended to that of the opposition APC concerning the cantankerous election in Rivers State.
The election commission boss, for his part, dismissed the allegations. He explained that PDP’s petition was not properly channelled.
Garba Shehu, however, believes that Orubebe’s disgraceful action was a taste of what the new party in power should anticipate from the ousted PDP.
“Orubebe’s drama… is just act one, scene one, in a plot that has many more acts and scenes ahead. The elements of the drama might involve a breach of law and order.
“We, therefore, call on Nigerians to be watchful, vigilant and prayerful, and remain resolute to protect our democracy from the machinations of agents-provocateurs,” he stated.
I’m proud of my husband – Buhari’ wife
Incoming First Lady Aisha Buhari took to her newly created official Twitter handle to congratulate her husband, General Muhammadu Buhari, for his victory in the presidential election.
About two hours ago, Mrs Buhari who has recently joined Twitter, wrote, “I am so proud of my husband and the team who have worked hard to make this happen. Nigerians are aware now more than ever that the people have the power to sway the fate of a nation.
“We must see this as a triumphant show of democracy, a change for the better. I am excited for the future of this nation as we now have a mandate for change.
“I, too, have watched with bated breath as the results have been announced. It has been a gripping day for democracy in Nigeria.”
Patience Jonathan commences packing out of Aso Villa
As the election result trickled in and it became evident that President Goodluck Jonathan had lost, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday commenced the process of moving out of the presidential villa.
A Presidency source said she summoned her domestic staff and ordered them to pack her personal belongings in readiness for the change of guard.
“By 6pm, the truck had made two trips”, the source reported.
It is, however, unknown where the First Lady’s property were transported to.
Mrs Jonathan was very visible at the presidential rallies and made vile comments about the president-elect and his party.
More jubilations
Thousands of Nigerians streamed into the main streets, including hitherto insurgency-endemic states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe, waving flags and chanting in celebration of an apparent election victory Buhari.
Also in southern cities of Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan and Port Harcourt, it was jubilations galore.
The police stood by and watched as the masses marched past, dancing, singing and waving APC flags.
This was in complete contrast to the wave of political violence witnessed in Kaduna and other parts of the north after the last presidential election result was announced in 2011.
Buhari lost that election to President Jonathan.
PDP head office deserted
The national headquarters of the ruling PDP was like a ghost town yesterday when it became apparent that its presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, had been defeated by the candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd).
Signs that the party was not favoured to win the elections had earlier emerged on Monday when most of the employees of the party failed to turn up for duty.
Its staff park, located close to the national secretariat at Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, which was usually full of cars belonging to its employees, was devoid of the usual vehicular activities.
Also, only a handful of the security guards, made up of policemen, civil defence corps and private guards, were at their duty posts.
Yesterday, as the results were being announced by the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, employees of the party gathered to discuss its possible outcome.
“We have squandered our goodwill,” one of the members of the National Working Committee of the party told our correspondent in confidence.
Dollar falls against Naira
The naira, which has suffered unprecedented fall in recent months, also appear to be responding to the statement of change of leadership.
Yesterday, the country’s currency gained a significant leap as it exchanged for N215 to a dollar.
The exchange rate has been hovering around N225 to N236 since the electioneering campaign started.
The sliding naira value had resulted in speculation in the market and caused ripple effects on other currencies.
Some bureau de change and black market operators in Abuja said that they could not give rates to the Pound Sterling and the Euro, but were excited with the election of Buhari.
Dealers said that there was scarcity of dollars in circulation. They also said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had stopped selling forex to the Bureaux De Change, since last year.
The CBN in November 2014 devalued the Naira to N168 to the dollar and the free-fall had not abated.
Abubakar commends Jonathan for conceding defeat
Former Head of State and Chairman of National Peace Committee on 2015, General Abdulsalam Abubakar yesterday lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding victory in the presidential election.
Speaking with journalists after leading the National Peace Committee to meet with Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Abubakar said members of the committee were shocked when they learnt that the president had already accepted defeat ahead of a formal announcement of the winner by INEC.
He confirmed that Jonathan called the winner, General Muhammed Buhari, at about 5:15pm to congratulate him, describing the action as a laudable development because it is the first time that a losing presidential candidate would quickly congratulate his rival.
The former leader said he was in the villa along with other members of the committee, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, former Chief of General Staff, Ebitu Ukiwe, former NBA president, Priscilla Kuye and business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among others, to thank Jonathan for such an unprecedented step.
Noting that the elections were peaceful despite hitches, he appealed to all Nigerians to keep the peace.
“At this moment we thank Nigerians and all international community who came to support us during the elections. The elections have been very peaceful despite the hitches here and there.
“We were at the middle of a meeting with the international observers to try to see how we can still water down the tension, when gladly I called Gen. Buhari that we are going to see him, and he told me that Mr President had called him at about 5:15 p.m. to congratulate him and concede defeat.
“We were spell-bound and the reason we have come here is to thank President Jonathan for this statesmanship. In the history of Nigeria I think this is the first time where a contestant has called his rival to congratulate him and, through this, President Jonathan has maintained a point that the blood of Nigerians is not worth his presidency and by his action he has proved that.”
Abdulsalami described Jonathan as a proven statesman and urged all Nigerians to join hands and cooperate with the president to be able to hand over peacefully, even as he pleaded with politicians who might be aggrieved to explore the judiciary option rather than resort to violence.
“On behalf of Nigerians I want to thank President Jonathan for being the statesman that he is. He has approved that he is a statesman and he has the love of this country in his heart.
“For any Nigerian who is aggrieved, the electoral law has procedures for seeking re-address, so if anybody has any grievance, he should apply through the law. I appeal again to our youth, to everybody, to please give peace a chance.
“The chief contestant himself has accepted, so nobody should go and raise any eyebrow and cause any destabilization of this country,” he advised.
Jonathan’s concession of defeat, lesson for Nigerians – Sultan
* As Atiku hails president, congratulates Buhari
A member of the National Peace Committee and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan over his prompt concession of defeat to his main challenger in the March 28 presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), describing the gesture as a lesson for all Nigerians.
Reacting to the conduct and outcome of the election during a phone interview on Channels TV last night, Sultan Abubakar described the election as the best in Nigeria’s history, adding that he hoped Buhari would reciprocate Jonathan’s positive gesture.
He further praised the incumbent president for proving his forthrightness after having repeatedly promised to conduct free and free elections during the deliberations of the peace committee.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a congratulatory message to both Jonathan and Buhari yesterday, said he hoped all hands would be on deck to build a new Nigeria.
He also expressed his gratitude to the president for conducting a “historic” election for which he has won global admiration.
Atiku said: “To President Jonathan, I want to specially thank you for conducting a historic election. Your party may have lost the election, but you have won the admiration of the world by not interfering with the wishes of Nigerians. History will be kind to you.”
The former vice president also had words of advice for the president-elect.
“Dear GMB (Gen Muhammadu Buhari), the journey has just begun. Millions of Nigerians have put their trust in you, because they were not satisfied with the status quo. You represent the hope of a new generation of Nigerians, and you cannot afford to fail them. Our party has made a promise of change to our young people, to secure and rebuild our country, create jobs and opportunity, and improve citizens’ welfare. We will stand behind you to ensure we keep those promises, just like we did during these elections,” Atiku said.
ACF, NLC praise Jonathan for conceding defeat
The apex northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the presidential election.
ACF national chairman Ibrahim Coomassie, in a telephone interview, said President Jonathan had demonstrated maturity in accepting defeat and called on Nigerians to toe his path of maturity and applaud him accordingly.
“We are glad that we have been vindicated. When General Buhari was elected as his party flag bearer, we supported him because he is from the north, and our forum is championing in particular the cause of the north and Nigeria in general.
“Let Nigerians emulate the example of President Goodluck Jonathan who conceded defeat and congratulated the winner of the presidential election.
“We are calling on those threatening that heaven will fall to sheathe their sword and cooperate with the new government for Nigeria to move forward,” Coomassie stressed.
On its part, the NLC, in a statement issued by the president of the splinter group, Comrade Joe Ajaero said, “On behalf of the affiliates and members of the NLC, we congratulate the newly elected president, General Muhammadu Buhari.
“Our congratulation goes to President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat to General Buhari in this historic free and fair election. We salute him for this unprecedented statesmanship.”
According to Ajaero, the conduct of Saturday’s election is a practical demonstration of the maturation of the nation’s democratic process, and gives hope for improved performance in subsequent elections in the country.
We’ll be magnanimous in victory – Gov Amaechi
Rivers State governor and director-general of APC presidential campaign, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has described the victory of his party at the March 28 presidential election as a victory for democracy.
The governor stated this at the party’s national secretariat yesterday in Abuja while addressing journalists.
Amaechi, who arrived at the party’s secretariat with Senator Bukola Sariki to the cheer of jubilant party supporters, also disclosed that his party would be magnanimous in victory.
Pledging that the APC government would carry Nigerians along, the Rivers governor thanked Nigerians for embracing the party’s message of change.
On his part, an APC chieftain and former governor of old Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, said the new APC government would address the intractable problems that have bedevilled the country for long.
Meanwhile, while reacting to the victory of the party, APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun disclosed that the party would not discriminate on the basis of religion or ethnicity.
He, however, commended President Jonathan for congratulating General Buhari over his victory at the poll.
“What the president has done today has added to the sustenance of democracy,” he said.
Obasanjo writes Buhari, advises on reforms
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has congratulated the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC, over his victory in last Saturday’s presidential election.
Obasanjo, in a letter to the president-elect made available to newsmen last night in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said his victory “after three previous unsuccessful attempts must be a great lesson for you and for all politicians, particularly in Nigeria.
“For me, the totality of 2015 elections hold many lessons for our democracy and democratisation process which are both maturing.”
Obasanjo lamented that much damage had been done to institutions in the country, especially the military, education, economy and the fight against corruption, pointing out that Buhari should revive them.
“With so much harm already done to many national institutions including the military, which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to do on institutional reform; in education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agribusiness, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption. Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead.”
The former president urged Buhari to employ “men and women of goodwill, character and virtue across the board that you can mobilise to join hands with you in the reform, repair and re-direction that will be imperative to put Nigeria back on the fast lane of good governance, unity, cohesiveness, development and progress.”
Fayemi cheers Buhari
Former Ekiti State governor and APC chieftain, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari over the party’s victory in the just concluded presidential election, saying the victory signposts a new beginning for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Fayemi, in the statement signed by his chief press secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, said that going by the outcome of the election, Nigerians had demonstrated to the entire world their ability and readiness to toe the path of greatness and oneness.
“History has just been made in our dear country,” declared Fayemi. “Nigerians have spoken. They have spoken clearly through their votes. They want a new direction and a new approach to governance and the APC government under the able leadership of General Buhari owes them this and more.”
Saying that a successful election is a sine qua non to an enduring democracy and sustainable development, Fayemi asserted that the emergence of the opposition party after the 16-year rule by the PDP marked a significant change in the country’s political history.
He added that the APC, through the victory, is now saddled with the responsibility of making a meaningful change in the lives of the people as promised during the electioneering.
Buhari’s victory has rescued Nigeria from the jaw of death – Aregbesola
The governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described Buhari’s victory as the best thing to happen to a country that has endured 16 years of misrule at the centre.
To him, Nigeria has finally been rescued from the jaws of death after the long years of social, political and economic strain.
Aregbesola, in a statement by the director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, congratulated Nigerians for the doggedness, perseverance and commitment to voting out a party that had held them hostage for 16 years.
The governor said the overall results of the elections and the general conduct of the electorate proved that Nigerians really wanted change in the country.
He also charged all other political parties to take the results and final outcome of the election with the spirit of sportsmanship, saying the people have spoken through their votes.
It’s a new dawn—Oshiomhole
Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has congratulated Buhari on his victory and emergence as president-elect, saying the victory represents a new dawn in the nation’s polity.
In a statement, Governor Oshiomhole said: “Let me congratulate you, sir, on your historic victory at the presidential election, through a process which has been adjudged as free, fair and credible by both
local and international observers. Indeed, your victory, on the basis of one man, one vote, represents a new dawn in the democratic governance of our great country.
“The spread of your victory across the length and breadth of the country shows your national acceptance as the man Nigeria needs at this critical stage to reposition her from the 16 years of misrule of the PDP.”
Buhari’s victory proves Nigeria is united -Tofa
The presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the 1993 election, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa has said that Buhari’s victory is proof of a united Nigeria peopled by peace loving people.
In an exclusive interview with our reporter, Tofa congratulated the president-elect and all Nigerians for their endurance, dedication and patience on Election Day.
“We are also grateful to President Jonathan for the wisdom and patriotism he showed by phoning and congratulating General Buhari. We have demonstrated to the whole world that we are democrats. I say, well done, Professor Jega and your INEC team.
“It is now a time to prove again that we are a united country of brothers and sisters who are determined to live together in peace and harmony.”
Tofa called for fair treatment of all sections of the country, just as he expressed hope that the next elections coming up on April 11 would be more successful and peaceful.
Okorocha congratulates Buhari
The chairman of APC Governors’ Forum and governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has congratulated General Buhari for emerging victorious at the presidential election.
Describing Buhari’s victory as divine, he thanked Nigerians for subscribing to change.
He said by virtue of Buhari’ s victory, the Igbos and lmo people in particular could now appreciate the wisdom behind his decision to be part of the merger that brought APC.
He further remarked that it would have been disastrous if in the new order the lgbos are not represented.
Jubilations across the nation
It was jubilations galore across the country as General Muhammadu Buhari was yesterday declared winner of the election held at the weekend.
Wild jubilations in Katsina
Hundreds of youths yesterday filled the streets of Katsina municipal to celebrate the victory of Nigeria’s president-elect, General Buhari.
Our correspondent reports that shortly after the news of a reported phone conversation between President Jonathan and General Buhari filtered, the youths started victory marches in major streets of the state capital.
The youths, including little children, held brooms and other APC insignia including posters of General Buhari, chanting “Sai Baba, say Buhari”.
In some of the major corners of the state capital, young girls and elderly women also joined in the jubilation. Scores of youths were seen chanting APC slogans, with motorcyclists riding dangerous in ecstasy.
It was observed that scores of youths from Daura, Buhari’s hometown, were also not left out in the wild jubilations as they took to the streets, wielding brooms.
A youth leader, Musa Sagir Daura, told our correspondent that they would keep vigil.
“It is going to be celebrations galore all through the night and we have made all the necessary arrangements to ensure everybody conducts himself in an orderly manner,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State chairman of Jamaatul Izalatil Bidiah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Yakubu Musa, has urged youths to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and not to lose their head during the jubilations.
“We are calling on youths not to take laws into their hands but to be thankful to Allah for what He has done”, Sheikh Musa said even as he urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s behaviour.
Akwa Ibom agog
There was wild jubilations in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, yesterday following Buhari’s victory.
Our reporter gathered that youths in their hundreds stormed the popular Ibom Plaza entertainment centre in the heart of Uyo, the state capital dancing and chanting songs for Buhari’s victory.
Meanwhile, our reporter saw youths in their hundreds with brooms chanting, “Nigerians say change; Buhari is our man.”
One of the marchers said: “We love him because we know that he will deliver us from the oppression we suffered for so many years.”
Others were seen dancing along the road.
A ten-year old primary schoolgirl, Iniobong Etim Udoete, told our reporter that she joined in the jubilation because her mother told her that the country needed a change that would put food on their family table and also make life more liveable.
At another location in the same general area, our reporter saw a group of youths dancing to a political song emanating from a tape recorder mounted in the ground.
Kaduna in jubilation mood amidst ‘self-imposed curfew’
Kaduna metropolis was yesterday agog as youths marched in their numbers, rejoicing over Buhari’s victory.
Our correspondent who went round the metropolis reports that aside some youths who came out in some parts of the metropolis, like in Tudun Wada, Kurmi Mashi and some other parts of the metropolis, there seemed to be a self-imposed curfew by resident of the state as they failed to come out for their normal activities.
It was observed that shops were under lock and key while the major streets were devoid of vehicular and human movement except for very few persons on essential duty.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the announcement of the 2011 presidential result triggered violence during which many were killed and property worth millions destroyed. It was obvious the residents still have the scars of that sad experience and had elected to err on the side of caution. Many non-natives had already travelled out of town before the election.
Meanwhile, security agents were seen at some strategically located points to prevent any breakdown of law and order that may trail the announcement of the winner.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent on the self-imposed ‘curfew’ said the fear of reoccurrence of the 2011 incident informed their decision to lie low.
A resident, Mallam Mundi Abdullahi, said: “Prevention is better than cure. You know in 2011 it was after President Jonathan was declared winner that crisis started. So since we didn’t know who was going to win, we needed to apply wisdom; that is why my family and I are indoors,” he said.
Others who spoke gave similar reasons for choosing to remain indoors until the coast is clear.
Nasarawa erupts in jubilation
It was dawn at twilight yesterday in all the major towns of Nasarawa State as spontaneous jubilations erupted following Buhari’s presidential poll victory.
In Lafia, the state capital, business activities were grounded as traders and shop owners closed shop once the results filtered into town at about 6pm.
The streets of the capital city were overtaken by youths, women and children who turned everything handy into drums as they chanted victory songs.
Those who spoke to LEADERSHIP commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his spirit of statesmanship and sportsmanship, by playing politics without bitterness and ensuring that peace and security prevailed after the declaration of results, even though he lost.
Niger goes agog despite curfew
With the announcement of Buhari as the president-elect, some youths yesterday took to the streets in Minna, Niger State capital, celebrating the victory, even as state government declared a curfew from 6pm yesterday to 8am today.
The government, in a statement signed by the secretary to the state government (SSG), Saidu Ndako Kpaki, said that the curfew was expected to affect places like MInna, Bida, Mokwa, Kontagora, and Suleja, adding that Buhari’s victory should be celebrated and not marred by civil unrest.
He added that the state government would do everything within its power to maintain law and order, adding that the beauty of democracy is to respect the rule of law.
Despite the curfew, LEADERSHIP observed APC supporters jubilating in various places in the state capital, while some PDP members were seen with gloomy faces.
Policemen, soldiers join jubilant crowds in Maiduguri
Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was yesterday thrown into wild jubilations as thousands of residents took to the streets to celebrate Buhari’s victory.
As Delta State’s result was announced at the national collation centre, Abuja, residents of Maiduguri went wild, taking to the streets and driving at dangerous speed, in addition to children and young men dancing on the highways and all chanting songs.
But the most shocking surprise in Maiduguri was when members of the security forces also joined the celebration as soldiers and policemen were spotted in their various posts dancing, some of them firing into the air.
A military officer was heard shouting on top of his voice: “Yes the time has come; the general has returned”.
Celebration continued even into the curfew hours that normally commence at 7pm, with soldiers and policemen who normally enforced the curfew folding their arms and gleefully watching the joyful residents.
Enugu residents jubilate
Residents of Enugu yesterday joined in the general rejoicing following Buhar’s victory in presidential election.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent said they were happy that the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, lost the election.
They described Jonathan as a weak president who failed to address the nation’s problems, saying that they believed that Buhari would be different.
Our correspondent reports that residents let off fireworks in celebration.
… Fr. Mbaka’s prophecy of change fulfilled
LEADERSHIP recalls that a renowned Enugu-based Catholic priest, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka had predicted Buhari’s victory over Jonathan in his New Year message.
Mbaka had said: “President Jonathan has failed to stem the tide of insecurity and corruption in the country.
“In the year 2014, we had a lot of bloodshed in this country. People were dying like rats without anybody asking about them. This country suffered a lot of blood experience. Many of us witnessed that people were in tears. Just like the ancient world, the year 2014, the 4 in it had the queen in it, which had to do with death. Our leader’s failed us with reckless abandon and nobody asked them question.
“We need change. Whatever it will be, let it be. This is my golden message to my beloved country. Ogini n’eme? (What actually is happening?). The multitude of our youths, the quality young men, quality young women, brilliants youths but nobody has plans for any of you. Our so-called leaders should come and apologize. In 2015, it shall not continue like that (shouts of AMEN).
“By the grace of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing, spiritually, change! 2015 should not be a year of any hooligan manoeuvring to hijack power. This is our New Year message. Listen, when you go home, tell anybody you see that from the oracle of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing change (AMEN). Can somebody help me to shout change (shouts of change by the congregation) in Jesus holy name… I seal this year with the blood of Jesus.”
After this message, a lot of Nigerians criticised the priest for earlier receiving and praying for First Lady Dame Patience when she visited Mbaka’s adoration ground in Enugu weeks earlier to seek prayers towards her husband’s re-election.