GEJ Commends Free, Fair Elections In Benin Republic

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Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Immediate-past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has commended the conduct of the 2016 presidential election in neighbouring Benin Republic.

This was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday.

Jonathan, who gained global acclaim for conceding defeat to his main rival, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), in the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria, praised the contribution of all the parties involved in the Beninese election to ensure it was “free, fair and credible”.

The statement read: “Having followed the elections in the Republic of Benin very closely, I am very impressed with the orderly manner with which the administration of President Boni Yayi conducted those polls. They were adjudged peaceful, credible and transparent by local and international observers and President Yayi deserves commendation for providing the leadership that led to this outcome.

“I also congratulate the people of the Republic of Benin for their role in the election and for showing the world that the Republic of Benin and its citizens have come of age in the practice of democracy.

“I especially wish to appreciate the incumbent Prime Minister of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Lionel Zinsou, who was a candidate for President, for his exemplary conduct of conceding defeat and congratulating the choice of the people, Mr. Patrice Talon, on his victory at the polls. Such a gesture by Prime Minister Zinsou is rare and should be applauded by all statesmen as the highest display of patriotism and maturity.

“Finally, I congratulate Mr. Patrice Talon on his victory and wish him a successful and peaceful tenure after his swearing in even as I urge that there should be no victor or vanquished in this process. All the Beninoise people are winners and have cause to be proud of their nation. GEJ”

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