Come May 29, the nation’s most influential newspaper,
will celebrate the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and other
Nigerians who contributed to the deepening and strengthening of the
nation’s democracy.
These include outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan, the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, governors-elect and others.
The March 28 Nigerian presidential election was one of Africa’s biggest elections and it did not disappoint, though the Election Day was beset with administrative inefficiencies, typified by card reader failures that threatened to derail the process.
There was high drama, violence and tensions, but, most of all, an electorate determined to exercise their democratic right to vote – come rain or shine.
On that day, Nigerians voted for ‘change’!
However, some eminent Nigerians stand out as true “Heroes of Democracy”.
President Goodluck Jonathan
The mild-mannered Jonathan had, in an unprecedented move, congratulated his main challenger and eventual winner, Muhammadu Buhari, on his election victory even before the final results were announced. Jonathan’s action surprised many. He is now widely referred to as a true statesman.
“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 would like to see endure.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country are more important than anything else”, Jonathan said in a thank-you message to Nigerians.
Before the presidential election results were announced, monitors expressed fears of the possibility of post-election violence, the type witnessed in 2011.
Jonathan has, therefore, opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s political conduct, not the “do-or-die” type the country had become accustomed to in the past.
INEC Chair, Prof. Attahiru Jega
Despite allegations of bias largely on account of the distribution and use of the controversial Card Reader, Jega’s neutrality and competence was celebrated by a larger section of the country and the international community.
The United States Vice President Joe Biden called the frontline presidential candidates, President Goodluck Jonathan and now President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, on phone to express support for the use of the card reader.
Jega’s ordeal before, during and after the elections, and even during the collation of results, were well reported: his life was threatened; his phones tapped; his Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC’s) and key staff were infiltrated; he was blackmailed with treats of death and exposure of some alleged financial deals concerning INEC contracts; his relations were contacted; his friends were induced to persuade him to “play ball” and Service Chiefs summoned him on short notice, all to break his will. There was an attempt to kidnap him days before the elections, and at the Collation Centre, a tense drama played out when a former cabinet minister, Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe, threatened to derail the election process.
Despite all these, Jega remained calm and focused.
Governors – new and returning
The new and returning governors who emerged after the keenly contested elections are the “Champions of Democracy”. On April 11, Nigerian voters queued up to elect 29 governors and other state representatives from all 36 states.
Indeed, Nigerians look forward to a healthy and robust partnership with other tiers of government as the country strives to deepen its maturing democracy and further advance its socio-economic life.
Nigerian Voters
Voters – young and old – arrived at polling units across the country in droves, some as early as 6am. They waited patiently for long hours in the scorching sun. In parts of the country where it rained, they huddled under makeshift umbrellas or stood in the rain determined to make their votes count.
In some parts, voting was extended through Sunday to make up for Election Day shortcomings. Yet, Nigerians were not deterred; they turned out in their millions and waited patiently, sometimes long into the night, to cast their votes.
At polling stations across the country, voters watched the process keenly to make sure that the electoral process was followed to the letter. They posted pictures and videos of delays and any irregularities on social media.
On May 29, 2015, a new administration will be inaugurated in the country after successful general elections. It will also mark 16 years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria.
To celebrate the momentous event, LEADERSHIP Newspaper will celebrate Nigeria’s “Heroes of Democracy”.
We call on corporate bodies, government ministries departments and agencies (MDAs), development organisations, the international community and Nigerians from all walks of life to place congratulatory and goodwill advertorials in LEADERSHIP Newspaper.
These include outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan, the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, governors-elect and others.
The March 28 Nigerian presidential election was one of Africa’s biggest elections and it did not disappoint, though the Election Day was beset with administrative inefficiencies, typified by card reader failures that threatened to derail the process.
There was high drama, violence and tensions, but, most of all, an electorate determined to exercise their democratic right to vote – come rain or shine.
On that day, Nigerians voted for ‘change’!
However, some eminent Nigerians stand out as true “Heroes of Democracy”.
President Goodluck Jonathan
The mild-mannered Jonathan had, in an unprecedented move, congratulated his main challenger and eventual winner, Muhammadu Buhari, on his election victory even before the final results were announced. Jonathan’s action surprised many. He is now widely referred to as a true statesman.
“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 would like to see endure.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country are more important than anything else”, Jonathan said in a thank-you message to Nigerians.
Before the presidential election results were announced, monitors expressed fears of the possibility of post-election violence, the type witnessed in 2011.
Jonathan has, therefore, opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s political conduct, not the “do-or-die” type the country had become accustomed to in the past.
INEC Chair, Prof. Attahiru Jega
Despite allegations of bias largely on account of the distribution and use of the controversial Card Reader, Jega’s neutrality and competence was celebrated by a larger section of the country and the international community.
The United States Vice President Joe Biden called the frontline presidential candidates, President Goodluck Jonathan and now President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, on phone to express support for the use of the card reader.
Jega’s ordeal before, during and after the elections, and even during the collation of results, were well reported: his life was threatened; his phones tapped; his Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC’s) and key staff were infiltrated; he was blackmailed with treats of death and exposure of some alleged financial deals concerning INEC contracts; his relations were contacted; his friends were induced to persuade him to “play ball” and Service Chiefs summoned him on short notice, all to break his will. There was an attempt to kidnap him days before the elections, and at the Collation Centre, a tense drama played out when a former cabinet minister, Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe, threatened to derail the election process.
Despite all these, Jega remained calm and focused.
Governors – new and returning
The new and returning governors who emerged after the keenly contested elections are the “Champions of Democracy”. On April 11, Nigerian voters queued up to elect 29 governors and other state representatives from all 36 states.
Indeed, Nigerians look forward to a healthy and robust partnership with other tiers of government as the country strives to deepen its maturing democracy and further advance its socio-economic life.
Nigerian Voters
Voters – young and old – arrived at polling units across the country in droves, some as early as 6am. They waited patiently for long hours in the scorching sun. In parts of the country where it rained, they huddled under makeshift umbrellas or stood in the rain determined to make their votes count.
In some parts, voting was extended through Sunday to make up for Election Day shortcomings. Yet, Nigerians were not deterred; they turned out in their millions and waited patiently, sometimes long into the night, to cast their votes.
At polling stations across the country, voters watched the process keenly to make sure that the electoral process was followed to the letter. They posted pictures and videos of delays and any irregularities on social media.
On May 29, 2015, a new administration will be inaugurated in the country after successful general elections. It will also mark 16 years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria.
To celebrate the momentous event, LEADERSHIP Newspaper will celebrate Nigeria’s “Heroes of Democracy”.
We call on corporate bodies, government ministries departments and agencies (MDAs), development organisations, the international community and Nigerians from all walks of life to place congratulatory and goodwill advertorials in LEADERSHIP Newspaper.
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