Jonathan Warns Against Negative Triumphalism

President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against negative celebration of
the election victory of Major General Muhammadu Buhari as the
President-elect.

Jonathan also restated the need for the country to continue the
healing process that he has initiated by conceding defeat. The
president, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) lost to Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by his media aide, Reuben Abati, the president
declared: "As the nation prepares for Saturday's governorship and
State Assembly elections, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan calls on
all Nigerians to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding. "The
President condemns the very unseemly attempt by some politicians,
groups and individuals to intimidate others, heat up the polity and
cause public disorder and disaffection in the aftermath of the
Presidential and National Assembly elections.

"President Jonathan is especially concerned about the negative
triumphalism that has been put on display by certain elements since
March 31 which flies in the face of his personal commitment to
post-election peace, unity and national stability.

"The President calls on all those, who through their actions and
utterances, have been promoting divisiveness, sectionalism and ethnic
hatred in the country following the outcome of the March 28 elections
to cease and desist from actions that detract from the true spirit and
culture of democracy envisioned by patriotic men and women of goodwill
in Nigeria.

"President Jonathan also condemns the undue harassment of public
officials serving under his administration and urges all affected
persons to continue to perform their lawful duties without fear.
--DailyTimes