Nigerien leader extols Jonathan’s virtues

The President of the Republic of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, on Thursday paid glowing tributes to President Goodluck Jonathan for its leadership qualities in Nigeria, the sub-region and the continent.

Issoufou gave the commendation while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting he had with Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Nigerien leader, who spoke through an interpreter, said Jonathan made the continent proud by conceding defeat in the March 28 Presidential election and calling his main challenger, Muhammadu Buhari, to congratulate him.

He said even before the elections, Jonathan had been displaying exemplary leadership qualities that are worthy of emulation by African leaders.

He said the President’s humility was legendary in the history of the continent.

He described Jonathan’s gesture as evidence of his statesmanship, maturity and humility; and the icing on the cake of his numerous contributions to the security, economy and infrastructural development of West Africa‎.

“President Jonathan’s conduct in the aftermath of the polls i‎s a good model of democracy for West African leaders, and a good legacy ‎worthy of emulation by other African leaders,” he said.

He stressed that having worked with Jonathan at bilateral and multilateral levels in the past four years and seen how he conducted himself in office, it was no surprise that he made immense contributions before leaving office.

The Nigerien president added that other heads of state were indeed pleased with ‎Jonathan for this good leadership quality. 

‎African leaders who have so far visited Jonathan to bid him farewell include the Presidents of Chad, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Benin Republic.