Osun election: Why Jonathan congratulated Aregbesola

Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun  State on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
In a statement by the Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, which was sent to SHOWBIZPLUSng, Jonathan commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and national security agencies for ensuring that the elections were free, fair, credible and peaceful in keeping with the avowed commitment of his Administration.
The President in the statement, also lauded the people of Osun State who, he said, “came out en masse yesterday in all the local government areas of the state to peacefully and freely exercise their democratic right, trusting in his assurance that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure their safety and the sanctity of their votes.”

Abati in the statement said: “The President believes  that the free, fair and peaceful conduct of the elections have fully reaffirmed his administration’s determination  to positively reform Nigeria’s electoral processes.
“The outcome of the election has also given the lie to the false, unfair and uncharitable allegations that measures put in place by the federal government for the Ekiti and Osun State elections were partisan and designed to achieve a favourable outcome for his party.”
Abati further said that “As Governor Aregbesola prepares to begin a second term in office, President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to work with him and other state governors to further improve the living conditions of Nigerians in Osun and other states of the country.
“He wishes Governor Aregbesola continued good health and a successful second term in office.”
Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the President for creating the enabling environment for Osun people to freely and peacefully exercise their franchise without rancor or blood-letting.
The party in a statement by it National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, described the Osun state governorship election as “a clear testimony to President Goodluck Jonathan’s unparalleled commitment to peaceful elections in Nigeria.”
The party also commended the security forces for their display of professionalism in keeping the peace throughout the exercise despite provocations by desperate politicians.
It called on the opposition to learn from the election and desist from actions and utterances that overheat the system and create room for violence. “The lesson from this election is that the opposition party should stop crying wolf where there is none.
“They must desist from actions and statements that cause confusion and create unnecessary tension, capable of igniting violence and blood-letting in elections” the party said.
The  party also commended the people of Osun for adhering to rules and conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the election and called on its members and supporters to remain calm.