Jonathan: Nobody Persuaded Me To Concede Defeat in 2015
Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he conceded defeat in the 2015 election out of his own volition. Jonathan lost the presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
The former president made the remarks during the combined convocation ceremony of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State where he was awarded Doctoral Degree of Letters (Honoris Causa) alongside former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon.
The award was given to Gowon in recognition of his commitment and selflessness to Nigeria, Africa and humanity while Jonathan got a doctoral degree for his commitment for ensuring united and peaceful Nigeria during the 2015 general elections.
Also, the award was in recognition of his self-abasement and patriotic humility and love for peace.
Jonathan said he conceded defeat in the election to avoid violence, adding that it was his belief that no one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
“I am fulfilled that my conceding while the votes were being counted was borne out of my own personal principle and conviction, generating positive impact in other nations.
“Let me state very, very clear that nobody within and outside the country persuaded me to do that. I know is the right thing to do,” the former president said.
According to him, he had seen politicians whose children school and live abroad but mobilize children of other people as thugs to fight and die during elections because of their unquenchable ambition.
He explained that as President, he declined many invitations from national and international institutions to be honoured because he believed it is better done after service.
Turning to General Gowon, he said he admired the former leader because he has a clean heart with good intention for the nation.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kursim Leonard-Fwa, said a total of 1,593 graduates where awarded degrees in the combined convocation of 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 sessions. They comprised of 19 First Class, 486 Second Class Upper, 856 Second Class Lower, 213 Third Class, 19 pass degrees while 85 qualified as medical doctors.