In the aftermath of an historical election in Nigeria and the victory of General Mohammadu Buhari over incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, post election sentiments have been running high, both locally and internationally. As highlighted by CNN earlier today, Muhammadu Buhari’s win marks the first democratic transition of power from a ruling party to the opposition.
Per electoral provisions, power transitions to General Buhari from President Jonathan on May 29, 2015. Meantime, DUNIA reached out for an on the ground reaction and gathered this account from Mr Christopher Ilogho.
ATMOSPHERE IN NIGERIA AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE APRIL 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS – By Christopher Ilogho
The atmosphere across the 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria is miraculously calm and peaceful. The only uproar noticeable anywhere and in all the cities is that of rejoicing and jubiliation in the predominantly muslim North and the Southwest whose alliance or merger with the North resulted in the victory of General Mohammadu Buhari. Even the South Region where the incubent president Dr Goodluck Jonathan hails from is unexpectedly peaceful and calm.
I am reporting from the heart of the Niger Delta where potential trouble was anticipated. The general mood here is that of acceptance and rationalisation of the outcome as being God’s divine will. This was all brought about by the incubent’s pro-active acceptance of defeat by his historic congratulatory telephone call to his victorious opponent. This, the president Dr Goodluck Jonathan did hours before the official announcement of the final results by the INEC boss Professor Attahiru Jega. This more than any other factor save divine intervention, helped to douse tensions and the much anticipated violent reaction of the Niger Delta militants who had earlier threatened mayhem should their kinsman the President lose the contest to Buhari.
In a nutshell, the calm and peacefull atmosphere in Nigeria after the announcement of the election results is unprecedented. It’s a departure from the culture of violent reaction that has come to be associated with elections in Nigeria. This has led people to attribute this unusual peace to the divine hands of God, Nigerians being very religious. Also the statesmanly and courageous attitude of President Jonathan is historic. His calm mien and composure more than any other human factor engendered this calm and peacefull atmosphere after the announcement of the election results. It’s a historic moment not only for Nigeria but for Africa and the entire black race.
My Canadian guest, Ms Karen Perez wanted to leave Nigeria before the elections for fear of post-election violence but I encouraged her to stay. As I write, and to further drive home my point, my driver drove her peacefully from Ogba in Ikeja, a suburb of Lagos to Canaanland, Ota without any hitches today. She is enjoying the calm atmosphere of Covenant University in my home with my wife this minute.
Mr Christopher Ilogho, Consulting Industrial Psychologist with HOGGS Multi-Links International is a Public Affairs Analyst in Nigeria.
PHOTOS
A supporter of the presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressive Congress (APC) party celebrates on his bicycle in Kano, March 31, 2015. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
Supporters of presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari cheer as they watch news coverage of election results favourable to them on a street in Lagos, March 31, 2015. REUTERS/Joe Penney