… Bags Country’s Highest National Honour
SAN FRANCISCO, August 15, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan has hailed Malians over the successful conduct of their general election , saying the fact that the result was accepted by the opposition is an indication that Nigeria’s efforts in that country was not in vain.
Speaking on Thursday when he was honoured with the highest award of Grand Croix de l’Ordre National du Mali (Great Cross of the National Order of Mali) by the interim President of Mali, Prof. Dioncunda Traore at Presidential Villa, Abuja, Jonathan said the fact that Soumaila Cisse, of the opposition, accepted the result of the run-off conducted last Sunday shows that reconciliation and reconstruction is possible in the country.
He assured that Nigeria would not waver in its steadfast commitment to the sustenance of peace and stability in Mali, saying “we must entrench a hallowed humble democratic value.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan had congratulated the president-elect, Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, on his victory in the run-off.
The statement said Nigeria looks forward to the conclusion of the process with Keita’s inauguration as President in keeping with the wish of the Malian people as expressed at the polls on Sunday.
“The President believes that having served capably as his country’s Prime Minister for many years, Mr. Keita will assume the Malian Presidency with the requisite experience, knowledge and wisdom needed to guide the country towards a speedy return to peace, normalcy, political stability and further development.
“President Jonathan assures Mr. Keita of the support, assistance and cooperation of Nigeria, ECOWAS and the African Union as he prepares to assume the burden of leading Mali away from political strife and instability, to national peace and progress, “ the statement said.
Appreciating the honour done to him, Jonathan said: “Our unwavering commitment in the course of peace keeping and peace building across the African continent is based on our conviction that Africa can only experience sustained growth if we overcome the divisive tendencies which stifles development and weakens political structures.
“I have no doubt, whatsoever, that a politically stable Africa will be a strong and prosperous Africa. As political leaders we owe it to our collective posterity to ensure that we bequeath to them that which will enable them maximise their creative potentials, favourably in the 21st century world.”
Speaking shortly before the conferment of the award on Jonathan, Traore expressed the gratitude of his people to Nigeria for its assistance in the fight against the insurgents in the country.
“We know how much your country suffers also from terrorism. We know how much Nigeria has needs of its troops, of her soldiers and all the soldiers at her disposal to ensure internal security against forces of evil, who have continued to attack innocent citizens. However, in spite of this internal need and pressure, your country has not hesitated to put at the disposal of Mali,” Traore said.
He explained that the decision to give Jonathan the award was much because of the aforementioned as it is about his planning and his role as an astute mediator at Abuja, Ouagadougou and Bamako.
“Today, thanks to your solidarity beside your neighbours and the solidarity of ECOWAS and African Union as well as the international community, Mali has found peace again, Mali has found again her unity and her democracy which were compromised for long months,” the interim president stated.
“It is this Mali which has found itself again and which is very grateful which has sent me today Mr. President to tell you that it will never forget what you have done for it; to tell you of the light which you light in her way when everything was dark and sober.”
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