“I hasten to congratulate you on your success and victory in the Presidential election of March 28, 2015. Your success and victory after three previous unsuccessful attempts must be great object lessons for you and for all politicians particularly in Nigeria.
“For me, the totality of the 2015 election holds many lessons for our democracy and democratization process which are both maturing. On this occasion, the system has been unnecessarily overheated before and particularly during the campaign when emphasis was more in trivialities and hate, divisive, in dignifying and disrespectful statements and comments rather than on pressing issues requiring attention.
“I know that in victory, you will be magnanimous to start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaign and the evil disciples.
“With so much harm already done to many national institutions, in lauding the military which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to do on institution reform, education, healthcare, economy, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agribusiness, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption. Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead.
“I am also sure that there are men and women of goodwill, character and virtue across the board that you can mobilise to join hands with you in the reform, repairs and redirection that will be imperative to put Nigeria back on the fast lane of good governance, unity, cohesiveness, development and progress. Once again, I felicitate with you and wish you well” Obasanjo stated.
In its own letter of congratulation, the Nigeria Labour Congress said the election has opened a new and important chapter in the socio-political development of the nation.
President of the Congress, Dr. Ayuba Wabba said: “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress join millions of our compatriots in congratulating you on your victory in perhaps the most keenly contested presidential election in the history of our country.
“We strongly believe that your election has undoubtedly opened a new and important chapter in the socio-political development of our nation as we have finally broken the jinx of transiting from one democratically elected civilian government controlled by a ruling party to one contributed by an opposition party.
“Your victory is a lesson in perseverance and commitment, made possible by the patience, zeal, resolve, resilience and determination of Nigerians many of whom have undying belief in you.
“We believe this special trust reposed in you is a sacred bond between you and the Nigerian people as well as a call to an uncommon duty at a special period in the history of our nation.
“The times are challenging and will draw from you every grain of wisdom and courage, justice and equity, urgency and necessity.
“We at the Nigeria Labour Congress, like other compatriots not only look up to you with great expectations, we look forward to working with and engaging your government. We stand ready to work with you in defining as well as charting a new agenda for Nigeria. As we await your response, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem”.
