Jonathan, Mark appreciate Anambra people, optimistic of credible 2011 Elections

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Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has lauded the resilience of Anambra people in ensuring a transparent election that gave victory to incumbent Governor Peter Obi for a second term in office.  Also, Senate President David Mark said the conduct of the February 6, 2010 governorship election in Anambra State has renewed Nigerians' hope of a credible and transparent general election in 2011, which he said will strengthen the country's democracy. 

The nation's leaders said these on Wednesday at the swearing in ceremony of Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, who commenced his second term in office. Jonathan, who was represented on the occasion by Abia State governor, Theodore Orji, expressed gratitude to Anambra people for showing that democracy can work and has indeed come to stay in Nigeria.   

The acting president described the occasion as historic in the annals of Nigeria, adding that he was delighted that the electoral process and subsequent electioneering which culminated in Obi's victory at the polls had been adjudged a huge success and congratulated Obi on his victory.   

For David Mark, who was represented by the Senate committee chairman on education, Joy Emodi, the transparent manner through which the election produced Obi for a second term justified the confidence the people of Anambra reposed in him.  Shortly after the swearing in of Obi and his deputy, Emeka Sibeudu, by the state's Chief Judge, P.A.C. Obidigwe, at exactly 1p.m, the visibly humbled governor said: "I am thankful for your overwhelming support and solidarity and hope that you will remain available in this great and continuing task of building our state, which was created in 1991 on the foundation of the hard and sustained struggle of our fathers".     

Obi said: "Today's celebration is memorable because, contrary to the predictions of pessimists that the February 6th election would be marred by a break-down of law and order, it ended up very peacefully, for which we remain thankful to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, bodies and observer-groups that contributed in various ways to the success of the election.   

"The election has therefore confirmed our abilities, in spite of all shortcomings, to do things in a civilised and peaceful way. This sacrifice by the people of Anambra State in ensuring a peaceful and exemplary election has proved that we are indeed the Light of the Nation."     

Continuing, he said, "The journey of this administration, right from my first tenure to this day has been historic and chequered. It was one mingled with hope and despair. When you recall our three years of legal battles in the courts, the impeachment saga and attempted tenure abridgement, which eventually led to the Supreme Court of Nigeria's interpretation of the tenure of the governor, you will appreciate the trials we passed through. God, in His infinite mercy, through the judiciary, has always seen us through".

Source: Jonathan, Mark laud Anambra people, optimistic of credible 2011 elections