Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the rare display of statesmanship by conceding defeat in the just-concluded presidential election.

According to the statement issued by his media aide, Mr James Uloko, the governor also congratulated the president-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, on his victory in the presidential election, describing it as an act of God.

Governor Suswam, though, said the election was marred by irregularities, but, however, appreciated the president for the humility he displayed to accept defeat, which he described as “something novel in the political history of Nigeria and worthy of emulation by well meaning politicians across board.”

According to him, “President Jonathan would go in history as the man who has finally placed Nigeria on the global map of truly democratic nations of the world.”

Suswam added that President Jonathan wouldremain a permanent fixture in the nation’s political consciousness as he had worked tirelessly and passionately for the unity and progress of Nigeria.

The governor also commended members of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for putting up a good fight in their bid to re-elect President Jonathan. He said PDP as a party will continue to work hard, in spite of the setback to re-invent itself in the months to come.

While congratulating General Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at the polls, Governor Suswam described the victory “as the will of God to ensure that peace endures in Nigeria against the predictions of doom by scare mongers.”

He however, called on the people of Nigeria to remain calm and be law abiding in the interest of the nation in dire need of peace and tranquillity.