African leaders praise Jonathan, calls him epitome of democracy

African leaders, led by President of Niger and Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, Mahamadou Issoufou, and former Liberian President, Amos Sawyer, on Wednesday paid tribute to former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying he was the epitome of democracy in Africa.

The leaders heaped praises on the former Nigerian president for leaving office voluntarily and masterminding peaceful power transition, describing it as an exemplary show of leadership that should motivate those in power.

President Issoufou made this known while giving his presidential address at the ongoing Constitutional Terms Limit Summit in Niamey, capital of Niger.

The president also commended other former presidents in attendance including Nicephore Soglo of Benin, Professor Amos Sawyer of Liberia, Mahamane Ousmane of Niger and Catherine Samba-Panza of Central African Republic all of who he said adhered to prescribed term limits.

Stressing that term limits strengthen democratic institutions and promote peaceful power transfers from one administration to another, the Nigerien president pledged to limit himself to the two terms stipulated by his country’s constitution.

“My strongest desire is to transfer power after a transparent election. This will be the greatest achievement of my administration,” the president who is already on his second term said.