US Elections: Jonathan congratulates Obama

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated President Barack Obama over his re-election as the President of the United States of America.

A statement issued by the special Adviser to the President Dr Reuben Abati quoted the president as saying that he "looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria's and Africa's developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years".

The statement reads: "On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan heartily congratulates President Barrack Obama on his success in winning re-election in yesterday's presidential elections in the United States.

"President Jonathan welcomes President Obama's victory in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security.

"Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term; President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria's and Africa's developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years.

"The President looks forward in particular to the further strengthening of US-Nigeria bilateral relations and the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission which was established in President Obama's first term as the primary platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between both countries as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.

"President Jonathan also hopes that the millions of people across the world, especially those in developing nations who watched the beauty and strength of democracy unfold in the United States presidential elections yesterday will come to a greater and better appreciation of democracy as the key to building peaceful, stable and progressive societies.

"The President wishes President Obama continued good health and God's blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term in office as the President of the United States of America".