Posted on: Wed 01-04-2015

The Secretariat of the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association hereby wishes to congratulate the contestants of the just concluded Nigerian Presidential elections. We congratulate them on their comportment all through the electoral process and their disposition even after the announcement of the winner, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.). Congratulations to General Buhari on his well deserved victory. We urge that himself and his team work in ernest and be proactive by working on their plans on how to lead the nation. Whom the cap fits let him wear it. We also pray that the plans to continue from where the outgoing president stops and ensuring the promised 'CHANGE ' would come to realisation. It is our hope that in his time as leader of our nation the bar of leadership is raised high.

Kudos also to his fellow contender and the out-going President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for leaving the legacy of a free and fair election as well as displaying the spirit of sportsmanship and being valiant in defeat as he congratulated the winner. He definitely has kept his promise of moving Nigeria forward by not holding the electoral process back by grievances or selfish intentions. Despite his power of incumbency, he had refused to let his ambition override his thirst for a better nation irrespective of who will steer the wheels of leadership. Mr President has shown an impeccable character and has followed in the steps of great African leaders like Nelson Mandela.

Beyond the conducts of contenders, the peaceful election was a product of collective efforts made by the various other groups involved. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was most outstanding. By resolving not to give anything short of a tremendous officiating of the elections. We commend INEC for being a umpire of high standards that was exceptional in its planning and execution. The calmness of officials and even the chairman even in the face of trouble was most inspiring. We urge all parties and group not to just walk away after the contest but to sit together and see to a collective government that will work for the betterment of Nigeria. All hands are to be on deck at this moment for the aim of achieving a prosperous nation, one we can all be proud of. This election sets a new course in our nation's advancement. It will go down in the annals of history as one of the times that Nigerians showed the world that our country despite its diversity is nothing short of greatness. With the exhibition of this greatness by all in the just concluded process, we must confess that the elections have has been a source of learning for us in NiMSA. We have learnt that our greatness lies in the simple virtuous acts of brotherliness and self-sacrifice.

We also wish to congratulate Nigerians. The Nigerian populace played a tremendous role in the success of these elections. Getting involved all through the electioneering process and making their voice heard. The Nigerian people made their choice and like the saying goes: “the voice of the people is the voice of God”. Our admiration goes out to the great, vibrant and gifted young people of Nigeria who instead of engaging in electoral violence conducted themselves in orderly manner, volunteered at various levels and in various ways-working with the Independent National Electoral Commission and various monitoring groups. There was an incredible use of networking technology and initiatives not to talk of the brilliant use of the social media to inform and educate Nigerians and the rest of the world. They wrote a new story of Nigeria. They held nothing back! They offered their skills and vigour. In short, they were exceptional. The realisation of this election we are proud to say is their making. 
However, we are just halfway through the whole process as there are other elections ahead of us as we enjoin every Nigerian to still keep up the good work by ensuring they are involved and be of cheerful disposition. Nigerians should continue in the right path they have created. We advocate that all and sundry should shun violence, election malpractices, keep away from selling their rights and ensure they weigh the candidates based on issues and not sentiments. This way, they can be sure to make the best of choices during the elections ahead.

God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:
SERIKI, Muritala I.
PRESIDENT, NiMSA 2015
+2348027345001

Chilaka, Franklin C.
Secretary General, NiMSA 2015 
+2348034829756

BAKRE, Hamzat O. 
Public Relations Officer, NiMSA 2015 
+2348034207524

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