Jonathan bags Mali’s highest national honour

President Goodluck Jonathan was on Thursday conferred with Mali’s highest national honour, the Grand Cross of the National Order of Mali, in recognition of his contribution to restoration of peace and democratic order to the country.

Mali’s interim President, Prof. Dioncounda Traore, formally decorated Jonathan with the honour at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In his short remarks, the Malian leader said his country appreciated how Jonathan did not hesitate to deploy Nigerian soldiers despite the fact that the country was also in dire need of the troops back home to confront insurgents.

He expressed delight that because of Nigeria’s intervention, Mali had regained her peace, unity and democracy which were compromised while the crisis that started in January 2012 lasted.

He said Malians would never forget Jonathan for lighting the light for them in their time of darkness.

He said it was the spirit of appreciation that the highest national honour was conferred on the President.

He said, “We thank you for your engagement to our fights since the beginning of the security crisis which shook Mali from January 2012 for a period of nine months.

“We know how much your country suffers also from terrorism and how much Nigeria needs its troops, and all the soldiers at her disposal to ensure internal security against forces of evil, who have continued to attack innocent citizens.

“However, in spite of this internal need and pressure, your country has not hesitated to put at the disposal of Mali, her soldiers and her logistics.

“Today, thanks to your solidarity beside your neighbours and the solidarity of ECOWAS and African Union as well as the international community, Mali has again found peace, her unity and democracy which were compromised for long.

“Moreover, on the personnel plan, you have spent without counting the cost Mr. President. You have spent for Mali. Your efforts have born fruits, Mali has come back amongst you strong from the lessons learnt, proud of what its been able to achieve and proud of what you have been able to do for peace.

“It is this Mali which has found itself again and is very grateful, that has sent me today, Mr. President, to tell you that it will never forget what you have done for it.

“Thank you once more Mr. President and accept this modest gesture of our gratitude of the Malian nation.”

In his response, Jonathan said notwithstanding the cost, Nigeria would remain committed to peace in Mali.

He said he was convinced that it was only when Africa is stable politically that the continent can be economically stable.

He said political leaders owe it a duty to bequeath to the next generation a prosperous Africa.

While expressing his joy at the successful completion of the presidential election in Mali, Jonathan said he was confident that the country was now set for national reconciliation and reconstruction.

He said he was delighted that substantial financial, military and material contributions, including the supreme sacrifice paid by two Nigerian Air force pilot to the Malian cause, had all not been in vain.

He said, “I thank you for this honour which symbolises evident acknowledgement and appreciation of Nigeria’s commitment and sacrifice to all efforts towards ensuring peace and stability in Mali.

“Our unwavering commitment in the course of peace-keeping and peace building across the African continent is based on our conviction that Africa can only experience sustained growth if we overcome the divisive tendencies which stifles development and weakens political structures.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that a politically stable Africa will be a strong and prosperous Africa. As political leaders, we owe it to our collective posterity to ensure that we bequeath to them that which will enable them maximise their creative potentials favourably in the 21st century world. We must entrench and play by hallowed democratic values.”

In a related development, the Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has congratulated Ibrahim  Keita, who has been announced as winner of the Mali presidential election.

Reacting to the official result of the run-off presidential election released earlier on Thursday, Senator Ekweremadu praised the people of Mali and the ECOWAS for keeping democracy on track in the West African nation.

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