London – The British government on Monday congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his election and expressed its willingness to work with him.

“The United Kingdom greatly values its friendship with Nigeria and looks forward to working closely with President Goodluck Jonathan and the new government in the coming years,’’ Foreign Secretary William Hague said.

Hague, in an official statement obtained in  London, said: “The Nigerian presidential election on April 16 represents a significant step forward, not just for Nigeria but also for democracy throughout Africa’’.

The British government statement welcomed the result of the election and described it as the most credible since the end of military rule in 1999.

It commended the leadership of Professor Attahiru Jega and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their crucial role in the process.

The statement also commended the people of Nigeria for exercising their democratic duties, the  civil society and members of Nigeria’s youth service corps (NYSC) for their role.

It noted that in spite of the elections not being completely peaceful “it is to the credit of the Nigerian people that they voted in spite of the violence”.

Hague however called on all Nigerians to look forward by shunning violence and rather ensure the sustenance of democracy.

“I call for those challenges to be pursued peacefully and in the spirit of the democratic values which we share. I condemn the violence that has taken place following the election and reportedly led to loss of lives,’’ he said.(NAN)