President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday
attributed the slow economic growth in the
country to the numerous crises that trailed
his administration since 2011. Jonathan
stated this shortly after receiving
the 2013 Africa Peace Award from the United
Religions Initiatives (URI), at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja.
He said that no nation could witness economic
stability or internal democracy in an atmosphere of
social unrest, saying that economic growth,
development and stability were tied to political
stability.
According to him, no meaningful economic
development can be recorded where people are
fighting.
"There cannot be economic development without
peace.
''For you to develop economically, there must be
peace and political stability. So, the leadership of
African Union and ECOWAS have changed and we
believe that we must help ourselves and help our
states and govern our states the way they should be
governed. If there are crises, we should intervene
and that has been helping us significantly.''
While dedicating the award to all Nigerians,
Jonathan promised to continue to play the role that
would enhance peace and guarantee political
stability in Nigeria.
''This award is dedicated to my people and my
country, Nigeria. We couldn't have been qualified
for this award if my people did not encourage me.
''We would continue to do our best. For me as an
individual, I will continue to play my role in spite of
the challenges.
''Let me use this unique opportunity to call on all
Nigerians and all the people of the world to
embrace peace. You cannot talk about development
when you are fighting.''
Presenting the award to President Jonathan, the
Regional Director of URI, Ambassador Mussie Hailu,
said the award was in recognition of the President's
immense contributions to religious harmony in
Nigeria and peace keeping efforts across the world.
''We have been following with great interest the
great role the President is playing in his country,
West Africa and Africa as a whole since he took
office as President of Nigeria.
''We commend his leadership qualities in West
African sub region in particular when he was
ECOWAS Chairman and also lauded the current
Transformation Agenda of his administration.
According to him, the award, which is non-
monetary, is meant to honour people who have
distinguished themselves and exhibited exceptional
leadership qualities.
Amongst the previous recipients of the award were
the former Presidents of Mozambique, Joaquin
Chissano, Girma Woldegiorgis of Ethiopia, Paul
Kagame of Rwanda and Blaise Compaore of Burkina
Faso.

pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/10/30/jonathan-receives-2013-peace-award/

Congrats! You've advocated peace..even when you know those who selfishly threaten the peace of Nigeria.