Jonathan calls for peaceful co-existence

President Goodluck Jonathan has reminded Nigerians of the need for peaceful co-existence to allow for growth and development of the country.

The president gave the advice in Asaba on Saturday while addressing indigenes of Northern Nigeria residing in the 17 Southern states of the country.

The Northerners had gathered under the auspices of the Arewa Initiatives for Peaceful Co-existence of Nigeria.

Jonathan noted that peaceful co-existence was central to the survival of every human society.

NAN reports that the group gathered in Asaba under the Chairmanship of former Gov. Attahiru Bafarawaof Sokoto State to endorse Jonathan’s re-election bid.

“Without peace, we cannot develop, without peace we cannot grow, we cannot be running from pillar to post and expect to develop, so the issue of peace is key.”

He promised to implement the report of National Conference if re-elected in the forthcoming elections.

“If you get us back in the office, PDP will implement that report 100 per cent. I believe in one Nigeria, I believe in doing what is right for everybody.

“I believe that whether you are in Bayelsa, Sokoto, or Zamfara States, it is God, Allah that creates you where you are,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan pledged to work with all Nigerians to develop the country.

“If we compartmentalize ourselves into ethnic nationality, then we have destroyed what God has given to us,” the president said.

Earlier, Bafarawa, who lauded Jonathan for his contributions to the development of Nigeria, urged all northerners residing in the South to vote him for second term.

He urged the President to ensure that his people resident in the Southern States would no longer be discriminated against on ground of ethnicity.