“Guns May Win The War, But Only Negotiations Can Win Peace” – Goodluck Jonathan

Erstwhile Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has indicated that the major source of conflict in The African Continent, is the inability of African leaders to manage diversities among the population it governs.

Jonathan made the claim during the 2021 “Democracy and The Unity Of States” meeting recently organized by his foundation in The Nigerian Capital City, Abuja.

The former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State regrets that many countries in Africa are facing crises threatening the unity and corporate existence of the population and the nations.

He called on African nations to rather harness these diversities and differences for greatness, adding that Africans especially leaders need to look beyond their tribes in all they do. “ Your tribe alone, cannot make a nation”.

According to Daily Post Newspaper in Nigeria, The Bayelsa-born stated that African diversities have often been regarded as a source of challenge. He, however, furthers that if these diversities are well harnessed, they would be a source of greatness.

“ President and out of office, I have been involved in managing conflicts in many countries. In the course of these missions, I have observed one of the problems is managing African diversities. We need to harness these diversities into strengths for a more peaceful and prosperous future”.

Achieving these strengths according to The Politician, government institutions must integrate equally, people from diverse origins in their respective nations.

While noting that drones and other artilleries may win a war, The PDP militant said to win peace in Africa, nations must constantly engage in meaningful conversations to reach a compromise on issues plaguing the nations and continent at large.

“ Weapons of warfare in such trying times is love, Justice, negotiations, and hope. These discussions and suggestions can set a big agenda that will guarantee lasting peace in Africa”.

The CAF Platinum award winner finally notes that true Democracy thrives on a two-way exhibition of trust between the leaders, and the subjects, of which in Africa the subjects are highly diverse.

Source: Daily Post Newspaper, Nigeria