We cannot perform magic in the midst of crisis – Jonathan explains why he is yet to transform Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration, saying that despite his desire to make Nigeria a great nation, his government could not perform magic in the midst of crisis.

Jonathan made this remark shortly after he was conferred with the 2013 African Peace Award of the United Religions Initiatives at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Wednesday

He said that economic development could only be achieved in a peaceful nation.

“There is no way a government can perform magic when people are shooting guns. There cannot be economic development without peace. For you to develop economically, there must be peace and political stability. Government creates conducive environment for private sector to thrive and create jobs,” he said.

He also stressed on the need for African leaders to continue to govern their respective countries in the right path.

Jonathan who dedicated the award to Nigerians for giving him the opportunity to serve, called on them, especially youth to give peace a chance.

He said his government was fully committed to a peaceful order.

He said, “Even when countries are fighting, at the end of the day, they will still come to the dialogue table to resolve their differences. They have hardly solve crisis through the barrel of guns. Even if you had the most sophisticated weapons, there is need for negotiate, otherwise you can never live in peace.

“So, let me call on all Nigerians especially the young people to give peace a chance. If you come to the southern part of this country, you hear about militancy and kidnapping and if you go to the North you have this issue of Boko Haram.

“For us to develop our country, we must all embrace peace.”

He promised to continue to work to foster peace in spite of the challenges facing the country.

The Regional Director of URI, Ambassador Mussie Hailu, said the award was in recognition of Jonathan’s contributions to religious harmony in Nigeria and peace keeping operations under the United Nations.

He said, “We have been following with great interest the great role the President plays in his country, West Africa and Africa as a whole since he assumed office as President of Nigeria.

“We commend his leadership qualities in the West African sub-region, particularly, as ECOWAS Chairman, and we also laud the current transformation agenda of his administration.”