I am becoming peace ambassador after my tenure – Jonathan

Firstclass newsline learnt that the president said he took the
decision because of his strong belief that Nigerians can only practise
their different religions in an atmosphere of peace.
Jonathan disclosed this shortly after he was presented with the 2015
Epitome of Peace Award by the Field Superintendent of The Apostolic
Church Nigeria, Federal Capital Territory Field, Apostle John Buzu, at
the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the award, which was in recognition of the step he took after
the March 28 Presidential election, which had led to peace in the
country, had further spurred him into doing more for the country.
Goodluck he would work hard to reduce religious and racial
discrimination in the country after leaving office, expressing the
hope that people would be ready to join him in the crusade.
Jonathan said, "To whom much is given, much is expected. For you to
honour me today, you have given me another mandate to work harder to
ensure that we as Nigerians continue to live in peace.
"One thing I have decided I will do after leaving office is to be
talking to faithful of all religions: Christians, Muslims and other
religions, on the need for Nigerians to live in peace.
"This is because when there is crisis in any part of the country,
nobody can practise his own religion. If there is crisis anywhere,
people cannot go to the mosque, they cannot go to the church.
"We need peace in this country, no matter our religious persuasion or
belief. That will be one of my main commitments when I leave office:
to reduce discrimination in this country based on religious divides or
ethnicity. I believe I will have so many apostles that will follow me
to do that."
While thanking the church for considering him fit for the award, the
President observed that a number of Nigerians make extraordinary
contributions to national development daily, but they go unnoticed.
He added that a few of them, including himself, are a bit luckier
because their contributions are noticed.
"I sincerely thank you for considering me fit for this honour that you
have just bestowed on me.
"All of us do a number of things everyday. People have saved this
country, we don't even know some of them or what they did but some
people are a bit luckier that their actions are noticed and sometimes
rewarded.
"You have also noticed me with my little contribution, not just
because I am the President of the country, but because of an action I
took that you believe saved lives and you are honouring me," he added.
The president who was presented with a white shirt and suit, which
the church said connote peace, a medal as well as a plaque, said the
items would be displayed conspicuously in a Presidential museum or
library which he would put in place after leaving office.
"I am grateful for the insignia given to me: the plaque, the medal and
the dress are quite unique. They will be very conspicuous in my
Presidential museum or library so that even after 50 years, people
will still see and appreciate what you have done today even if I have
left this world and have gone beyond, what you have done will still be
displayed in my library for people to see," he said.
Shortly before presenting the award, Buzu said it was in recognition
of Jonathan's outstanding leadership qualities, strides, contributions
and laudable achievements as the President of the country.
He said Jonathan had proven to be an excellent leader and a wonderful
asset to the country.
The president added that one excellent quality that distinguished the
President for the award was the legacy of peace which he had
bequeathed to Nigeria and Nigerians.
The clergyman added that for conceding defeat and calling Muhammadu
Buhari to congratulate him after the Presidential elections, Jonathan
saved lives of those who would have been consumed by violence.
He said the President's decision was unprecedented in the country and in Africa.
Firstclassnewsline.net