President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his commitment to the unity of Nigeria, insisting that he will never be part of any action that can lead to the nation’s disintegration.     

The Nigerian President, who will be handing over to a new administration on May 29, urged the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to appreciate the contributions of well-meaning Nigerians and see how the oil-rich nation could be governed as a country that belongs to all.

Addressing a delegation of the Universal Peace Foundation, Dr Jonathan said the predictions that the country would cease to exist in 2015 could have come true if he had not taken the decision to concede defeat in the March 28 presidential election.

” I cannot be a party to the disintegration of Nigeria. My singular act has made you to come and honour us,” he said.

Peace-loving Global Citizen

The members of the foundation, led by a constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozhekohme, were at the Presidential Villa to confer on President Jonathan an award of ‘Peace-loving Global Citizen’.

He may be on his way out in the next few days, but he has left a footprint on the sands of time to the admiration of the peace foundation.

The leader of the group commended the President for his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria remained united.

Mr Ozhekohme said: “History will be very just and fair to you. From today President Jonathan represents Nigeria at the global peace council taking over from Mr Ernest Shonekan”.

Accepting the honour, President Jonathan recalled the prediction of doom by pessimists and why he made that all important call to the President-elect.

He reinstated his position that he would dedicate the remaining part of his life to issues that would bring unity and peace to Nigeria.

Dr Jonathan called on Nigerians to commit themselves to strengthening those issues that could unite the citizens further.