Achieving Peace Beyond Arms: Former President Jonathan Stresses Need for Justice and Equity

Strategic Insights -

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in a recent speech, emphasized that achieving peace in society goes beyond carrying rifles and guns, insisting that justice and equity must prevail. He made this known during the President's Night organized by the Rotary Club of Asokoro in Abuja, represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin. Jonathan stressed that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of fairness, highlighting that achieving peace involves hard work, people talking, negotiating, and coming to agreements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan emphasized that achieving peace in society is not just about carrying rifles and guns, but also involves hard work, negotiation, and agreements.
  • Jonathan believes that only 30% of achieving peace involves carrying rifles and guns, while the remaining 70% requires people to talk, negotiate, and come to agreements.
  • During his administration, Jonathan's approach was instrumental in restoring peace to Plateau State.
  • The Rotary Club of Asokoro has been contributing to the community through various initiatives, including providing free cataract surgeries, donating 5 million Naira to a hospital, and conducting free eye screenings.
  • The club has also focused on polio eradication, having spent over 2.6 billion dollars globally and continuing awareness efforts to ensure Nigeria remains polio-free.
  • The Rotary Club of Asokoro has sustainability measures in place to ensure the long-term impact of its projects.
  • Former President Jonathan commended the Rotary Club for its impactful service to humanity.

Statistics:

  • 30%: The percentage of achieving peace that involves carrying rifles and guns, according to Jonathan.
  • 70%: The percentage of achieving peace that involves hard work, people talking, negotiating, and coming to agreements, according to Jonathan.
  • 60 years: The number of years the Rotary Club of Asokoro has been in existence.
  • 100 years: The number of years the Rotary Club has been an international organisation.
  • 2.6 billion dollars: The amount spent globally by the Rotary Club on polio eradication.
  • 5 million Naira: The amount donated by the Rotary Club of Asokoro to a hospital.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (25 May 2025)
  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan
  • Rotary Club of Asokoro, via Mr Babatunde Adetoba's speech