Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Nigeria cannot attain peace in isolation of the pursuit of justice and other human security needs.
Mr Jonathan stated this on Friday in Abuja at the public presentation of a research report entitled ‘Terrorism and Banditry: The Nexus’, conducted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF).
Mr Jonathan, who doubles as chairman of the foundation, said the challenges posed by banditry, terrorism and other crimes were a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and nationhood.
“Our pursuit of peace cannot be achieved in isolation of the pursuit of justice and other human security needs.
“This is so because peace is the bridge that links poverty to prosperity, reconciles hope with despair and imposes order on chaos.
“There is no doubt that our nation is plagued by many crises and these challenges have continued to threaten our fate and shared destinies.
“We have lost our loved ones, lost millions of properties and investments because of insecurity.
“The challenges posed by banditry, terrorism and other associated crimes threaten our human essence and the essential values of our democracy and nationhood.
“This is why the GJF considered it apt to undertake this research to engage the relevant stakeholders towards an improved security,” he said.
The former president said the crisis facing Nigeria today required sacrifice and urgency of actions from all stakeholders who must “show commitment to peace.”
