Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan emphasized that the struggle for power is the primary cause of conflicts in Africa. He expressed concerns that technology alone cannot rectify Nigeria’s fraudulent electoral processes due to manipulation by corrupt individuals.
At an event commemorating the International Day of Peace in Abuja, organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Jonathan stated, “Actually, 10 top countries are in conflict globally. Three of them are in sub-Saharan Africa… And when you look at what causes conflict in Africa, most cases is struggle for leadership, contestation for power.”
Jonathan, who chaired the program, received a Fellowship award from the IPCR, becoming the second individual to receive this honor after Gen. Yakubu Gowon. He emphasized the need to change the perception that politics is inherently dirty, instead blaming corrupt individuals.
“People say politics is a dirty game. The way we play our politics is the way we want to play it… (Olusegun) Obasanjo, the former president, recently made a statement that politics is not dirty but the people that play the politics, come to play politics with their dirty minds and dirty hearts. And dirty character.”
Jonathan stressed the importance of cultivating a culture of peace in Nigeria and Africa. “Until we get to that level where we develop the culture of peace in this country, we will always have political conflicts in our election… Without us strengthening that effort, without us developing that culture of testing a nation peacefully, we will always be in conflict.”
Referencing the Edo State governorship election, Jonathan noted that technology would not solve Nigeria’s electoral issues if the human mind remains corrupt. “Here in Nigeria, we talk about technology. Without the human mind ready to do what is right, if we bring the technology, they will manipulate it.”
Dr. Samuel Iroye, Head of Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Open University of Nigeria, echoed Jonathan’s sentiments. “To ensure a culture of peace, we must ensure that we have peace within ourselves… No one can give what he doesn’t have.”
IPCR Director General Dr. Joseph Ochogwu emphasized that peace requires investment. “Peace is an orphan… People like to enjoy it but don’t want to invest in it.” He praised Jonathan’s commitment to peace, citing his statement, “Nobody’s life is worth sacrificing for any personal political interest.”
Jonathan’s remarks highlighted the need for a shift in mindset and culture to achieve lasting peace in Nigeria and Africa. By promoting peace and addressing the root causes of conflict, leaders can work towards creating a more stable and prosperous future.
