I'll dedicate life after office to preaching peace, President Goodluck Jonathan stated

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that his life after leaving office next weekend will be dedicated to preaching peace among Nigerians.

The president made the disclosure when he was conferred with the '2015 Epitome of Peace Award in Nigerian Polity and Politics' by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Apostle John Akai Buzu, at the State House, Abuja.

According to him, there are many Nigerians who have contributed immensely to Nigeria's peace and have not been honored.

He said: "You have 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 honoring me.

"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 the faithful of all religions-Christians, Muslims and other religions-on the need for Nigerians to live in peace."

He added: "This is because when there is crisis in any part of the country, nobody can practice his own religion. If there is crisis anywhere, people cannot go to the mosque and 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."

Buzu said that the award was in recognition of Jonathan's outstanding leadership qualities, great strides, impression and laudable achievements as President of Nigeria.

Jonathan, he said, has distinguished himself as a selfless servant leader with a large heart and a great sense of commitment towards the well being, development, unity and progress of the nation.

He said that Jonathan's character of peace and abhorrence of violence was demonstrated by accepting the result of the March 28 Presidential election.

Describing Jonathan as a democratic President with a theocratic mindset, he said that his leadership style is characterized with a reverent fear of God and a forgiving spirit.