Violence is a major stumbling block to economic development in Nigeria– Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the violence that has adversely affected parts of the country, has posed a major stumbling block to economic development of Nigeria.

The president said this while receiving the 2013 Africa Peace Award from the United Religions Initiatives (URI) at the presidential villa.

He noted that there can be no meaningful economic development where people are fighting, adding that differences cannot be resolved through the barrels of the gun.

Presenting the award to the president, the regional director of URI, Ambassador Mussie Hailu, said the award is in recognition of President Jonathan’s contributions to religious harmony in Nigeria and peace-keeping operations under the United Nations.