The Federal Government on Tuesday bowed to the nationwide clamour for
the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference as President
Goodluck Jonathan sets up a committee saddled with the responsibility of
designing the framework for a national dialogue.
Jonathan disclosed this in his 53rd Independence Day Anniversary broadcast to Nigerians.
The President named Dr. Femi Okurounmu as the chairman and Dr. Akilu
Indabawa as the Secretary of the committee that has a timeline of one
month to carry out its assignment.
He said he decided to set up the committee because as an advocate of
dialogue himself, he believed it makes perfect sense for parties to
discuss when there are issues.
He said by the time the committee submits its report in one month, the
nation would be briefed of the modalities of the dialogue.
Members of the committee, he added, would be named soon.
He said, “Our administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over
the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a national dialogue
on the future of our beloved country.
“When there are issues that constantly stoke tension and bring about
friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come
together to discuss.
“In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power of
dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an
advisory committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a
national dialogue or conference.
“The committee will also design a framework and come up with
recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process.
“The full membership of the committee will be announced shortly. I
expect its report to be ready in one month, following which the nation
will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the
dialogue.”
Jonathan also described the country as work in progress.
He promised that although this might not be the best of time for the country, Nigeria under his leadership would not fail.
He said as the President, he could not hide from the reality that the
country he is currently presiding over is divided along ethnic,
political and religious lines.
He however said in spite of the challenges facing the nation, Nigerians have every reason to be proud and optimistic.
He said, “In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are
challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles
we face.
“History has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice
in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences,
not destroyed by them. And there is no more crucial time for us to be
united than now.
“The threats we face may be real and
immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season
for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What
matters are the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the
victories we snatch from the jaws of possible defeat.
“This is a time to pull together behind the national cause: the cause
of our freedom, and our future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria,
to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great
nation continues to live in a free, peaceful and secure Nigeria.”
While lamenting the acts of terrorism in the country especially the
Sunday killing of students of the College of Agriculture in Yobe State,
Jonathan described such act of barbarism as a demonstration of the
extent that evil forces can go to destabilise the nation.
He however vowed that such forces would not succeed.
“My heart goes out to the families of all those who have fallen
victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration will not rest until
every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you
that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource
will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without
fear.
“I implore every Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you
speak, whatever your religious persuasion, whichever political party you
support – let us join together to fight this evil of extremism,”
President Jonathan
DEAR READER. WHAT DO YOU THINK. LEAVE A COMMENT.
