Jonathan set to convene ‘National Dialogue’, assures Nigerians of economic, infrastructural development

President Goodluck Jonathan in a
nationwide broadcast, commemorating
Nigeria’s 53rd independence anniversary
has accepted the proposal of many
Nigerians on the need to have a National
Conference. The President in the broadcast
made on Tuesday morning and monitored
by DailyPost had announced the setting up
of an Advisory Committee to determine the
best possible ways to organize a national
conference that will address certain issues
heating up the nation’s polity.
The President had announced that the
Committee would be headed by Dr. Femi
Okurounmu as its Chairperson and Dr.
Akilu Indabawa as the Secretary. The
Committee is expected to complete all of its
assignments within one month.
The announcement reads; “Fellow
Nigerians, 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 President however did not say
if it would be named a Sovereign
National Conference which is widely
canvassed.
Some Nigerians, including National
Assembly members, have persistently kicked
against a “Sovereign” prefix, arguing that as
representatives of the people, they already
bear the power to hold discussions of
utmost interest to Nigerians.
Commenting on Sunday’s early morning
attack on College of Agriculture, Yobe state,
the president lamented the massacre of
scores of learners, saying that the people
must join hands with government in
tackling security challenges facing the
nation.
Admitting that the recurring attack was
depressing, he urged Nigerians not to lose
hope, assuring that his administration
would do all in its power to protect lives
and property.
Mr. Jonathan further appealed to
politicians, not to heat up the polity as no
country could progress while in a tensed
state.
He also had a word for those predicting
doomsday for the country: “Nigeria under
my leadership will not fail.”
The president noted that the problems
being encountered were not abnormal,
considering the fact that democracy was
interrupted a few time. Getting back to the
right lane, he demands for love and unity
regardless of beliefs, political affiliation,
religious persuasion, cultural and ethnic
background.
He restated that his transformation agenda
was on course, promising that the country
would henceforth witness economic boom
as well as development in infrastructure.
The president, who saluted the courage of
security agencies in maintaining peace,
called on the citizens to also ensure they
remain law-abiding.
Mr. Jonathan concluded his speech by
wishing all Nigerians, home and abroad, a
very happy celebration.