Jonathan sets up committee for national dialogue, says Nigeria is work in progress

OCTOBER 1, 2013 BY OLALEKAN ADETAYO, ABUJA 12 COMMENTS



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 declared.

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