http://9jaflave..com/2013/10/president-jonathan-sets-up-national-conference-committee.html

Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has set up an advisory committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a national dialogue or conference. This is seen as a politically deft move amidst widespread discontent and agitation for self determination by several groups in Nigeria.

In an early morning Independence Day broadcast today (Tuesday), President Goodluck Jonathan announced the setting up of the committee to establish modalities for a national conference aimed at resolving issues that currently cause friction in the polity.

President Jonathan appointed Dr. Femi Okurounmu as the committee Chairperson and Dr. Akilu Indabawa as its Secretary; it has one month to complete its assignment.

“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 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,” President Jonathan said in the broadcast.

It would be recalled that Senate President, David Mark, recently supported the convocation of a national conference, noting that a conference of Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities to foster frank and open discussions of the national question is welcomed.

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