₦airaland Forum

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he convened the 2014 National Conference with the intention to create an environment for Nigerians to address issues pushing citizens towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord.

Jonathan stated this in his remarks at the “2nd Igbo Nsukka Zik Annual Merit Award”, in memory of the first Nigerian President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, on Tuesday in Abuja. The event was organised by Igbo Nsukka United Front.

At the event, Jonathan was honored with “the Zik’s Merit Award”.

He said the inability to manage Nigeria’s diversity was a major stumbling block to the nation’s socio-economic development.

“When I convened the 2014 National Conference as President, my intention was to create an environment that would enable our citizens to dispassionately address those issues that are pushing us towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord in our polity.

“I believe that, in a complex and diverse country like ours, the journey of nationhood and march to greatness is not a sprint but a marathon.

“However, to get it right, we need to do much more to unite our people and integrate our society, in order to build a nation of selfless patriots and citizens, citizens as defined by the Greek philosophers.



“That is the type of country envisioned by our nationalists.

“That is the only way to turn our huge population, rich diversity, and the outstanding resourcefulness of our people into a positive force that would transform and enhance the greatness of our dear country.

“I have no doubt in my mind that God Almighty has deposited in our land and in our citizens, the indefatigable spirit and creativity to unite, work and relate in a harmonious way and make our country great,” Jonathan said

The former president stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and agree on how to strengthen mechanisms and institutions that would promote the harmonization and functionality of their diverse people.

Jonathan said that would ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and inspire harmony, patriotism, justice, peace, and sustainable development.

He expressed his belief that Azikiwe’s ideals, philosophy, and wisdom were very relevant at this particular time, as Nigerians sought to chart a way forward for the country.

He added that Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other great nationalists did their best to lift the image of our country.


“The nation owes Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria who was in office from 1963 to 1966, a debt of gratitude.

“His outstanding role while working with other great nationalists to secure the independence we enjoy today was legendary.

“Nigerians of different generations will continue to remember his extraordinary efforts towards keeping Nigeria one, and his belief in Nigeria’s greatness anchored on equity, justice, and inclusion.”


Jonathan said that as an indigene of Eastern Nigeria, born in Northern Nigeria and established in Western Nigeria, Azikiwe had a cosmopolitan life experience and disposition that prepared him for his role in society.

This, according to him, enabled Azikiwe to envision a progressive Nigeria, whose diverse tribes and tongues would blend to produce a great nation to lead the rest of Africa.

“Whether as a political leader, author, journalist and media owner, Zik was sincere in his consistent rhetoric about freedom and economic emancipation.

“He spent most of his life fighting for the progress of this country and the well-being of her people.



“It is, therefore, a thing of great significance that this group chose this very special day to evoke the nationalist spirit and principles of Azikiwe and restore to our consciousness, those ideals that raised our optimism about a cohesive and peaceful nation.

“A nation that would draw its strength in ethnic tolerance and accommodation and project to the world the beauty of unity in diversity.

“In those early days, Azikiwe never minced words on his fervent belief and optimism in the great potentials of our uniquely diverse society.

“He lived and died for one Nigeria, believing that what binds us is greater and more beneficial than what divides us as a people.

“While most political pundits insist that the potential for Nigeria’s greatness remains potent, our nation has continued, since independence, to grapple with the consequences of poor management of our diversity and differences.

Jonathan commended the group for organising the dialogue on the 117th birthday of Azikiwe and for making efforts to preserve his legacies for national unity, in challenging times.

Jonathan, also appreciated the solidarity and warm reception he always received from the people of the South East of Nigeria.


“The unconditional solidarity South Easterners have always accorded me, reinforces my hope in the fact that we can truly fraternize with one another as citizens of one country, no matter our tribe and tongue.

“It also shows that Ndigbo has accepted me as one of their own, in spite of the fact that I come from the creeks of the Niger Delta.

“When my grandmother named me Azikiwe, she probably had no inkling of the meaning of the name, other than the fact that she was enamored with the achievements of the great nationalist, the Great Zik of Africa.”

“I have come to understand that the name symbolizes peace, understanding, greatness, and solidarity in unity,” Jonathan added.

(NAN)

https://punchng.com/why-i-convened-2014-national-confab-jonathan/

Your inability to implement the confab is a big dent on your records. At least it would have given the Igbos a sixth state just like other zones but even at that you are miles better than the lifeless cow and all his supporters including the one below me

Rather tell us why you did not implement the report.

The 2014 confab was a very good motive by mr Jonathan but it was not actually what Nigeria needed.
What we needed at that period was not just a 'national confab' but a 'sovereign national confab' that is fully backed by law.

We cant take that away from GEJ that he, Jonathan is a good servant leader, even after wasting 10billion Naira of tax payers monies on 492+ delegates in the 2014 CONFAB...

Congratulations GEJ

Throwback:
Rather tell us why you did not implement the report.

That was a big and regretable mistake from the democrat

treesun:
Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he convened the 2014 National Conference with the intention to create an environment for Nigerians to address issues pushing citizens towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord.

Jonathan stated this in his remarks at the “2nd Igbo Nsukka Zik Annual Merit Award”, in memory of the first Nigerian President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, on Tuesday in Abuja. The event was organised by Igbo Nsukka United Front.

At the event, Jonathan was honored with “the Zik’s Merit Award”.

He said the inability to manage Nigeria’s diversity was a major stumbling block to the nation’s socio-economic development.

“When I convened the 2014 National Conference as President, my intention was to create an environment that would enable our citizens to dispassionately address those issues that are pushing us towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord in our polity.

“I believe that, in a complex and diverse country like ours, the journey of nationhood and march to greatness is not a sprint but a marathon.

“However, to get it right, we need to do much more to unite our people and integrate our society, in order to build a nation of selfless patriots and citizens, citizens as defined by the Greek philosophers.



“That is the type of country envisioned by our nationalists.

“That is the only way to turn our huge population, rich diversity, and the outstanding resourcefulness of our people into a positive force that would transform and enhance the greatness of our dear country.

“I have no doubt in my mind that God Almighty has deposited in our land and in our citizens, the indefatigable spirit and creativity to unite, work and relate in a harmonious way and make our country great,” Jonathan said

The former president stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and agree on how to strengthen mechanisms and institutions that would promote the harmonization and functionality of their diverse people.

Jonathan said that would ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and inspire harmony, patriotism, justice, peace, and sustainable development.

He expressed his belief that Azikiwe’s ideals, philosophy, and wisdom were very relevant at this particular time, as Nigerians sought to chart a way forward for the country.

He added that Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other great nationalists did their best to lift the image of our country.


“The nation owes Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria who was in office from 1963 to 1966, a debt of gratitude.

“His outstanding role while working with other great nationalists to secure the independence we enjoy today was legendary.

“Nigerians of different generations will continue to remember his extraordinary efforts towards keeping Nigeria one, and his belief in Nigeria’s greatness anchored on equity, justice, and inclusion.”


Jonathan said that as an indigene of Eastern Nigeria, born in Northern Nigeria and established in Western Nigeria, Azikiwe had a cosmopolitan life experience and disposition that prepared him for his role in society.

This, according to him, enabled Azikiwe to envision a progressive Nigeria, whose diverse tribes and tongues would blend to produce a great nation to lead the rest of Africa.

“Whether as a political leader, author, journalist and media owner, Zik was sincere in his consistent rhetoric about freedom and economic emancipation.

“He spent most of his life fighting for the progress of this country and the well-being of her people.



“It is, therefore, a thing of great significance that this group chose this very special day to evoke the nationalist spirit and principles of Azikiwe and restore to our consciousness, those ideals that raised our optimism about a cohesive and peaceful nation.

“A nation that would draw its strength in ethnic tolerance and accommodation and project to the world the beauty of unity in diversity.

“In those early days, Azikiwe never minced words on his fervent belief and optimism in the great potentials of our uniquely diverse society.

“He lived and died for one Nigeria, believing that what binds us is greater and more beneficial than what divides us as a people.

“While most political pundits insist that the potential for Nigeria’s greatness remains potent, our nation has continued, since independence, to grapple with the consequences of poor management of our diversity and differences.

Jonathan commended the group for organising the dialogue on the 117th birthday of Azikiwe and for making efforts to preserve his legacies for national unity, in challenging times.

Jonathan, also appreciated the solidarity and warm reception he always received from the people of the South East of Nigeria.


“The unconditional solidarity South Easterners have always accorded me, reinforces my hope in the fact that we can truly fraternize with one another as citizens of one country, no matter our tribe and tongue.

“It also shows that Ndigbo has accepted me as one of their own, in spite of the fact that I come from the creeks of the Niger Delta.

“When my grandmother named me Azikiwe, she probably had no inkling of the meaning of the name, other than the fact that she was enamored with the achievements of the great nationalist, the Great Zik of Africa.”

“I have come to understand that the name symbolizes peace, understanding, greatness, and solidarity in unity,” Jonathan added.

(NAN)

https://punchng.com/why-i-convened-2014-national-confab-jonathan/

.

U just wasted tax payers money on a Confab U could not implement.
You should be questioned for wasting people's time and money on a Confab U did not seem fit to implement.

Go and tell Ghost Nigerians on your laxity not to have implemented it.
Another Anumpam in the making.

He meant well for this country but the north didn't want it. But the waste Nigeria is the worst enemy of Nigeria.

Jonathan's inability to facilitate the implementation of the Confab reports messed up everything and makes the whole exercise a jamboree

National Conference can't solve any problem because delegates come with the political mindset of "I am here to defend the interest of my people"rather than with developmental mindset "I am here to build Nigeria". So it is more of politicking playground rather than a thinktank.

YOU DESERVE CREDIT FOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE. YOU WOULD HAVE DESERVED A STAR IF YOU HAD AUTHORIZED THE NASS TO DELIBERATE ON THE REPORT, ACCEPT AND PASS IT..

Malory:
Your inability to implement the confab is a big dent on your records. At least it would have given the Igbos a sixth state just like other zones but even at that you are miles better than the lifeless cow and all his supporters including the one below me

fahdiga
Well done

Even d five states aren't up to 1 n u still want more

Didn't read a sentence of it

All I know is that you are a weak coward for not even making a step towards it's implementation

hollah123:
fahdiga
Well done

Even d five states aren't up to 1 n u still want more

You see your life. You claim you are a patriot who stands by the truth yet you are happy to see Igbos being cheated in everything. Only you know how you sleep at night after telling lies and supporting evil. Only you knows

Malory:
Your inability to implement the confab is a big dent on your records. At least it would have given the Igbos a sixth state just like other zones but even at that you are miles better than the lifeless cow and all his supporters including the one below me

How could he implement when you were all chanting chaji- chanji the same year. Your hatred beclouded your vision. You were all short-sighted by the eldoraldo that Buhari and his band of 70 thieves promised you.

A listening leader he was.

What Nigeria needed is an all encompassing sovereign national conference that would be backed by the constitution and the reports of which will become binding on Nigerians by means of a referendum. This conference should renegotiate Nigeria's cooperate existence as an entity and a nation unlike all the other previous conferences which ended up being just mere talk shop

GardenOfGod:
A listening leader he was.

Good attributes.

Lalasticlala

GEJ our Hero!

Ironically GEJ is now the darling of zombies.

He’s now their hero too.

Ndi ala!

Validated:
How could he implement when you were all chanting chaji- chanji the same year. Your hatred beclouded your vision. You were all short-sighted by the eldoraldo that Buhari and his band of 70 thieves promised you.

I've never supported Buhari all my life

treesun:
Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he convened the 2014 National Conference with the intention to create an environment for Nigerians to address issues pushing citizens towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord.

Jonathan stated this in his remarks at the “2nd Igbo Nsukka Zik Annual Merit Award”, in memory of the first Nigerian President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, on Tuesday in Abuja. The event was organised by Igbo Nsukka United Front.

At the event, Jonathan was honored with “the Zik’s Merit Award”.

He said the inability to manage Nigeria’s diversity was a major stumbling block to the nation’s socio-economic development.

“When I convened the 2014 National Conference as President, my intention was to create an environment that would enable our citizens to dispassionately address those issues that are pushing us towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord in our polity.

“I believe that, in a complex and diverse country like ours, the journey of nationhood and march to greatness is not a sprint but a marathon.

“However, to get it right, we need to do much more to unite our people and integrate our society, in order to build a nation of selfless patriots and citizens, citizens as defined by the Greek philosophers.



“That is the type of country envisioned by our nationalists.

“That is the only way to turn our huge population, rich diversity, and the outstanding resourcefulness of our people into a positive force that would transform and enhance the greatness of our dear country.

“I have no doubt in my mind that God Almighty has deposited in our land and in our citizens, the indefatigable spirit and creativity to unite, work and relate in a harmonious way and make our country great,” Jonathan said

The former president stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and agree on how to strengthen mechanisms and institutions that would promote the harmonization and functionality of their diverse people.

Jonathan said that would ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and inspire harmony, patriotism, justice, peace, and sustainable development.

He expressed his belief that Azikiwe’s ideals, philosophy, and wisdom were very relevant at this particular time, as Nigerians sought to chart a way forward for the country.

He added that Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other great nationalists did their best to lift the image of our country.


“The nation owes Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria who was in office from 1963 to 1966, a debt of gratitude.

“His outstanding role while working with other great nationalists to secure the independence we enjoy today was legendary.

“Nigerians of different generations will continue to remember his extraordinary efforts towards keeping Nigeria one, and his belief in Nigeria’s greatness anchored on equity, justice, and inclusion.”


Jonathan said that as an indigene of Eastern Nigeria, born in Northern Nigeria and established in Western Nigeria, Azikiwe had a cosmopolitan life experience and disposition that prepared him for his role in society.

This, according to him, enabled Azikiwe to envision a progressive Nigeria, whose diverse tribes and tongues would blend to produce a great nation to lead the rest of Africa.

“Whether as a political leader, author, journalist and media owner, Zik was sincere in his consistent rhetoric about freedom and economic emancipation.

“He spent most of his life fighting for the progress of this country and the well-being of her people.



“It is, therefore, a thing of great significance that this group chose this very special day to evoke the nationalist spirit and principles of Azikiwe and restore to our consciousness, those ideals that raised our optimism about a cohesive and peaceful nation.

“A nation that would draw its strength in ethnic tolerance and accommodation and project to the world the beauty of unity in diversity.

“In those early days, Azikiwe never minced words on his fervent belief and optimism in the great potentials of our uniquely diverse society.

“He lived and died for one Nigeria, believing that what binds us is greater and more beneficial than what divides us as a people.

“While most political pundits insist that the potential for Nigeria’s greatness remains potent, our nation has continued, since independence, to grapple with the consequences of poor management of our diversity and differences.

Jonathan commended the group for organising the dialogue on the 117th birthday of Azikiwe and for making efforts to preserve his legacies for national unity, in challenging times.

Jonathan, also appreciated the solidarity and warm reception he always received from the people of the South East of Nigeria.


“The unconditional solidarity South Easterners have always accorded me, reinforces my hope in the fact that we can truly fraternize with one another as citizens of one country, no matter our tribe and tongue.

“It also shows that Ndigbo has accepted me as one of their own, in spite of the fact that I come from the creeks of the Niger Delta.

“When my grandmother named me Azikiwe, she probably had no inkling of the meaning of the name, other than the fact that she was enamored with the achievements of the great nationalist, the Great Zik of Africa.”

“I have come to understand that the name symbolizes peace, understanding, greatness, and solidarity in unity,” Jonathan added.

(NAN)

https://punchng.com/why-i-convened-2014-national-confab-jonathan/

This was the reason the British and the USA removed him for trying to unite NIG, the other was the ban on LGBTQ