The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has emphasised his administration’s commitment to ensuring that a national dialogue free of interference is held, saying there is no political gain in the process.
At a meeting with the members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, President Jonathan stressed that the proposed national dialogue was for the benefit of the nation’s future.
“The idea behind the proposed dialogue is to create a country that the future can be proud of.
“People should not just be quarrelling on radio or on the pages of the newspaper talking and talking we are not going anywhere. It is not for those of us who are already spent. At our age, We are almost gone. Whatever positions we are holding are very transient.
“If nations have developed people plan for their nation. Let us collectively put our energy together and plan for our children and our grandchildren. We must plan for the future of our country. We are old and we are almost We must plan for our children and that is the essence of the national dialogue. Let us ensure that we leave something behind for them” President Jonathan said.
The president had established an Advisory Committee on National Dialogue on October 1, 2013 to tour the nation and collate opinions from the citizens.
Several reactions trailed the establishment of the committee.
Some critics said that the timing for the conference was wrong, as it would interfere with political parties’ campaigns in 2014, ahead of 2015 general election.
The Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole and the Lagos State Governor, Babatunder Fashola insisted that what Nigerians needed at the moment was good governance and not a National dialogue.
After touring the nation, a member of the committee, Professor George Obiozor, said that those in opposition of the proposed dialogue have no defence as the enthusiasm of Nigerians in support of the dialogue had drawn all forms of oppositions.
“The proposed dialogue had more supporters than oppositions,” he said.
The committee submitted its report to the president on December 18 2013.
Addressing the committee after the report was handed over to him, Jonathan said: “The proposed dialogue offers a unique opportunity for us to deepen our democracy and strengthen our nation rather than to destroy or weaken our union.
“I assure all Nigerians that we will partner with all stakeholders to convene this dialogue which outcome will add value to the process of building a stronger united and more democratic Nigeria.
“The discussion process is for the benefit of the entire nation. Every Nigerian, as individual or as a group, has an important role to play to its success,” President Jonathan said.
He directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to make funds available for the conference to take-off immediately.