Nigeria’s president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has received the report of the presidential committee constituted to look into the modalities for the convocation of a national conference.
Addressing the committee after he received the report, Dr Jonathan says by the time his administration finishes with the national conference “there will be fewer open letters for Nigerians to read”, making reference to an open letter to him by a former Nigerian president, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo.
The president directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to make funds available for the conference to take-off immediately.
He called on the chairman and the committee members to make themselves available anytime they are called upon.
Dr. Jonathan said that he had no personal interest in the convocation of the national conference and that the outcome of the conference would help build a stronger and more united Nigeria.
Opportunity To Deepen Democracy
“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.
The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the proposed National Dialogue, Senator Femi Okunroumi, said that their findings indicated that majority of Nigerians were waiting for the conference to take-off.
“The committee’s tour has helped sensitised and mobilised Nigerians for the proposed dialogue,” Senator Okunroumi said.
He advised the president to implement the content of the report, as it would help define Nigeria’s political history.
The committee debunked insinuations that there was a minority report that was earlier released by it.
The committee was set up on October 1 by the President Jonathan to tour the nation and gather opinions from Nigerians as regards the proposed dialogue.
Some opposition party governors have questioned the essence of the proposed National Dialogue, insisting that what Nigerians need is good governance.