After months of rejecting calls to convene a sovereign national conference, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in an early morning Independence Day broadcast, Tuesday, announced the setting up of an Advisory Committee to establish modalities for a national conference aimed at resolving issues that currently cause friction in the polity.
President Jonathan said that the committee will have Dr. Femi Okurounmu as its Chairperson and Dr. Akilu Indabawa as its Secretary. Members of the committee are, Prof George Obiozor, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Sen. Khairat Gwadabe, Sen. Timothy Adudu , Col. Tony Nyiam (Rtd) , Prof. Funke Adebayo, Dr. (Mrs) Mairo Ahmed Amshi ,Dr. Abubakar Sadiq ,.Alh. Dauda Birma ,.Mallam Buhari Bello and Mr. Tony Uranta
The 13-man committee which has one month to complete its assignment, will be inaugurated by President Jonathan at the State House on Monday, 7th October, 2013 by 10 a.m
The committee’s terms of reference includes,
i to consult expeditiously with all relevant stakeholders with a view to drawing up a feasible agenda for the proposed national dialogue/conference
ii to make recommendations to government on structure and modalities for the proposed national dialogue/conference
iii.to make recommendations to government on how representation of various interest groups at the national dialogue/conference will be determined.
iv.to advise on a timeframe for the national dialogue/conference
v.to advise government on a legal framework for the national dialogue/conference.
vi. to advise government on legal procedures and options for integrating decisions and outcomes of the national dialogue/ conference into the constitution and laws of the nation
vii. to advise Government on any other matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference
According to President Jonathan, his 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.
“ 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.
The President urged Nigerians to remain fully committed to building a strong, united, progressive and prosperous nation in spite of present challenges.
“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,” President Jonathan said.
Against the background of recent terrorist atrocities in the country, President Jonathan reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to taking all necessary action to bring the war against domestic terrorism to a successful conclusion as quickly as possible.
“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.
The President rededicated himself “completely” to the service of the nation, assuring Nigerians that the country will not fail under his leadership.
“As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service, duty, responsibility and the next generation, not the next election. Those who are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish ambition.
“This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline.
“We must stand as one, with absolute commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity of our union,” President Jonathan said.
He congratulated all Nigerians as the nation marks 53 years of independence.
“If we look back over the years, we can confidently say that there is every reason to celebrate. The past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale.
“I want to thank all our country men and women who have stood by this administration in the midst of mounting challenges and enormous expectations.
“I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantly challenged, But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shall reap the reward of our labour in due season,” President Jonathan concluded.
Afenifere Renewal Group(ARG) welcomes President Jonathan’s proposed national conference
A major advocate for the Sovereign National Conference, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has welcome President Jonathan’s Independence Day announcement of a national conference.
According to its publicity secretary, Kunle Famoriyo the group has been asking unwaveringly for a Sovereign National Conference and would cooperate with and support the Advisory Council set up by President Jonathan, where necessary.
He said ARG also believes that the committe’s chairman, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, who has spent a significant part of his life in the struggle for democracy and true federalism, will work to produce a guideline that we can all be proud of, provided the government has not dictated a “No Go Area” to the committee.
We however urge President Jonathan to ensure this latest move comes from a pure motive of ending the country’s many problems. We recall many conferences had be constituted in the past that never yielded any dividend for the people of Nigeria.
We also urge him not to place any restriction on the committee’s term of reference and the proposed conference should have no prohibition clause like Senate President David Mark suggested.
FG in Subdued Independence Anniversary Celebrations
However, celebrations to commemorate Nigeria’s 53rd anniversary were restrained at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, save a special presidential change of guard.
The two-hour ceremony at the presidential villa was held in the stead of the usual full military parade and fanfare as was the case in past years.
The presidential change of guards is a normal exercise reserved for Monday mornings but it was shifted by one day to Tuesday for the independence anniversary.
President Goodluck Jonathan arrived without his ceremonial military uniform, and then inspected the quarter guards before marching to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute, followed by rendition of the National Anthem.
President of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritshejafor and Chief Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Shiek Usman Muhammad both rendered prayers at the programme, which also saw the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and colour, inspection of weapons and uniforms and so on.
After the ceremony, the president signed the anniversary register, releasing pigeons from cage and cutting the anniversary cake with the aid of top dignitaries.
The ceremony was attended by the likes of Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Primate of the Anglican Communion, Arch Bishop Rev. Nicholas Okoh; Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anineh; and Former Information Minister, Professor Jerry Gana.
Others are onetime Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon; Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal ;ahis Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha; Senate President, David Mark; former Head of Civil Service, Steven Orasenye; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; and other top government functionaries.
