By: Sunday Oyewole
President Goodluck Jonathan has finally succumbed to pressure from well meaning Nigerians on the need for a national conference.
In his speech marking the nation’s 53rd Independence anniversary on Tuesday, the President said he was conscious of the clamour for a national dialogue and that he was never opposed to it.
Consequently, he announced federal government’s decision to set up an advisory council headed by Femi Okunrunmu to work out the modalities for holding a national dialogue.
The nomenclature of the national dialogue, he said will be determined after the committee must have turned in its report.
The conference is aimed at resolving issues that currently cause friction in the polity.
President Jonathan said that the committee which will have Dr. Femi Okurounmu as its Chairperson and Dr. Akilu Indabawa as its Secretary is expected to complete its assignment within one month.
“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.
