Why I Convened 2014 National Conference – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed the reason he convened the 2014 National Conference.

Jonathan said he convened the Nationa confab in 2014 to address the issues causing division and discord in the country at that time.

He made this known at an event in Abuja in memory of the first Nigerian President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, organised by a socio-political group, Igbo Nsukka United Front.

The former President, who was honored with the Zik merit award, noted that the government needs to immediately address Nigeria’s diversity in order to improve the nation’s socio-economic development.

He said: “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.”