Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he convened the 2014 National Conference with the intention to create an environment for Nigerians to address issues pushing citizens towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord.
Jonathan stated this in his remarks at the 2nd Igbo Nsukka Zik Annual Merit Award, in memory of the first Nigerian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, on Tuesday in Abuja.
At the event, which was organised by Igbo Nsukka United Front, Jonathan was honoured with the Ziks Merit Award.
He said the inability to manage Nigerias diversity was a major stumbling block to the nations socio-economic development.
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”, he emphasised.
The former president stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and agree on how to strengthen mechanisms and institutions that would promote the harmonization and functionality of their diverse people.
Jonathan said that would ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and inspire harmony, patriotism, justice, peace and sustainable development.
He expressed his belief that Azikiwes ideals, philosophy and wisdom were very relevant at this particular time, as Nigerians sought to chart a way forward for the country.
He added that Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and other great nationalists did their best to lift the image of our country.
Jonathan said that as an indigene of Eastern Nigeria, born in Northern Nigeria and established in Western Nigeria, Azikiwe had a cosmopolitan life experience and disposition that prepared him for his role in society.
This, according to him, enabled Azikiwe to envision a progressive Nigeria, whose diverse tribes and tongues would blend to produce a great nation to lead the rest of Africa.
Jonathan commended the group for organising the dialogue on the 117th birthday of Azikiwe and for making efforts to preserve his legacies for national unity, in these challenging times.
The former president also appreciated the solidarity and warm reception he always received from the people of the South-East region.
