For those who think that that Nigeria would cease to exist with the plan for a National Conference, they need to have another thought as the unity and integrity of the country would still be intact.
The Senator Femi Okurounmu-led National Dialogue Advisory Committee that commenced work last week Monday is expected to establish modalities for a National Conference. President Goodluck Jonathan has allayed fears of those who think that the convocation of a national conference would call the integrity of the nation to question, saying that the conference would further unite the nation.
According to him, the nation cannot deny the fact that sitting down to talk was one right step in calming down tensions and channelling grievances, misgivings and suggestions into more positive use for the good of the country.
The President explained that every dialogue adds something valuable to evolving nation, stressing that the urgency of a national conversation is a child of necessity.
While reminding the Advisory Committee on the seriousness of its assignment, the president charged the members not to disappoint Nigerians while also urging them to consult widely before sitting down to develop the framework that would guide and guard the proceedings of the discussions.
"No voice is too small and no opinion is irrelevant. Thus, the views of the sceptics and those of the enthusiasts must be accommodated as you formulate this allimportant framework.
This conversation is a people's conversation and I urge you to formulate an all-inclusive process that protects the people's interest. "Let me also urge the Advisory Committee not only to be alive to the expectations of our people, but to bear in mind, that what we desire is what can work for the good of our people and country.
The goal is to bequeath a better and a greater Nigeria to the present and the generation that is to come," Jonathan said. Okurounmu, who is the chairman of the Advisory Committee, commended the President for the decision.
He assured that the committee would not disappoint Nigerians, stressing that at the conclusion of the assignment, and the national conference that would follow, those who are sceptical and critical of the idea of a national conference would have become persuaded about its merit and benefits to the nation.
