By Sampson Ikemitang
It should be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan in a-25 minute national broadcast to mark our 53rd Independence Anniversary which held very recently, described Nigeria as "work in progress"; noting that in spite of the various obstacles that we face, our strength has been in our diversity.
One can note that the President's speech was very inspirational, impressive and passionate. Inspirational, because despite the daunting challenges facing the nation, he continues to keep faith with the country, believing that the troubled days will soon be a thing of the past. He reaffirmed that his administration will not rest until every Nigerian is freed from the oppression of terrorism.
(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/53rd-Anniversary-3-300x173.jpg) (http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/53rd-Anniversary-3.jpg)According to the President "I have been consistently mindful of the weight of public expectation to find solutions to the challenges that confront us because the mandate we have is a free and sacred one". He maintained that Nigeria will not fail under his watch. He further declared that "Nigeria's place in the world stage is strong and safe''; urging Nigerians to celebrate as there was every reason for celebration especially when we take a look at our collective achievements as a nation and our enduring unity, in retrospect.
President Jonathan acknowledged that there is a spectre of extremism but, he implored all and sundry, irrespective of language, tribe, religion, or political affiliation to join in the fight against extremism of evil; reiterating his administration's commitment to stamping out insecurity currently rocking the nation.
Mr. President enjoins Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of Nigeria in order to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free, peaceful and secure Nigeria.
Whilst demonstrating his disposition as a listening President, he remarked thus, "Fellow Nigerians, our administration has taken cognisance of suggestions over the years, by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for national dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am an advocate of dialogue. When there are issues that stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.''
In furtherance of Mr. President's avowed belief in positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, he has decided to set up an Advisory Committee whose mandate is to work out the modalities for a national dialogue or conference. The committee is also expected to design a frame work and come up with far reaching recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process.
The committee is made up of men and women of proven integrity and impeccable credentials. The memberships of this committee are:
1. Dr. Femi Okorounmu - Chairman
2. Dr. Akilu Indabawa - Secretary
3. Prof. George Obiozor - Member
4. Prof. Ben Nwabueze - Member
5. Sen. Khairat Gwadabe - Member
6. Sen. Timothy Adudu - Member
7. Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd) - Member
8. Prof. Funke Adebayo - Member
9. Dr. Mairo Ahmed Amshi - Member
10. Dr. Abubakar Sadiq - Member
11. Dr. Dauda Birma - Member
12. Mallam Buhari Bello - Member
13. Mr. Tony Uranta. - Member
The essence of this National Dialogue or Conference, the President said, is to avail the Nigerian Community the opportunity to discuss over the table, burning issues affecting their existence and ultimately chart the way forward with a view to fostering peaceful co-existence.(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/53rd-Anniversary-3-300x173.jpg) (http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/53rd-Anniversary-3.jpg)
The committee was given one month to submit its report after which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the dialogue.
With this kind of independence anniversary address from President Goodluck Jonathan, one can run away with the impression that the critics of Mr. President, might not have been fair to write off the President. One is of the opinion that Goodluck Jonathan is one passionate President, if given the chance, may write his name in gold letterings on the annals of history as one of the best Presidents, the nation has.
Sampson Ikemitang is of the Features Section of the National Press Centre, Federal Ministry of Information, Abuja.
Source: On the 53rd Independence presidential broadcast. (http://fmi.gov.ng/features/31621/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=on-the-53rd-independence-presidential-broadcast)
Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria
Happy Birthday in arears to Nigeria! More years to come....