Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he convened the 2014 national conference to “enable our citizens to dispassionately address those issues that are pushing us towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord in our polity.”
Jonathan said this at the ‘2nd Igbo Nsukka Zik Annual Merit Award’ event, held in memory of the first president of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe, in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said more measures need to be taken to properly manage Nigeria’s diversity.
“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,” Jonathan said.
“However, to get it right, we need to do 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.”
Jonathan praised Nigerian former leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, adding that they did their best to project a positive image for the country.
He described the role of the nationalists in securing independence for Nigeria as “legendary”, adding that Nigerians of different generations would continue to remember their exemplary leadership.
