Former President Goodluck Jonathan says creating an environment for Nigerians to address divisive politics and disunity among citizens was the reason he convened the 2014 National Conference.
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 organized by Igbo Nsukka United Front, Jonathan was honored with “the Zik’s Merit Award”.
He explained that the inability to manage Nigeria’s cultural diversity was a major stumbling block to the nation’s socio-economic development.
“When I convened the 2014 National Conference as President, I intended 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.”
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.
