Former President Goodluck Jonathan said on Tuesday he convened the 2014 National Conference in a bid to create an environment for Nigerians to address issues pushing citizens towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord, IgbereTV reports.
Jonathan stated this in his remarks at the 2nd Igbo Nsukka Zik Annual Merit Award held in honour of the first Nigerian President, late Nnamdi Azikiwe, in Abuja.
He said the inability of successive governments to manage Nigeria’s diversity was a major factor limiting the nation’s socio-economic development.
The ex-President said: “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.
“However, to get it right, we need to do much 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
