Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to revisit the report of the 2014 national conference to end the myriad of agitations, protests, provocations and clamour for reforms in Nigeria.
He described the implementation of the confab report as the only way out for Nigeria in the face of clamour for the restructuring of the country.
Jonathan made the call on Saturday at the mega rally tagged, ‘Restructuring the Nigerian Federation’, organised by leaders of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere and Middle Belt Forum under the aegis of Mass Alliance for Inclusive Nigeria Front.
The rally took place at the Ox-Bow Lake Pavilion, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Jonathan, whose speech was read by Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, noted that Nigerians “have to engage in dialogue in order to avoid the opposite action which could bring about destruction to lives and property and the very thing that holds us together as members of the Nigerian federation.”
He said he decided to convene the 2014 national conference as a response to the yearnings of Nigerians for reforms to make the Nigeria federation work.
He said, “In convening the national conference, I had my mind trained in establishing a polity that would work for our people and further unite our country. The one that would close the gaps along tribal, ethnic and religious lines.
“Until Nigeria comes up with an acceptable way of running the country, there is every likelihood that our nation will continue to witness agitations and protests from groups and ethnic nationalities that believe rightly or wrongly that they have been handed the short end of the stick.
