Worried by the various challenges facing the country, former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has convened a consultative dialogue of Socio Cultural Political organizations.
The organisations include Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Northern Elders’ Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Chairman, APC Governors Forum and Chairman, PDP Governors Forum.
The meeting was held on the 9th and 10th of September to deliberate on the state of the nation and critical challenges facing Nigeria.
A communique signed at the end of the meeting and made available to newsmen states that the meeting was convened following fairly extensive consultations, support and encouragement received from elder statesmen, traditional, religious, political and business leaders across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
They noted the grave dangers Nigeria is facing especially in the areas of deterioration of governance, the economy, security, political intolerance, worsening social and inter-communal cohesion, poor performance of democratic and electoral structures, declining faith in leadership and those charged with leadership at all levels which have combined to push the country to the brink.
The meeting identified the primacy of pulling Nigeria back from the brink and resolved to deploy their individual and collective efforts to achieve that objective.
The participating organisations expressed commitment to support and involve themselves in all activities targeted at improving the Nigerian constitution for the purpose of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerian citizens.
Participants further resolved to mobilise Nigerians to support and work towards improving understanding and fraternal relations among all groups constituting Nigeria.
The meeting further committed itself to work with other organisations, groups and
governmental organs at all levels to improve the quality of governance and the democratic and electoral processes as well as on all matters that can positively impact
and improve the economic wellbeing of the Nigerian citizen.
The meeting agreed to set up Panels of Experts to discuss, address and make
recommendations on subject matters such as Nigeria’s federal structure and devolution of power, responsibilities and resources.
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The committee will also discuss security, electoral reforms and ensuring the integrity and credibility of elections, Local Governments autonomy and effective administration, the economy and fiscal federalism, Judicial reforms as well as other matters central to the survival of Nigeria.
The participants resolved to commit themselves to the implementation of agreed
reforms and recommendations arising out of this initiative in the fastest and most acceptable process.
The Communique was signed by Amb. Ahmed Magaji on behalf of the convener.
