Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he convened the 2014 National Conference to create an environment for Nigerians to address issues pushing citizens towards divisive politics and sowing the seeds of discord.

“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,” Mr Jonathan said in his remarks at the Second Igbo Nsukka Zik Annual Merit Award on Wednesday.

The report of the national confab has remained unattended to since Mr Jonathan’s ouster from office in 2015.

Mr Jonathan said the inability to manage Nigeria’s diversity was a major stumbling block to the nation’s socio-economic development.

“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, 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 harmoniously and make our country great,” Mr Jonathan said

The former president stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and agree on how to strengthen mechanisms and institutions that would promote the harmonisation and functionality of their diverse people.

He said that would ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and inspire harmony, patriotism, justice, peace and sustainable development.

He further expressed his belief that Azikiwe’s ideals, philosophy and wisdom were very relevant at this particular time, as Nigerians sought to chart a way forward for the country.

He added that former leaders like Mr Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and other great nationalists did their best to lift the image of our country.

“The nation owes Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria who was in office from 1963 to 1966, a debt of gratitude.

“His outstanding role while working with other great nationalists to secure the independence we enjoy today was legendary.

“Nigerians of different generations will continue to remember his extraordinary efforts towards keeping Nigeria one, and his belief in Nigeria’s greatness anchored on equity, justice and inclusion,” the former president said.

He added that Mr Azikiwe was sincere in his consistent rhetoric about freedom and economic emancipation.

“He spent most of his life fighting for the progress of this country and the well-being of her people.

“It is, therefore, a thing of great significance that this group chose this very special day to evoke the nationalist spirit and principles of Azikiwe and restore to our consciousness those ideals that raised our optimism about a cohesive and peaceful nation,” Mr Jonathan enthused.

Mr Jonathan commended the group for organising the dialogue on the 117th birthday of Azikiwe and for making efforts to preserve his legacies for national unity in these challenging times.

“When my grandmother named me Azikiwe, she probably had no inkling of the meaning of the name, other than the fact that she was enamoured with the achievements of the great nationalist, the Great Zik of Africa.

“I have come to understand that the name symbolises peace, understanding, greatness and solidarity in unity,” Mr Jonathan added.

The former president was honoured on Tuesday with the Zik’s Merit Award at the ceremony in memory of the first Nigerian President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. 

The event, which was held in Abuja, was organised by Igbo Nsukka United Front.