SPEECH TO THE NATION BY PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005
Why We Should Not Discuss in Fear, By Obasanjo
Being text of a broadcast by President Olusegun Obasanjo on preparations for
the National Political Reform Conference, February 15, 2005
Fellow Nigerians, it is with great pleasure that I address you today to give you
an update on preparations for the forthcoming National Political Reform
Conference. This has become necessary because of the great enthusiasm being
shown by all segments of society towards the conference. I thank God that we
have all become involved in one way or the other in helping to work out
modalities, selecting candidates and shaping the content and context of the
conference. What has been most interesting is that even those that disagree with
aspects of the process, all do agree that a conference is necessary and
desirable.
Government has continued to make the necessary arrangements to ensure a focused,
well-organised and productive conference. In fact, the state governments and
other stakeholders have responded to the request for selection of delegates with
admirable enthusiasm and we are at the final stages of putting the list of
delegates together. It has been encouraging to note that virtually all the
states have sent in their very best representatives as demonstration of support
for and commitment to the conference. It is also very encouraging that civil
society groups and stakeholders have responded with enthusiasm and have, through
their own processes sent in the list of their delegates.
While government continues to receive hundreds of requests from patriotic
Nigerians to be part of the conference, I would like to use the opportunity to
appeal to all that everyone cannot be part of the conference or be in attendance
at the conference. But there are several other ways in which everyone can
participate. The conference secretariat will work out such modalities and make
them public when the conference commences. If you are not selected as a
delegate, feel very free to use one of the modalities that would be announced to
make your presentation and be part of the debate.
Most of the people nominated by me, are so nominated because of their known
track record, experience, and enthusiasm for different aspects of development in
Nigeria. I want to believe that knowing why they are nominated, they will all
agree to make contributions for the present consolidation of the unity and
progress of Nigeria and its future greatness as they have contributed in the
past. I am convinced that all those selected and all the nominees would want to
be counted on the side of history and continuing commitment to our collective
efforts at building a united, peaceful, equitable, stable, prosperous,
progressive and democratic Nigeria.
The secretariat is being put together with a view to ensuring an efficient,
effective, and committed secretariat. I must use this opportunity to commend the
National Assembly for its response to government's request for funding. Contrary
to some perspectives, the Assembly's response has encouraged us to look inwards
and to become creative at sourcing funds for the conference. I want to specially
thank the National Assembly for its maturity, support, encouragement and inputs
into the arrangements for the conference. What I can assure participants at the
conference is that they will have enough resources to complete the assignment in
the time allocated to it.
I am pleased that the media is following the selection process diligently and
encouraging debates on the margins of the conference. This is very important if
we are going to carry all in the society along with us in the process of
discussing the national question and proffering solutions for repositioning our
country for peace, stability, harmony, progress, development and democracy.
What has become clear is that Nigerians are becoming very politically mature and
willing to explore democratic processes for articulating and pursing their
interests. While existing processes may not satisfy everyone, as is normal in
all societies, we must place the interest of Nigeria above everything else and
we must remain committed to building a society that we can all be happy with. We
should not shy away from confronting difficulties especially if we continue to
believe in God, the nation, and a future that will be better than today. We
should not be afraid to meet and discuss our problems, challenges, fears,
aspirations, and prospects as a people. We should not discuss in fear and we
should never fear to discuss.
And, we must not be afraid to disagree among ourselves provided we also have our
eyes on the goals of unity, peace, harmony, patriotism, and progress for all.
Our disagreement must not lead to disintegration.
The final list of delegates to the conference will be published tomorrow and I
will address the conference on Monday the 21st of February, 2005 at its
inauguration. I call on all Nigerians within and beyond our shores to continue
to provide encouragement and support for the conference. This is one major
chance that we all have to be part of history, to put all our cards on the
table, to discuss as one family, engage in exchange of ideas, vigorous debate
and innovative involvement in shaping the future of our nation.
Finally, let me assure you that government remains truly and fully committed to
ensuring that this opportunity is utilised in addressing those issues that have
bothered most stakeholders, communities and constituencies for sometime. We
continue to pray to God for guidance and we are confident that Nigerians will
show the usual capacity to transcend minor differences and limitations to work
for the larger good of our nation.
Thank you and may God continue to bless Nigeria.
