National dialogue commences February

The national conference being planned by the Federal Government will commence from the third or last week of February, The PUNCH has learnt.

A competent Presidency source told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity on Wednesday that the government had concluded work on the framework for the conference.

He said the framework was arrived at after marathon meetings between the government team, personally led by President Goodluck Jonathan, and members of the Senator Femi Okurounmu-led National Advisory Committee on National Dialogue.

In December, Jonathan, while receiving the report of the committee, had given an indication that the conference would hold early this year.

The Presidency source, who spoke to our correspondent, said Jonathan had directed the relevant government officials to make the details of the conference framework available to Nigerians as soon as possible.

The source said, “The national conference should be up and running by third week or latest last week of February.

“The first two weeks of the month (February) will witness activities such as the nomination of delegates and so on.

“Work had been completed on the framework. President Jonathan has been presiding over meetings aimed at developing the framework since. The President has also given directives to those concerned to make the details of the framework available to Nigerians. I guess that may be done on Friday or latest early next week.”

When asked whether the President, who is currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 22nd Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government, will return to the country on Friday before the announcement can be made, the source said, “Not necessarily. Directive had already been given to those concerned to make the announcement.”

Jonathan had on October 1, 2013 in his 53rd Independence Day Anniversary broadcast, announced the setting up of the committee to design the framework for the national dialogue.

He said he decided to set up the committee because he believed it that made sense for parties to discuss when there are issues.

He said, “Our administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a national dialogue on the future of our beloved country.

“When there are issues that constantly stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.”

Copyright PUNCH.