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LequteMan
Guest
President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in his Eid-el-Kabir message told Nigerians that the proposed national dialogue “is not diversionary or aimed at promoting certain political ambitions".
He reiterated that the dialogue was aimed at promoting and enhancing national peace, stability and progress.
“It is in keeping with that avowed commitment and my firm belief in the right to freedom of expression and the right of all people in a democracy to make choices on how they wish to live and be governed that I recently announced plans for an orderly national conversation on our problems and challenges.
“Those who continue to say that the initiative is diversionary or aimed at promoting certain political ambitions are in error.
“Our sincere objective is to create an acceptable and workable platform for a national dialogue or conference that will help us to resolve the issues that still cause tension and friction in the polity.
“It will also help to reinforce the ties that bind the country’s many ethnic nationalities and ensure that Nigeria’s immense diversity continues to be a source of strength and greatness," Jonathan said.
He said his administration was encouraged by the positive reactions of various national interest groups to the initiative, and urged Nigerians to key into the process in order to agree on the best way forward for the nation.
He urged other Nigerians to give their “fullest possible support to this renewed effort to harness the efficacy of dialogue and consensus-building for the future well-being and progress of our beloved nation".
He extended warm greetings and felicitations to the Muslims on the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival,and implored them to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to meditate on the immense benefits the country could derive from exhibition of piety, honesty, selflessness, tolerance, and peaceful co-existence with others.
He also gave assurance that his administration would continue to give focused and purposeful leadership to the nation. (NAN)