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.