Afenifere Canvasses Support For Confab Advisory Committee

Posted by African Examiner Ayo Balogun, Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, October 10th, 2013

Ayo Balogun, Lagos

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Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has called on Nigerians to support the National Conference Advisory Committee recently inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The body reiterated that it fully endorsed Jonathan’s inauguration of an Advisory Committee on National Conference, saying it signaled a move for the betterment of the nation if the intention is genuine, towards resolving the critical nation-building challenges confronting this country.

National Chairman, ARG, Hon. Olawale Oshun, in a statement in Lagos stated that Nigerians had relentlessly canvassed for dialogue, and that over the years, especially in view of the fact that the problems of the country continue to multiply, this decision by the president should be seen as a welcome development.

“Being an unwavering advocate-definitely the loudest in the country – of such a platform that allows Nigerians to examine its basis of existence, ARG cannot but now avail the committee its full support and avail it of its vast library of materials that can guide the committee towards a successful deliberation.

“However, we are not unmindful of certain doubts about the President’s motive, which some have even described as less than wholesome. ARG believes such doubts are not unfounded, emanating from deceits of past leaders. Even some of the past actions of the President himself have hardly engendered confidence,’ he said.

Oshun added that “all we can say for now is that, it is left for President Jonathan to decide if he would like to be remembered for any worthy legacy. For us in ARG, we are accepting this offer on its face value, and wish to enjoin everyone to do so, believing it would lead Nigeria to that much-desired destination.”

He said the outcome of this move might really be beyond the president, as it is about the collective yearnings of the generality of Nigerians, saying “this is our expectation, which we believe is shared by millions of Nigerians. We want to emphasise that it is this expectation, not the presidential mandate, that places a huge responsibility on the shoulders of this committee’s members and we urge them not to disappoint Nigerians.

Oshun noted that Nigerians should not only expect, but must also work tirelessly and put the members of the committee on their toes, urging Nigerian to let the committee realise how much the survival and future prosperity of the nation required that they do the right thing.