The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the country would remain a united force despite its many challenges.
The governor said the ravaging fire of ethnicity being played up in the North and political logjam arising from opposition political parties would soon be a thing of the past.
Governor Uduaghan gave the assurance at the 4th General Conference of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly held on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
At the conference, attended by a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; the leader of the Odua Peoples Congress, Otunba Gani Adams; the foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark; former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Bishop Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, who is the leader of South West delegates/Co-Chairman; and other prominent leaders from South South, South West South East, Uduaghan said the National Conference, sanctioned by President Goodluck Jonathan, has since provided an avenue for Nigerians to deliberate on issues that would move the nation forward.
He explained that though the Jonathan’s administration was beset by series of challenges, the President has handled these challenges with maturity and sincerity.
While he observed that one of such challenges was the issue of Boko Haram, and emphasized that the activities of Boko Haram has been reduced and there are signs that the militant group will see reasons to embrace peaceful co-existence in the country, he said: “The Jonathan’s administration has done a lot to improve the nation’s economy and engendered a lot of growth and foreign direct investments and interest.”
He stressed that the benefits to the masses will take some time to trickle down to them.
Dr. Uduaghan commended the people of Southern Nigeria for “talking”, noting that those who are talking often do not engage in violence.
He said: “President Jonathan is providing a platform for us to discuss with the National Conference and we are free to say anything in this world except the disintegration of Nigeria and when we discuss, issues are resolved.”
He added that the people of Southern Nigeria should be prepared to make their points known during the conference.
“Let us be hopeful,” he continued, adding: “Let us be positive because the future of Nigeria is bright, Nigeria will not disintegrate in the era of President Goodluck Jonathan.
“No ravaging fire of ethnic nationalism can consume this country.”
The governor hinted that the Governors of the South South and the South East geopolitical zones were meeting regularly and plans were on for the Governors of South West geopolitical zone to join the forum for it to become The Southern Nigeria Governors Forum, noting that there was the need for such forum because of common economic and other social issues affecting the region.
He observed that if Deltans can live in peace despite their ethnic differences, Nigerians can live in peace and work for the growth of the country.
The Chairman of the SNPA and leader of the South South delegation to the meeting, Pa Edwin Clark, said that convening the meeting of the people of Southern Nigeria was very important for the people of the region to speak with one voice, stating: “Nigeria belongs to all of us.
“We must show respect for all of us.
“We are part of this country.
“We have equal right in this country.
“Fight for your right.
“Protect your right.”
Chief Francis William, who delivered a lecture at the ceremony, said: “President Jonathan has the right to contest for the presidential position in 2015.”
William called for regional cooperation.
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