The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Friday, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to faithfully implement the agenda of the proposed national conference.
The group led by its National Chairman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti and the Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, made the call at a meeting with the President at the State House.
Addressing State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting, Fasoranti said the proposed national conference “is the soul of a new Nigeria and bigger than everything, including the 2015 general elections.’’
He commended the President for the initiative of a national dialogue to bring the people together to discuss their union.
“This is a bold move that will earn you a good place in history if faithfully implemented.
“Any leader who is able to get us out of this structural quagmire will never be forgotten.
“Mr President said some forces that have benefited from the imbalance and inequity of decades will not fold their arms and watch Nigeria restructured into an entity that works for all its component units.
“This is why all manners of “letters” were posted to you with impeachment calls.
“Expect more of that as the process moves on by those who want the National Dialogue aborted.
“We strongly advise that the conference be concluded early so that the 2015 elections can be conducted on the basis of the new constitution,’’ he said.
Fasoranti assured the President of the group’s support in carrying out the national conference.
He said that the group also commended the President’s commitment to the completion of the rehabilitation and expansion work on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Fasoranti said that Afenifere also appealed to the President to look into revitalising the moribund government companies in the South West such as the machine tools and Osogbo Steel Rolling Mills.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said that the President reassured the group of his commitment to convening the national conference early next year.
He said that Jonathan also assured that he would not interfere in anyway in the discourse and the nation would be guided by the resolutions from the conference.
In the delegation were Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Supo Shonibore, Yinka Odumakin and others.
