National Confab: Gov. Dickson Tasks Nigerians On Patriotism
As the Nation prepare for the commencement of proposed National dialogue, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has called on Nigerians to exhibit a high sense of patriotism and maturity in the presentation of their views.
Governor Dickson made the call at the one-day summit of Southern Leaders in Calabar, Cross River State.
Advocating the restructuring of the country's constitution to address the existing imbalances for the greater good of the country, the Governor commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his courage and wisdom in convening the National conference.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support to President Jonathan and canvassed for their continued cooperation and understanding in the years ahead.
Speaking on the theme of the summit, “the Centenary and Imperative For A National Conference”, Chairman of the Summit, Chief Olu Falae said the summit was a continuation of extensive and intensive consultations by various groups following the President's announcement of the present administration's decision to convoke a national dialogue.
He expressed optimism at the success of the summit towards making the southern region a political reality.
Contributing on behalf of the South-South traditional leaders, King Edmund Daukoru, Amayanabo of Nembe, noted that it was time to synergize their strengths for the overall benefit of the zone.
King Daukoru also remarked that the basic needs of the geo-political zone transcend the political affiliations and called on the people to work together to achieve their common goal.
Host Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers State, Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Mr. Peter Obi of Anambra, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Dr. Theodore Orji of Abia, Dr. Martins Elechi and representative of Enugu State Governor, Mr. Chime Sullivan were in attendance.
The Governors who noted that they have no other country than Nigeria, emphasized that “the national conference must not be seen as a platform for shouting but an opportunity to facilitate the emergence of a new Nigeria that is far more united than ever before.”
Delivering a keynote address titled, “The Challenges of Development and National Security- 2015 and Beyond,” Professor Godwin Darah and Professor Olufemi Mimiko, identified true federalism as a panacea to the challenges confronting the country.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Emeka Ihedioha, former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, representatives of the South-South, South-West and South-East aired their views at the summit.
Prominent Bayelsans who attended the summit include, national lawmakers from the state, King Ebitimi Banigo, Professor Kimse Okoko, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, Mrs. Georgina Ngeri- Nwagha, Chief Thompson Okorotie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Chief Fred Agbedi and Chief Francis Doukpola.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State