Jonathan provides fresh insights into reasons why 2014 confab report was not implemented

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has provided fresh insights into the reasons his administration was unable to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.

He attributed the delay to political tensions and internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the run-up to the 2015 general elections.

Jonathan made this revelation on Sunday during a condolence visit to the home of the late Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Lagos.

Accompanied by former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, and former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Bode George, Jonathan reflected on the significance of the conference and its unfulfilled outcomes.

The former president acknowledged that the political climate at the time was not conducive for presenting or executing the recommendations of the conference.

He noted that as the elections approached, his administration faced considerable internal and external challenges that prevented decisive action on the historic document.

“It was not the time we could present such a document,” Jonathan said. “We believe that one day, one government will review it and take everything. The outcomes are still very relevant for our society.”

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Reflecting on the role of Chief Adebanjo and other national figures in ensuring the success of the conference, Jonathan expressed gratitude for their contributions.

He recalled that there was initial suspicion surrounding his intentions for convening the conference, but the presence of respected elder statesmen like Adebanjo helped build trust in the process.

“Without people like him and other leaders, the conference wouldn’t have taken place because there was initial suspicion that I wanted to manipulate the system,” Jonathan noted.

He also recalled how some delegates sought his guidance on key issues, but he insisted on allowing them the autonomy to deliberate freely.

“More than 50 percent of the members were more experienced than me. It was a benevolent privilege that made me set up the Confab,” he said, emphasizing the depth of knowledge and experience among the conference delegates.

Beyond discussing the conference, Jonathan paid tribute to the late Chief Adebanjo and other recently departed national icons, including Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

He described their passing as a monumental loss to the nation, praising their unwavering commitment to justice and national development.

“Our dear leader was not just the leader of Afenifere; he was a leader of this country,” Jonathan stated. “He was a man of enormous wisdom, courage, and willingness to do the right thing. He believed in truth and justice. No nation can grow when there is no truth and when there is no justice. Those were the things he stood for.”

The 2014 National Conference, convened during Jonathan’s administration, brought together representatives from various ethnic, political, and professional groups to deliberate on key national issues.

However, its recommendations have yet to be implemented, despite continued calls from stakeholders advocating for their review and adoption.

Jonathan’s remarks have reignited discussions on the fate of the conference outcomes and their potential role in shaping Nigeria’s political and governance structures in the future.