President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated the commitment of his administration to convening the proposed national conference early 2014.
The president stated this in his Christmas message to the nation which was made available to State House correspondents by the presidential spokesperson, Dr Reuben Abati, on Tuesday.
“My administration will do all within its powers and abilities to ensure that the representatives of our people assemble for the forthcoming national conference next year.
“They will have every opportunity and encouragement to make very significant contributions towards forging the required consensus for sustained national peace, unity and progress.
“It is also my expectation that the national conference will contribute in no small measure towards the urgent resolution of contentious issues which currently hinder our progress as a nation,’’ he said.
The president appealed to Nigerians to put the interest of the nation first against selfish interest.
“It remains my sincere belief that no height of human accomplishment is beyond us as a nation if we can overcome our differences and forge a binding national consensus to put the progress and well-being of the country above all other considerations.
“With God Almighty as our guide, strength and enabler, my administration will continue to implement its agenda for national transformation in furtherance of its avowed commitment to improving the living conditions of all Nigerians,’’ he said.
The president felicitated with Nigerians as they celebrate Christmas, noting that he would continue to count on their prayers, support and cooperation in the coming year.
He also called on the people to resolve to make the “ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill’’ to manifest in their interactions with others.
The president also enjoined the people to make personal sacrifices for the good of others, by showing greater love for others.
He said they should be fairer and more honest in their dealings with others, “by being ever-willing to forgive those who offend us and by always extending goodwill towards others’’.
The president wished all Nigerians very joyful Christmas celebrations and a peaceful and prosperous 2014.