Former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari yesterday in Sokoto commended President Goodluck Jonathan for setting up the National Dialogue Committee, just as he described the consultation by the committee as in conformity with the ideals of democracy.
The former president who spoke in his Rabah Road house when the committee paid him a courtesy visit however urged the committee to avoid using the media in the course of its consultation arguing that the issue on board is a very serious one that need not be discussed in the market until it has been agreed upon.
Shagari who noted that the committee members are competent people also advised them to ensure that after speaking to the leaders of the people, the leaders will in turn sensitise their subjects.
He said that the committee was doing important service for the country and commended them for reaching out to the people through their leaders. He also urged them to ensure that members of the National Assembly are also carried along in the consultations.
He warned against turning the topical issues to be discussed into media affairs noting that the media may misrepresent their good intentions.
“I am sorry, I am not criticising the press but the press seems to be happy to hear everybody but how they explain it is a different thing and how it is being understood by the public is also another thing.
“You must meet with leaders not with the press. I know that on serious issue that is well known and of a national outlook, it is the duty of the press to listen, take news to the world, but at your stage, I think it is too early to bring the press to cover these conferences.
“Unless of course, they will stay outside, take your photographs and leave you inside with the leaders whom you come to see because they represent their people”, he said.
Earlier, chairman of the committee, Sen. Femi Okoromu said the national confab was designed to listen to Nigerians and know what is bordering them, adding that it will be a people driven conference.
Speaking further, the chairman noted that the consultation will among other things enable them to know whether or not the dialogue is necessary at this material time, modalities for the discussion if necessary, number of delegates, how they are to be chosen, duration and how best to make it a people driven conference.
Other members of the committee who visited the former president include Sen. Khariat Gwadabe, Prof George Obiaru, Alhaji Dauda Birman, Abubakar Mohammed, Prof Funke Adeboye, Dr Buhari Bello, Dr Mario Amshi, and Dr Akilo Ndabawa.
Source: Leadership
