A National Conference delegate, Barrister Ezinwa Okoroafor, has challenged other delegates to join her in going the extra mile to ensure that the conference charts the way for a better Nigeria.

“Nigeria is our own dear native land. We cannot afford to fail her and I am sure I speak for us all when I say that we will not fail,” Mrs. Okoroafor, who is representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers - FIDA Nigeria, said while addressing the Conference. She described the Conference as “an opportunity for inter-generational and multi-sectoral handshake” and commended President Goodluck Jonathan for what she described as his inspiring address at the inauguration of the Conference on March 17.

Continuing, Okoroafor said: “I have read through the speech and am deeply struck by a number of statements therein: To mention but a few, Mr. President spoke about building a more inclusive national consensus. He noted that ‘nation builders must continually strive to evolve better and more inclusive societies in which every citizen is a proud and committed stakeholder’. Mr. President had also requested that we open our minds to new ideas. These statements resonate with me and the constituency I represent and I will draw from them as I express some thoughts on our assignment here.

“In the configuration of delegates for this Conference, Mr. President displays his commitment to inclusiveness and to building ‘the broadest possible national consensus’. Mr. Chairman this conference provides an opportunity for an inter-generational and multi-sectoral handshake. It is therefore important that we first recognise, then respect the rights and interests of others. There is an urgent need for mentoring of the younger generation – the leaders of tomorrow. We have a platform for the elders to provide inspiration, wisdom and guidance as we drink from the wellspring of their experience and also tap into the energy and creativity of the youth.

“Equitable Participation – I must address the issue of equitable participation of women in politics and decision making at every level and the need for Affirmative Action. Women make up half of the population. It is smart economics to take the benefit of the resources invested in training women and other vulnerable groups, for the purpose of our national development. In the emerging globalising world, no nation can rise to and sustain prominence, without mobilising all its human resources. This is even more germane for a plural society like Nigeria.

“Rule of Law – It is important that we enthrone the rule of law and strengthen our institutions to be able to address every infraction of the law. When we do not punish wrong doing, we encourage impunity and send the message that crime pays. The Judiciary, in particular, as the proverbial last hope of the common man needs to be properly equipped to dispense justice. The judiciary should be properly funded and not constantly treated as if it were the “country cousin” of the other arms of government.

“Security – There can be no meaningful development without peace and security. We are inundated with news of killings and abductions across the country. Rape and other forms of violence against women have become the order of the day. I speak as a mother representing all those mothers who do not have the benefit of speaking at a forum like this. My simple message is that regardless of our ethnic, cultural or religious differences, we are all part of the big family of mankind. The death or violation of one of us diminishes us all. We must stop the killings and violations.

“Chapter 2 of the Constitution – The policies and principles enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution must be made justiceable. Citizens must be afforded a basis for holding Government accountable for the provision of education, health and other socio-economic benefits to its citizens. We must also consider the rights of Senior Citizens. It is sad to see the degrading and sometimes inhuman treatment meted out to pensioners. If we do not take care of our senior citizens, we send a message that there is no reward for hard work. We also encourage those who loot our treasury to provide their own social security.

“Accountability – Very often we mourn the loss of values in our nation. We are quick to point at our leaders and blame them for all the ills of the country. John Maxwell said that “everything rises and falls on leadership”. Alexis de Tocqueville is however quoted as saying that” in a democracy, people get the leadership they deserve”. Consequently, for as long as we are not individually accountable, and do not demand accountability first of ourselves and then, our leaders; we will not make progress.

“I am a product of a Federal Government College precisely Federal Government Girls’ College Owerri. These schools are a brilliant initiative to bring Nigerian students together to forge a common bond of friendship. I therefore speak with conviction when I say that we need to focus on the things that unite us – which are indeed many, and not the things that divide us. The President has invited us to contribute to rebuilding and relaunching Nigeria. We must react with sincerity and urgency. The world is moving on and will not wait endlessly for Nigeria to get its act right.

“Sir Walter Scott in his poem on Patriotism asked ... ‘Breathes there the man with soul so dead, who never to himself hath said – this is my own, my native land?’ Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, Nigeria is our own dear native land. We cannot afford to fail her and I am sure I speak for us all when I say that we will not fail.”

•Photo shows National Conference delegate Ezinwa Okoroafor.

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