We must not confuse what took place in some few African states where state structures had collapsed completely, where thorough deliberations were compromised or totally lacked legitimacy with what our people need here today, he warned.
Outlining the purpose of the conference, the president stated that it is set to discuss and reach consensus on any aspect of governance arrangement for reinforcing the unity, cohesion, stability, security, progress, development and performance of the Nigerian federation.
Chief Obasanjo who added that the purpose is to enhance rather than diminish the present and the future for every Nigerian, however, said it is not about opposition politics but about Nigeria today and tomorrow, adding: This conference is not a tribunal, a court or an arbitration panel.
He, however, charged the delegates to consider the conference not an opportunity to insist on absolutes, one way or nothing. Rather, he added, the conference is designed to consolidate, solidify and give more life to how Nigerians conceive, organize structures and practice politics in Nigeria on the basis of enduring principles.
Let us not waste this opportunity in casting aspersions, raising diverting and distracting issues, engaging in meaningless and fruitless debates, trying to divide our people on grounds of many identities that we should actually cherish, he said.
God brought Nigeria into being and those of us that He put in this geographical territory will be going against what God has ordained if we do anything to diminish or erode what God has put together. The task of every Nigerian is to sustain what God has created by ensuring justice, equity, equal opportunity, participation and inclusion, he concluded.
2:09:14 PM 
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