Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed why his administration did not implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, citing political instability as the key reason. During a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Lagos, Jonathan explained that the conference, which brought together credible Nigerians, had produced a document that could have addressed several governance challenges. However, he said the tense political climate, marked by defections and internal opposition, made it impossible to act on the recommendations before the end of his tenure.
Accompanied by former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma, Jonathan expressed confidence that the recommendations remained relevant and could still be considered by a future administration. He praised Adebanjo’s dedication to justice and national unity, describing him as a leader who consistently stood for the truth. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also paid a visit, echoed similar sentiments about Adebanjo’s role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, stating that his influence extended beyond Yoruba interests to the broader national discourse.
The 2014 conference report still lingers in debate.
Moreover, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s comments have reignited discussions on the fate of the 2014 conference report, which proposed significant governance reforms, including devolution of power, state policing, and resource control. Many Nigerians have long questioned why successive administrations have ignored the document, despite its potential to adequately address and quench ongoing national tensions. Political analysts argue that the failure to implement such recommendations reflects a recurring trend in Nigeria, where political resistance often stalls meaningful reforms.
However, the broader issue remains whether any administration will muster the political will to revisit the document. The 2014 National Conference report offered recommendations on governance, resource control, and restructuring, yet it has remained shelved. With Nigeria facing economic and Security challenges, some believe aspects of the report could provide a path to stability and reform. However, meaningful change requires strong leadership and a willingness to challenge entrenched political interests. Without such commitment, the report risks becoming yet another unrealised blueprint, much like previous well-intended political initiatives that never translated into action.
Political resistance keeps reform out of reach.
Beyond the political debate, Jonathan’s remarks highlight doubts about the effectiveness of national conferences in driving real change. These gatherings provide a platform for dialogue, but their impact is often undermined by the reluctance of those in power to act on their resolutions. The 2014 conference brought together diverse stakeholders, yet its findings remain unimplemented. Critics argue that without a binding mechanism to enforce its recommendations, such conferences become mere symbolic exercises. The tendency of successive administrations to abandon their predecessors’ policies further weakens any hope of continuity, making long-term political reforms increasingly difficult.
Despite these setbacks, some stakeholders remain optimistic about the report’s relevance. Calls for restructuring persist, with many advocating for decentralisation and state autonomy. As economic and governance challenges mount, elements of the report may still find their way into policy discussions, particularly if public demand for reform grows stronger. Constitutional amendments, executive actions, or legislative reforms could eventually incorporate aspects of the conference’s recommendations. However, this depends on political will, public pressure, and the broader democratic process shaping Nigeria’s future.
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Jonathan’s visit to Adebanjo’s family, alongside Atiku’s, underscored the ongoing relevance of past political discussions. While the visit was primarily to honour Adebanjo’s legacy, it also reignited conversations on governance reforms. Adebanjo was a strong advocate for restructuring, and his passing may renew focus on the very issues the 2014 conference sought to address. Whether its recommendations will ever be implemented remains uncertain, but the challenges they attempted to solve continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.