Bode George Urges Tinubu to Implement 2014 Confab 

Elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to honour the memories of Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark by implementing the 2014 Confab Report.

George made this passionate appeal during a media briefing held on Friday, May 2, in Lagos.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who passed away at the age of 96 on February 14, was a respected leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere. He was laid to rest on Saturday in Ogun State. 

Similarly, Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent Niger Delta figure who died at 97 on February 17, is scheduled to be buried on May 13 in Delta State.

According to George, the late nationalists played vital roles in the 2014 National Conference initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan, investing their wisdom and life experiences in shaping its resolutions.

To truly honour these elder statesmen, George believes President Tinubu should not just release the 2014 Confab Report but also act on its recommendations. He noted that this would be a meaningful way to immortalise their contributions to Nigeria’s growth and unity.

“Mr President, I am appealing to you today, May 2, to release the report of the 2014 Confab for the benefit of the people of this country, in memory of the two old men,” George said. “These people: Adebanjo, Clark, and other elder statesmen are crying out to you from beyond, to release and implement that report.”

He added that the conference delegates reached consensus on the recommendations and that the report offers the path to peace and progress. George also revealed his close working relationship with both Adebanjo and Clark during the conference, particularly on the sub-committee discussing Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

Reflecting on the current state of the country, George stated that the implementation of the 2014 Confab Report has become necessary due to Nigeria’s growing challenges in the economy, security, and governance.

“Our country is facing serious challenges. The system we are running now is no longer working. The Confab report provides lasting solutions to corruption, nepotism, insecurity, and poverty. That’s why it is time to revisit it,” he said.

READ ALSO: Time Is Now For Africans To Reclaim Our Digital Space: Connect, Celebrate, And Grow With The African Collective App

On the state of the nation’s economy and increasing hardship, George urged the President to step up efforts to tackle inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. He also called for an urgent reform of the electoral process to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

Speaking on recent defections of some PDP members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), George said he finds it difficult to understand what is attracting those members to the APC, especially with the current state of governance.

However, he admitted that the PDP needs to resolve its internal issues quickly if it hopes to regain the trust of the Nigerian people. He urged party members to drop personal ambitions and work together for the good of the party and the country.

“The PDP is not finished,” George said confidently. “But we must come together, resolve our differences, and stay focused on rebuilding.”

JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram