From the National Conference stable

At the Fourth plenary of the ongoing National Conference,26-03-2014.

Please find the updates below in reverse order

17.46

The mood in the hall is very relaxed now, unlike earlier in the day. Delegates are seen chattering in friendly manner across all regions.

The Chairman returned from the meeting with the 49 wise men and announced that tremendous progress was made. He added that they could not finish and therefore announced adjournment till Monday.

He also advised the selected delegates to brief their colleagues possibly on Monday on the outcome of the meeting.

He warned delegates to conduct themselves in good manner. Many delegates would be ashamed of themselves if they had seen footage of their behavior yesterday and said such should not repeat itself.

The Conference has adjourned till Monday.

16.58

The delegates are back into the hall and are seated for the evening session to commence.

11.13

Due to the the unresolved issue of two-third or 75%, the Chairman directed his Deputy to call out a long list of delegates to meet with him and discuss the tense issue 2/3 and 75%.
Chairman Kutigi said the meeting will commence immediately at a separate hall and he announced adjournment till 4pm.

10.48

Felicia Sani supports call for memoranda so that the whole country will be involved.

The Lamido Adamawa, Aliyu Mustapha, warned that for three days he attempted to speak was not given the chance. He warned delegates not to take imitate the so called civilized western conference because they are always after their own interest and they are willing to go to any length to achieve their aims.

He said he was surprised at the behavior of some delegates. He said the President had already told the conference what to discuss or not.

Lamido Adamawa said there is a state in Cameroon called Adamawa, his second home.

He said some “so called elders who claim to be the supporters of the president…” at this point there was a massive shout of “NO NO…” from the delegates. Despite chairman Kutigi’s plea they continue to shout down the royal father.
The Lamido however stood his ground and warned the delegates that they risk disintegrating the country by their behaviour.

He said his kingdom transcend Nigeria and Cameroon and his people has somewhere to go if the country disintegrates….

“There is a state in Cameroun called Adamawa and if I run to that place, I can easily assimilate”

He concluded by saying if they are pushed to wall, they can easily walk out of this country.

“Jingoism is not the preserve of anyone” he said

10.45

Josephine Anenih, said delegates should go back to their constituencies and get their inputs or in the alternative, conference should just go ahead with its work plan which is already loaded.

10.44

A delegate, Bello Haliru said the conference advisory committee had already gone round to collect memo from Nigerians. He advised the secretariat to get those Memo for consideration.

Another delegate, Kunle Olajide, memo were specifically tailored for the organizing of the conference. “It will be right and proper to ask Nigerians to send in their memoranda”

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10.42

Proceedings have commenced and the Chairman just asked delegates whether or not the conference intends to call for Memorandum from the public

10.41

delegates at todays plenary session

Picture of delegates chattering in groups and waiting for the arrival of Principal Officers.

Picture showing arrival of delegates

Second Plenary sitting of the delegates at the National Conference

Welcome to the second plenary of the ongoing National Conference. 

18:15

End of Day Two Plenary

At exactly 6 pm, some members started shouting, “Adjournment, adjournment, adjournment.”

Isa Aremu, while moving for adjournment said he is excited about the energy and emotions that are expressed by delegates but argued that delegates should be allowed to speak on alphabetical order so that all delegates would speak.

The Conference has been adjourned.

17:55

At the rate the Conference is going, it is impossible to finish discussion on the Rules today.

Order 9 which provides that leaders of delegation would speak on behalf of each of the delegation was criticized by a delegate who insisted that the floor should be open for all delegates to speak on any issue they feel strongly about.

Order 9 (3) also came under scrutiny by a delegate who argued that every delegate who has an issue to raise should be allowed to do so through a motion. Mr. Chairman said Section 39 of the Constitution guarantees the right to Freedom of Expression and the Rules will violate the rights of the delegates.

After an exhaustive debate, the Chairman put the question and Rules 1 and 2 contained in Order 9 were deleted from book.

Ken Nnamani referred to Order 7(4) and insisted there should be consistency in the Rules. He referred to Page 11 where ¾ which is 75 percent. He said the inclusion of two-third and ¾ were mixed and was not good for the Conference and called for a stand on the matter.

Olawale Okuniyi said Order 9 (1) was good for the Conference adding that the session should not be turned into a Babel Tower. He suggested that experts from representative bodies be allowed to speak on issues in order to save time and allow caucuses to meet and discuss more pressing issues that require consensus.

17:20

There is a sort of logjam as delegates seem to have voted down every motion on the selection of the Chairmen of Committees.

A decision finally taken on how the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen will be appointed. The Vice Chairman tried to explain that Kutigi has agreed to the position of the delegates but the delegates insisted that the Conference Chairman should confirm that personally. Kutigi did and hit the gavel to adopt the Conference.

Anietie Okon said when issues have been discussed on the floor; it should be exhausted so as to reflect in the records. He referred to the vote in which the Conference decided to select the Chairmen and Deputies for the Standing Committees.

A representative of the NCWS appealed to the leadership to allow women to serve as Deputy Chairmen where men are appointed Chairmen of Committees.

16:45

Ibrahim Idah: Asks the Chairman to disallow people from clapping after submissions because it makes the conference “like any other gathering which is not”. He also said people should refrain from booing other speakers.

16:40

Women delegates are insisting that gender must be reflected in the leadership of committees. If a man is chairman of a committee, a woman must be the deputy and vice versa.

16:30

As it stands, members of each committee will select the leadership of each committee. A former chairman of the People’s Democratic party, PDP, Ahmadu Ali, said that decision is taking a risk  arguing that the leadership of Committees may be skewed to favour certain parts of the country if the responsibility for the selection is taken away from the Conference leadership.

His assertions were followed by shouts of “No, no, no” from the gallery by delegates who still insisted that the Conference should select Chairmen of Committees.

16:27

The plenary moves on to deals with appointment of chairmen and deputy chairmen of committees.

Delegates are expected to indicate the committees they want to serve. But the contentious issue is how leadership of committees are chosen or appointed.

The proposal for Principal officers of the conference to appoint committee leaders was voted down twice. The plenary will consider other options.

16:22

Ahmadu Ali said that democracy was the most difficult form of government. He said that the leadership of Committees may be skewed to favour certain parts of the country if the responsibility for the selection is taken away from the Conference leadership.

This was followed by shouts of “No, no, no” from the gallery by delegates who still insisted that the Conference should select Chairmen of Committees.

16:20

The Chairman, Kutigi put the question and the Conference rejected the provision in the Rules that empowered the leadership to appoint Chairmen of the Committees. He put the question the second time and the “Nays” still carried the day.

16:19

Bolaji Akinyemi, Conference Vice Chairman explained that the issue at stake was the appointment of Committee Chairmen and not about the nomination of members to Committees.

16:18

This was again opposed by a representative of retired military officers, who insisted that in Vision 2020 Committee, it was the members of the various sub-committees that were set up.

16:17

Albert Horsfal said also supported the idea that the Conference leadership should select the leadership of the Committees.

Florence Ita-Giwa supported the motion that the leadership should select the leadership of Committees.

A motion was formally moved to allow the Secretariat select the Chairmen for the 20 Committees to be constituted by the Conference.

16:15

A delegate who was also a member of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Political Reform Conference said the leadership of the Conference should select the Committee Chairmen.

16:13

A delegate suggested that two representatives from each geo-political zone should join the leadership to serve as members of the Selection Committee for the appointment of Chairmen of Committees.

A female delegate said she supports the motion that two delegates from the geo-political zones but added that a woman should be involved.

16:11

There is a mild row as the Chairman insists that the issue of consensus will be revisited.

Debate has, however, moved to page 12 of the Rules book.

16:10

The Chairman has just called the Conference to session and sought to move to Order 7 but delegates shouted that two-third majority should be adopted.

16:06

Welcome to the afternoon session of the plenary.

Delegates are gradually returning to the hall after observing two hours lunch break. Some delegates complained that the food didn’t go round while other said it was not appetizing. A lot of them sent their drivers out to get them food and water, while hanging outside with other colleagues.

Majority of the delegates are already seated but it is difficult to determine whether the number meets the required quorum as adopted.

The leadership has just taken seats and the Conference is about to resume plenary.

14:25

Ayo Adebanjo argued and pointed out to the Chairman  and said when a judge doesn’t want to grant bail to a suspect, he gives him an impossible condition. He argued that it would be difficult to get 75%. He asked the Chairman to tell him anywhere in the world where 75% was used as a benchmark for taking decisions. We should move with the world. Why are we always using the Nigerian factor? Don’t let us fail by giving us condition that is unattainable in any part of the world. We should use two-third majority to take decisions here, my Lord.

14:17

Hassan Adamu thanked the Chairman for his patience and leadership. He said if a consensus can’t be reached, the closest is two-third majority is used. There is no need to raise tempers on this issue. Mr. President had said when we are here, we will be discussing like Nigerians. We are going to make concessions. The way forward is to make consensus and the consensus is 75 percent.

14:14

Tension is building up inside as the Chairman consistently recognizes delegates to the left of the gallery.

14:15

Gani Adams said the Conference is very important, having waited for it for over 20 years. Mr. Chairman we are here to make history. I will suggest that we support two-third majority.

Gambo Jimetta warned the delegates that in view of the anomalies which necessitated past Constitutional Amendments. He said the Conference was borne out of the various misconceptions among the peoples of the country. He said with what is going on, the Conference would rather cause more problems. A simple thing like getting 75% would be difficult to get with the present mindset of the delegates. We should be very careful so that we don’t come here to destroy what we were come to build. We will resist attempts by any group to constitute themselves to block the Conference from taking its decisions. That will not work. That will not work.”

13:53

Adolphus Wabara cautioned against intimidating the Conference leadership and advised the leadership not intimidate the delegates. Mr. Wabara supported Ayu’s argument and asked that the Conference time be left as it were. “We should demarcate between principal officers and the presiding officers,” he said. “We are responsible people. I have seen people close to 90 years here and who are not complaining. That is how it should be.”

The Chairman put a question and delegates vote in favour of retaining the provision of Rule 5(7).

Mike Ozokhome referred to Order 6 (4) said it would be difficult to discuss it without recourse to Order 11 (1&2) which has to do with voting procedure.

He said ¾ means 75, meaning 369, saying it is bogus, elephantide” said a lot of issues will draw so much emotions and primordial sentiments. When issues like state police, regionalism, will come up, it will be difficult to get 75 percent to agree. Second problem is that there will be a tyrannical minority, meaning that a minority could defeat a major decision and moved that a two third majority used in global legislative practice be adopted.

“You have no power to veto anything here. You cannot veto on anything here,” a member is screaming on top of his voice as it seems the Chairman has vetoed Order 6.

On the membership of committees, Kutigi said each delegate will decide which committees they wish to belong. He, however, refused to recognized those, who are shouting that he has no powers to veto any part of the Conference Rules.

13:51

Awal Rasfsanjani said since the Conference is organized to address some of the problems some of the delegates created for the country, those who are too tired to endure the rigours of the Conference should resign. He said that the Conference was too serious for delegates to toy with.

Chinoso Obasi, arguing that the outcome of the Conference would benefit his generation, supported the amendment to Order 5 (7) and suggested that the 2pm-4pm lunch break was too much, saying that the three-month meant for the Conference was not enough to exhaust the concerns of Nigerian Students alone.

13:35

A delegate drew attention to Order 5 (7) and said that the sittings of the Conference should not be addressed by representatives of the various groups, arguing that time should be created so that as many members as possible be allowed to speak. He even proposed that the Conference should start earlier and end by 5pm to enable delegates get to home on time considering the security situation in the country.

13:34

Abubakar Galadima said it is natural for officials at the high table to always look to the right. He said he pitied the Chairman to make the Conference all-inclusive. He also suggested that care should be taken to ensure that majority decisions are taken, saying that in using the voice votes, the Chairman must always listen attentively before dropping the gavel.

Justice Gunmi drew attention to Order 4 (4) and suggested that the clause be changed to read, “Form” instead of the word, “Reach,” saying that quorum is formed and not reached.

13:00

Georgiana Ngieriwaga from Bayelsa State drew attention to the word “present” and said that a quorum is not a human being to be present. She, therefore, called for the word to be changed or removed.

12:59

A delegate suggested that the Presidential inaugural address should be referred and added that a critical mass of delegates should be available to endorse every decision of the Conference. He suggested that quorum should be based on a simple majority.

12:58

Uwazurike from South-East referred to Order 4 (1) and suggested that the word, “Committee” should be added.

The Chairman said Order 4 (3) has taken care of the suggestion.

12:55

The Chairman put the question and it was deleted.

Mike Ahamba called on the Chairman to look at the right side of the gallery.

Femi Falana called for the leadership to take charge of the House, saying that the zigzag way proceedings were moving was not helpful. He argued that the Rules should be taken one at a time and after the Chair has ruled, no delegate should be allowed to go back to raise issues on such matter. He, therefore, moved that the Conference moved to Order 3, Rule 3.

Order 3, Rule 1 was amended to read “breach of violation.”

12:53

Attah said so much time was being spent on the Rules without making progress. He supported the amendment and called for Order 3, Rule 3a be deleted.

The Chairman put the question and it was deleted.

12:52

A delegate, Musa Sale drew attention to Order 3, Rule 3, and said that some delegates may belong to two or more committees and asked that the Rule must be amended to address such situations.

Adeola Akinyemi drew attention to the language of the Rules and advised that it should reflect the gender character of the membership.

12:45

The plenary has adopted Order 1, Rule 2 of its rules. The amendment ensures that rules made by the Chairman and Vice Chairman be referred to the Conference for approval.

Order 2 Rule 2 was also adopted after some disagreements. That order gives the president a time frame to replace the leadership of the conference when a vote of no confidence is passed.

Obiora Ike argued that the Conference lacked the powers to direct the President to carry out any action.

The plenary is a little uncoordinated at the moment, as the delegates randomly make comments distorting a sequential adoption of rules. Delegates go back and forth in making amendments to the Rules, thereby slowing down the business of the Conference.

12:25

The power to make amendment to the rule is vested to the conference.
Mohammed Kabiru Jibrin, every item must follow proper procedure, discussion must be on item by item.

12:23

Remi Olatubora from Ondo state said it is good that the procedure is being considered line by line, but he said their could be point of references. There are internal inconsistencies that may call for cross referencing.

12:19

Bisi Adegboye,Ogun, he said some delegates refused to come on Thursday to collect copies of the rules as directed, they should not therefore, stop the proceedings for their own failings

12:18

Chairma Kutigi said rules Will be adopted only after comments and observations.

12:16

Chris Agbonye lawyer, said document is yet to be adopted. He said it Has to be adopted first before delegates look at it. He Moved a motion for the discussion on the proposed document.

12:15

Femi Mimiko Ondo, asked the chairman to always look at people sitting by extreme ends. He said he Got copy of his rules only today. He Proposed that delegates take time to peruse and come to plenary tomorrow to adopt.

12:10

Leader of the Labour Party, Dan Nwanyawu complained that a situation where delegates queued for over an hour before being allowed into the venue of the Conference is unacceptable. He also advised that the secretariat should be up and doing, adding that all Conference documents should have been dropped on the seats of delegates before the commencement of the session.

11:46

About 20 Committees will be constituted by the Conference. This is based on the list of Proposed Committees distributed to delegates.

These are Committee on Devolution of Power, Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government among others.

11:45

A member drew the attention of the conference to the way some delegates speak to the press, saying that he read on a newspaper about a delegate who claimed to have come to the Conference to stop President from contesting the 2015 elections.

11:43

Complaints about the snag at the entrance is still coming. Leader of the Labour Party, Dan Nwanyawu complained that a situation where delegates queued for over an hour before being allowed into the venue of the Conference is unacceptable. He also advised that the secretariat should be up and doing, adding that all Conference documents should have been dropped on the seats of delegates before the commencement of the session.

11:42

After the 10 minutes recess to allow stranded delegates enter the plenary, draft Work Plan for the Conference is distributed to delegates. The document outlines the daily activities of the Conference.

A list of Proposed Committees distributed to delegates shows that about 20 Committees will be constituted by the Conference. .

These are Committee on Devolution of Power, Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government among others.

11:03

Femi Falana has just raised a point that the situation where delegates are almost compelled to register their names and emails and other addresses before being given Conference document was cumbersome. He suggested that the registration be suspended and carried out on a later time. Mr. Falana said the Rules cannot be adopted until all the delegates were around and the document read out so it is considered clause by clause.

The Chairman, called for an adjournment for 10 minutes to enable all those stranded outside the gallery to come in.
This was accepted by all the members.

11:02

Minutes of meeting adopted. Discussion on the proposed rules now about to commence. The next item after the adoption of the rules will be announcement by the chairman. Some of the announcements include the work plan and how proposed committee will be distributed. He will also announce adoption of proposed committee structure and group classification.

Another announcement will be indication of committee interest. Chairman will also announce call for submission of paper on thematic issues highlighted under various committees. The papers should be submitted on or before the close of business on Thursday 3rd April 2014.

The last item under announcement is Memo from the public?

Also on today’s agenda is discussion of issues from the Presidents speech of 17th March.

11:00

An elderly delegate just walked pass now complaining that he has not been able to find his seat. he is still walking down the gallery and there is nobody to assist him in finding his seat.

About 96 percent of the delegates are already inside the gallery. The Vice Chairman has just moved a motion for the Proceedings to be adopted. It was agreed that the motion be moved by a delegate.

10:59

Professor Ivara Esu suggested that the Proceedings should be sent to the emails of delegates so they study it on time and effect the necessary corrections instead of distributing them during plenary. He said mailing the document to the members would save time.

Musa Dede that security details attached to some of the delegates have outnumbered the delegates and should be checked. He argued that former governors and other delegates who come with such security details should leave them at the gate. “My Lord, the security details outnumber delegates and are making it difficult for people to come here.”

A former AIG, Mr. Abubakar while supporting Dede, said there was need to give the benefit of the doubt to those, who really need to come into the premises with their aides. These suggestions were noted by the Chair.

A female member observed that security agents were shouting at the door to the gallery and advised that the arrangements should be properly made. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa suggested that names of delegates should not be indicated in every correction made to avoid having a very voluminous Vote of Proceedings.

10:51

A screen located in front of the gallery is now displaying names of delegates present at the gallery from number 101 which carries the name of Kola Jamodu.

The page displayed shows that only three members are yet to arrive at the chamber. Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara has just arrived has just walked in and is going round searching for his seat. Mr. Wabara spots a while buba and shokoto with an Igbo traditional red cap.

10:46

Based on the order paper, the delegates will consider and adopt the rules earlier circulated to them by the confab secretariat today. But it appears the hassle of entering the conference venue needs to be redressed before main issues are discussed.

Isa Aremu: The administrative procedure are too cumbersome, many are absent now when minutes are being corrected, not because they are not here, but because they are held either at the gate or registration processes.

Musa Adede suggested that traditional rulers and top government functionaries who drive long convoys should leave their escorts outside the gate because it is crowding the gate. This is one of the problems we face in this country.

Some of aged members of the conference come with luggage which they cannot carry by themselves, requiring them to bring escorts, thereby heightening the clusters at the gate.

10:38

Based on the Rules of Procedure to be adopted today, a delegate can only speak and be recognized from his or her designated seat. Therefore, it is very important for delegates to locate and be on their assigned seats.

There are no microphones attached to seats and so it is becoming difficult for delegates to be head from the gallery. Some of them speak on the floor without using microphone. They are currently reviewing their rules of Proceedings.

10:36

The traffic again is very crazy as one approaches the Conference venue. Security operatives who keep the gates and control traffic are causing confusion in their bid to check persons going into the NJI premises.

Those going towards the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Utako should use alternative routes and avoid the Life Camp/Utako Road that passes through the Conference venue to avoid being held up in the traffic.

Today’s plenary promises to be very interesting. Seats have been carefully marked; with names of delegates tagged accordingly.

The National Anthem was played at exactly 10.02 am to signal the beginning of the Conference. The National Prayer which is the Second Stanza of the National Anthem was recited while delegates stood to their feet.

The Vice Chairman, Bolaji Akinyemi called for the adoption of the Proceedings of the previous session. Delegates are currently making observations and corrections on the document.

Nigeria National Conference Plenary Session of the 25th of March

Welcome to the third plenary of the ongoing National Conference in Nigeria.

16.33

Earlier today, Ayodele Adekanbi drew the attention of the Conference to the plight of physically challenged delegates. He noted that during inauguration, people on wheelchairs could not access the venue. Speaking on Order 12(1, he said, “We want to request that persons with disabilities be selected to cut across all the Committees. We are 90 million disabled persons in the country.”

Mr. Adekanbi appealed to delegates to support the yearning of the persons living with disabilities, adding that such people were being marginalised on a daily basis all over the country.

He added, “While women are crying for attention today, someday, somehow, we will all grow old and disability will set in and we will experience what they are experiencing now. So please let us put the physically challenged into consideration.”

The Chairman asked people living with disabilities to choose the Committee they want to belong.

15.08

Images of some delegates shortly before plenary adjourned for two-hours lunch break.

3rd Day Plenary Session

15.07

12.13

Deputy Chairman Bolaji Akinyemi took the microphone and asked the rowdy hall to give the chairman his deserved respect and obey his order.
Speaking after, Chairman Kutigi said he has already ruled that thorough debate will be taken on the 2/3 or 3/4 decision at a later date. He said he still stands by that order and asked for continuation on discussion on Order 12.

12.12

Justice Gummi, asked delegates to calm down and told them that delegates are faced with weighty issues. He proposed for a 3/4 decision because it is “a near unanimity”.

Decided weighty issues on a simple majority will be doing more harm than good.

The hall is almost becoming uncontrollable as the chairman’s plea for order is continuously ignored.

12.10

Dan Nwanyanwu; after speaking on this issue, i may not be tempted to speak again. He said delegates should go with 2/3. He moved a motion that all decision should be decided by 2/3 majority of the conference.

12.09

Adamu Aliyu, a former Chief Judge asked the delegates to simply passed the order as proposed because according to him everything is ok.

Obong Victor Attah, spokes order 11 rule 2, which said in case of failure to reach a matter by consensus it shall be decided by 3/4.

he said the rule is silent on whether the matter shall be decided on the 3/4 of delegates sitting and voting or the entire delegate membership.

He said 2/3 has always guided decisions in Nigeria. He appealed to the delegates to go back to the time honoured 2/3 method in Nigeria. His comments elicited wide response of both yes and no!

12.03

Power is Restored! Proceeding continues

11.53

Electricity Supply is gone. Proceedings halted

11.52

Mike Ozekhome, on the other hand, said he does not want to speak through a representative because he does not want to be accused of being bought over.

Felicia Sani Asked for an amendment to rule 17 to allow committees submit their written reports to the secretariat and not the chairman.

11.51

Adefemi Kila advised the chairman,  to ensure that each order being discussed is concluded before he hit the gavel. on order 9 rule 12: he said NSE has prepared a conference paper which he will be presenting.

11.21

Deputy Chairman Bolaji AKinyemi explained that the committees may appear over loaded but there is a challenge of lack of enough committee rooms at the NJI.

11.20

Orok Otu Duke: Votes and Proceedings should be given the next day while Hansards can be given on Thursdays.
Commenting on Rule 12, Mr Duke said those proposing motions should submit a list of their names after which they can be identified by the presiding officers to speak. He also said Principal officers should determine the number of committees, he argued that the list of proposed committees as proposed are over loaded and should be streamlined. “A committee having 15 to 16 items might be unwieldy” he said.

11.09

Meanwhile Delegates have continued with their discussion on order 9 of the draft Rule.

John Dara: (North Central) said he supports the submission by Joe Odumakin that all delegates should be given three minutes to speak instead of 10 minutes for group leaders to speak on behalf of their groups.

Anayo Enegbe (Former Speakers Forum) this is 2014 confab not 2005. He recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan had asked the delegates not to apply old solutions to new problems. He said rule 1 and 2 of order 9 have already been adopted. He said it has been agreed that delegates should speak through their representatives when it comes to the presentation of group positions. He said allowing people from the same group speak individually is a way of calling for anarchy.

11.06

Yinka Odumakin (south West) said Security matters should not be discussed in plenary.

He also said there should be no attempt to gag the media. He said delegates have not been sent to the National Conference to “come and sleep”. He said the Media are not being mischievous but “only doing their job”.

Dan Nwanyanwu (Labour Party) also speaking on the matter first congratulated the secretariat for a tremendous improvement in their duties. He also reminded the delegates that they are here for serious business.

“Whoever wants to sleep should take their stairs and find a place to take a nap; The press did not lie with the picture in page 6 of the Leadership newspaper. If you want to sleep don’t do it here because the press will get you,” he said.

11.03

Mahmud Aminu (CSO) while speaking, shortly after the security concerns, aid there appears to be slanted and negative reports in the media over the conference. He said the Press should be responsible on its reportage.

He recalled that last week a Delegate simply asked if he is entitled to an assistant? But the press reported that delegates are asking for their aides to be paid.

He made reference to a Picture story in page 6 in the Leadership newspaper of today and said it was aimed at painting the delegate who appears to be sleeping in bad light. He urged the chairman to ask the press to report the proceedings with all sense of responsibility.

11.01

Although delegates are happy entry into the conference venue is easier today, they are worried about the infiltration of the venue and a security breach. Mansur Dan ALi (Zamfara) requested ease of access should not compromise on security. He said the security officials at the gate should always screen vehicles before allowing them in contrary to the practice this morning.

He also said more officials should be deployed beyond just the gate but all around the NJI. He said there are eminent Nigerians at the conference, and that if anything happens to them it will affect Nigeria seriously.

He also said plain cloth security officials should be discreet and the display of weapons by the SSS is unnecessary because they are not supposed to be engaged in combat duties.

10.56

Announcement continues…

Henceforth, delegates must identify themselves by name and group before speaking for proper recording, the sceretary also announced.

He confirmed that the N1.4 million delegates received over the weekend was two weeks allowance in advance, and that subsequent payments will be made fortnightly.

10.53

Before commencement of plenary, the Assistant Secretary Finance, Prof. Yakubu made the following announcements:

He said 28 delegates are still yet to collect their bags which contain conference materials.

He also asked to confirm the participation of a delegate from the UK representing Nigerians in the Disapora, Adebayo Oladimeji, as well as Cyril Amako and Arikije Alan James Royal Highness, representing ethnic nationalities.

He also said some delegates submitted up to ten names as aides for accreditation adding that the secretariat cannot afford to do that.

The Delegates finally agreed that only one driver and an aide will be accredited.

The official also announced that Car parks are also being allocated based on Royal Fathers, Elder statesmen, Other Delegates and the Media. Tags to that effect will be given at lunch time.

10.50

At 10:00 a.m, the plenary Hall was almost full as nearly all the delegates were seated waiting for the arrival of the Chairman and his team of officials for the sitting to commence. PREMIUM TIMES have observed that the encumbrances at the gate have eased tremendously.

The Chairman and other officials arrived at exactly 10:03 a.m. to commence discussions on comments and observation on the draft rules of procedure, continued from the previous plenary.

The Anointing of Nigerian Delegates - The Making

Cracking down the 492 delegates participating in the Nigerian National Conference 2014, the president nominated 37 elder statesmen, drawn from each of the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

Retired military and security personnel, comprising the military, police as well as the State Security Service (SSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) contribute 18 delegates.

A member from each of the three sub-groups is  nominated by stakeholders from each of the six geopolitical zones of the federation.

Traditional rulers are represented by 13 delegates, comprising two from each of the six geopolitical zones and one from FCT, while retired civil servants contribute six persons, drawn from the six geopolitical zones and nominated by stakeholders.

Labour have a slot for 24 representatives, 12 each nominated by the nation’s two central unions, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). Their nominations  reflect geopolitical and gender balance.

The organised private sector (OPS) nominated eight delegates to the conference and Nigerian youth organisations have 18 delegate slots who are to come from the six geopolitical zones. The nominations are dependent on stakeholders and the federal government.

Women groups, including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Market Women Associations and National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have 24 delegates, drawn from the six geopolitical zones.

Christian and Muslim leaders are represented by 12 delegates, comprising six nominees each to stand for the two religions, while civil society groups have 24 representations.

Other delegates are to come from Nigerians in Diaspora-8, People Living with Disabilities-6, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria-2, Nigeria Guild of Editors-2, Nigeria Union of Journalists-2, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria-2, socio-political/cultural & ethnic nationality groups-90, professional bodies, including Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Medical Association & Nigeria Economic Society-13, & National Academies such as the Academy of Science, Academy of Engineering and Academy of Education-5.

The rest of the delegates are made up of representatives of the judiciary (6), former political office holders (24), Federal Government of Nigeria (20), state governments & FCT (109) and former local government area chairmen (six).

National Conference Inauguration

Remarks by

His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

At the

Inauguration of the National Conference

Monday, 17th March, 2014

PROTOCOLS

1.          I am delighted to welcome you all to the inauguration of this historic National Conference which promises to be another significant landmark in our efforts to strengthen national unity and consolidate democratic governance in our beloved country.

2.          I also believe that this National Conference is coming at a very appropriate time. Having just celebrated the first centenary of our country, the most compelling task before us, as we move ahead and contemplate what our nation will be at the end of its second century, is to lay a much stronger foundation for faster development.

3.          This we can achieve by building a more inclusive national consensus on the structure and guiding principles of state that will guarantee our emergence as a more united, progressive and prosperous nation.

4.          In our history as a political entity, we have experienced highs and lows but have always forged ahead. To my mind, the fact that we have weathered   all storms and continued with the mission of evolving a truly national identity signifies that we are going in the right direction.

5.          The strongest nations in the world today also went through their own formative stages; some for decades and others for centuries. We must learn from them that nationhood will not happen overnight, especially given the circumstances of our birth as a nation.

6.          History also teaches that nation-building is a journey of dedication, commitment, diligence, perseverance and patriotic vision. To be successful, nation-builders must continually strive to evolve better and more inclusive societies in which every citizen is a proud and committed stakeholder.

7.          It was with this objective in mind that we set up the Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) on the National Conference in October last year and charged its members with the responsibility of designing the framework and modalities for a productive National Conference.

8.          The Committee which submitted its Report in December, 2013, was able to reach out to all Nigerians and various interest groups, socio-political groupings, regional and religious elements, professionals, civil society, the organised private sector, labour, youth, women and others to ascertain their views on the initiative.

9.          The Presidential Advisory Committee established that there was indeed, a national consensus for this Conference to be convened immediately, to meet the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

10.      The National Conference is therefore being convened to engage in intense introspection about the political and socio-economic challenges confronting our nation and to chart the best and most acceptable way for the resolution of such challenges in the collective interest of all the constituent parts of our fatherland.

11.      This coming together under one roof to confer and build a fresh national consensus for the amicable resolution of issues that still cause friction amongst our people must be seen as an essential part of the process of building a more united, stronger and progressive nation.

12.      We cannot continue to fold our arms and assume that things will straighten themselves out in due course, instead of taking practical steps to overcome impediments on our path to true nationhood, rapid development and national prosperity.

13.      For many years we have discussed and argued over various issues concerning our national existence and well-being. Much of this national discourse has been conducted through the mass media, both print and electronic. More recently, the advent of the age of ICT and social media has greatly enlarged the space for the discussion of our country’s future.

14.      Many more young and articulate  Nigerians who previously had little access to the traditional mass media have now joined the conversation, motivated by patriotic concern for good governance, peace, stability, justice, equity, fairness and the harmonious co-existence of the diverse groups that make up our great nation.

15.      Dear Compatriots, my administration is convening this National Conference today because we believe that we must assume responsibility for ensuring that the long-running national debate on the best way forward for our country is not in vain.

16.      It is our expectation that participants in this conference will patriotically articulate and synthesize our peoples’ thoughts, views and recommendations for a stronger, more united, peaceful and politically stable Nigeria, forge the broadest possible national consensus in support of those recommendations, and strive to ensure that they are given the legal and constitutional backing to shape the present and the future of our beloved fatherland.

17.      In inaugurating this national conference today, we are not unmindful of the argument of those who say that we do not need such a conference since we already have an elected Parliament and an elected Government in place.

18.      As cogent as that argument may sound, I have chosen to act on the sincere conviction that in the truly democratic nation we are striving to build, we must never ignore the loudly expressed views of the majority of ordinary Nigerians.

19.      I have heard that majority say, that we need to rebuild trust by involving them in the process of developing a guiding document of our national political relationships which is more acceptable to all sections of the country. I have heard our people say that we need to openly and frankly discuss our problems and seek acceptable solutions instead of allowing them to fester and remain sources of perennial conflict.

20.      I have also heard them say that, as the elected representatives of our people, we must never arrogate to ourselves all knowledge and wisdom regarding the development of our country.

21.      And I am in full agreement with our people. The power we hold is, without question, in trust for the people. Sovereignty belongs to the people. Their voices must be heard and factored into every decision we take on their behalf.

22.      This National Conference is a very important avenue for the voices of our people to be heard. Our people have yearnings and desires that need to be discussed. Their representatives at this conference are neither usurping the role of the National Assembly nor the Executive. They are complementing us in our march towards a greater and stronger union.

23.      Over the years, well-meaning Nigerians have drawn attention to inadequacies in our current constitution. Some have described it as a military-inspired document which does not take into full consideration the genuine desires and wishes of the people.

24.      The phrase in the preamble that says “we, the people,” has been variously criticised as being misleading because, according to the critics, the constitution was not written by the people.  There are also those who believe that the constitution is not our problem but the political will to faithfully implement it for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

25.      While opinions on the matter can be as diverse as rain showers, I believe that irrespective of our personal views on the issue, no one can deny the fact that every constitution is a living document that needs to be revised and improved upon from time to time. The United States, which is the model democracy in the eyes of many, has amended its constitution 27 times since it was first adopted in 1787.

26.      Some of our compatriots also believe that because we have held several conferences in the past, we do not need to hold another one. I do not share that view at all.

27.      A deeper look will reveal that the challenges we faced before each of the preceding national conferences were different. The challenges of 1956 are certainly not the challenges of 2014, and definitely not the challenges that the nation will face in years to come. It makes sense, therefore, that as the challenges before us evolve, we must be constant and proactive in our search for fresh solutions. We cannot continue to proffer yesterday’s solutions for today’s problems.

28.      This conference is open for us to table our thoughts and positions on issues, and make recommendations that will advance our togetherness. The issues range from form of government, structures of government, devolution of powers, revenue sharing, resource control, state and local government creation, boundary adjustment, state police and fiscal federalism, to local government elections, indigeneship, gender equality and children’s rights, amongst others.

29.      We must not approach these issues with suspicion and antagonism. Rather, we should be open-minded and work to achieve what is best for Nigeria. Even though you come to the Conference as nominees and representatives of different interest groups, I urge you all to make a more united, stronger, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria your preoccupation and reference point at this national gathering.  Whatever the pressures on you may be, I call upon you to put the best interest of Nigeria before all other sectional or group interests.

30.      Indeed, I am quite worried when I hear people say that some participants in this National Conversation are coming here to defend and promote ethnic or clannish agenda. It is very regrettable that there are persons who believe that we cannot undertake any collective task in our country without the hindrance of ethnic rivalry even after 100 years of nationhood.

31.      This conference gives us an opportunity to prove such persons wrong and I believe it will. As we start a new century of nationhood, we have an obligation to reshape and redirect our country for the benefit of our children. There should be no room for divisive cleavages and ethnic jingoism. There should be no room for selfish considerations that defeat the purpose of national progress. There should be room only for the national interest.

32.      In the 60s, our country was ranked along with some developing countries including India, Malaysia and South Korea. Today, those countries have moved far ahead of us in several areas. My expectation is that the outcome of this Conference will be a positive turning point for our country’s development. We must seize this opportunity to cement the cleavages and fault lines that tend to separate us.   We must re-launch our country.

33.      I know the task before you is onerous; but there must be only one winner, and there can only be one winner if we do everything right, and that winner must be Nigeria. I urge you therefore to focus strictly on the Nigerian Agenda.

34.      I expect that, as persons of integrity and honour, you will do nothing in this Conference that will undermine our efforts and desire to build a truly great nation.  I also expect that your discussions will be informed only by the noblest of instincts and persuasions.

35.      Our sole motivation for convening this conference is the patriotic desire for a better and greater nation. We are determined that things must be done in a way and manner that will positively advance that objective.

36.      While we recognise that groups and communities are the building blocks of our nation, we must also emphasise that we need one another to build the solid and prosperous country of our dreams.

37.      We cannot join hands together to build with a collective vision if we continue to harbour negative biases and prejudices against ourselves.

38.      Yesterday’s prejudices should die with yesterday. Today is a new day. This is the dawn of a new era. This is an opportunity to think anew. We must jettison the poisonous mind-sets of the past, which were built on unhealthy competition among our diverse groups and peoples.

39.      We need a new mind and a new spirit of oneness and national unity. The time has come to stop seeing Nigeria as a country of many groups and regions. We have been divinely brought together under one roof. We must begin to see ourselves as one community. We are joined together by similar hopes and dreams as well as similar problems and challenges. What affects one part of the community affects the other.

40.      An average Nigerian sees every part of the country as home. Let us seize the opportunity of this Conference to do more to further turn our diversity and plurality into unique national resources for strength and greatness.

41.      I have always affirmed that our ability to stay together despite our acknowledged differences, when other countries are finding it difficult to meet that challenge, is a powerful statement by Nigeria to the world on the virtues of tolerance and unity.

42.      It is a strong and compelling statement in a world much afflicted by strife and violence.  We must sustain it. We must not allow the antagonists of unity and togetherness to prevail. We must work ceaselessly to remain one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity, as our National Anthem says.

43.      Honourable Chairman and distinguished delegates, I urge you not to be under any illusions as you begin your assignment. The task that lies ahead of you is formidable. Over the coming weeks, you will be confronted with complex and emotive issues; strong views will be expressed by opposing sides and some disagreements will, in all likelihood, be intense.

44.      I sincerely believe, however, that we can overcome all obstacles to true national unity if we dig deep into the recesses of our national character and look up to God Almighty for wisdom, guidance and the generosity of spirit we need to ensure the success of this conference.

45.      Once again, I wish to express my appreciation to the Nigerian people who have, without hesitation, accepted dialogue as a means of resolving all differences and tensions that may exist in the country, and therefore, given their unequivocal support for this National Conference.

46.      Let me at this point thank the National Assembly for introducing the provision for a referendum in the proposed amendment of the Constitution. This should be relevant for this Conference if at the end of the deliberations, the need for a referendum arises. I therefore urge the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly to speed up the Constitutional amendment process especially with regard to the subject of referendum.

47.      I thank the Chairman, Senator Femi Okurounmu and members of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the arduous work they undertook to prepare for the Conference.  I also thank the Chairman of this National Conference, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, the principal officers and all the distinguished patriots and representatives of our people who have taken time off their busy personal schedules to serve the cause of national unity and progress at this conference.

48.      I am confident that we are embarking on a landmark journey that will make us stronger as a nation if we undertake it with all sense of purpose and sincerity. Let us do that which is selfless, purposeful and patriotic so that history will remember us for having served our nation well.

49.      In conclusion, I urge all officials and participants in the national conference to work extra hard to ensure that their deliberations are completed on schedule, well ahead of the schedule of events for the next general elections already announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

50.      Let me again repeat what I have been saying that Goodluck Jonathan has no personal agenda in convening this national conference.

51.      Ladies and Gentlemen, I now have the honour and privilege of declaring the National Conference open, for the good of our Nation and to the glory of God Almighty who has brought us together.

52.      I thank you all.

source http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/president-jonathans-remarks-inauguration-national-conference/#sthash.ZbGNO9v7.dpuf

2014 Nigerian National Conference Delegates