CONFAB: REPORT MAY BE SUBJECTED TO REFERENDUM - JONATHAN •I have no hidden agenda, he says •Blow-by-blow account of inauguration ceremony Taiwo Adisa, Kunle Oderemi and Clement Idoko - Abuja with Agency Report From left, Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Mukhtar; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi and deputy chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 2 & 3PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Monday inaugurated the National Conference of 492 delegates in Abuja, with a promise that the outcome of the conference could be subjected to a referendum if the need arises. Jonathan, who addressed the delegates at the auditorium of the National Judicial Institute, Airport Road, Abuja said that the stage for the possibility of a referendum had already been set by the National Assembly through the ongoing constitution amendment exercise. According to the president, the conference was set up with the hope of enabling the country chart a new beginning and address the sources of tension in the polity. ADVERTISEMENT He said: “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. “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.” He insisted that the conference proceedings could be submitted to a referendum if the National Assembly completes its work on the proposal to that effect in good time before the end of the conference. He, therefore, asked the lawmakers and the states to expedite action on the constitution amendment exercise. The President said: “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.” On the agenda for the conference, the President insisted that the delegates are to fashion a new Nigeria where the various ethnic groups can live together in peace and accelerate development. He further stated that the fact that Nigeria has weathered the storms of the highs and lows of nationhood meant that the nation was marching in the right direction towards the appropriate solution. According to him, even the strongest nations of the world had at different times faced challenges. “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. “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.” He also told the delegates that the report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Confeence submitted to him last year indicated that Nigerians were willing to talk and address the contemporary challenges. He insisted that a nation cannot be tired of talking because the challenges of the 1960s are quite different from those of today and would be different from the challenges of the future. He said: “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. “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. “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. “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.” The President stated that the National conference was 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.” He stated that the coming together of delegates would ensure that Nigeria builds a fresh national consensus for the amicable resolution of issues which continue to cause friction among the people and ensure the nation embark on journey towards greatness faster. He said that his government decided to take action because it could not sit by and fold its arms with the assumption that things would straighten themselves out. He gave the agenda of the conference to include issues of forms of government, devolution of powers, resource control as well as states and local government administration. The president said: “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. “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.” He stated that while some Nigerians have argued that the national conference might be unnecessary in view of the existence of the National Assembly, the President stated that the conference was aimed at giving more voice to the people who are the custodians of power. According to him the coherence was not out to rival the National Assembly in any way but compliment the process of lawmaking in the country. He said that sovereignty belongs to the people. He added that with the ongoing process in the National Assembly, the people could be in a position to write a truly people-oriented constitution. He said “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. “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. “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.” The president further said: “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. “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. “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.” The Presieent tasked the delegates to shun ethnicity and ensure that the conference makes Nigeria a more united and prosperous Nigeria. He said that the delegates must put the interest of Nigeria first above all ethnic or clannish interests. He insisted that as Nigeria marches towards another century, delegates must be focused on how to leave a stronger country for the new generation. The President advised the delegates further: “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.” He stated further: “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. “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.” Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu A delegate to the conference, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, in her reaction said it was a good thing that President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed that the outcome of the dialogue should be subjected to referendum. She said: “It is a good thing that the discussion will be subjected to a referendum. That is the best way and that has been accepted by the president. The speech by the president was comprehensive. He has set the agenda for this meeting. “They are all the issues that we are familiar with and we have all been agitating about for so many years. Finally, we have a chance to have a discussion in a rational, calm, peaceful atmosphere. I think it is most welcome. On what Nigerians should expect from this conference, she said: “A people’s constitution to which Nigerians would feel a sense of belonging. It is also to get a constitution that ensures not only the unity of Nigeria but also equity and justice to all the constituent parts of Nigeria. I think that is what has eluded us for so many years and that is what we are here to look for and I hope that we find it.” She added that “any worthwhile effort is always fraught with challenges but we must not fold our arms and do nothing. We have to give it a shot and we have to give it our best shot. I hope that it works and I’m quite optimistic, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.” Cardinal Onaiyekan The Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, also said he was in agreement with President Jonathan that the focus of the conference should be on the things that unite the country as Nigeria and not the things divide us. He added that “if the delegates focus on the things that unite us, they will make progress fast and they will arrive at agreement and conclusion. If they focus on things that divide or separate us, they will never arrive at any conclusion.” Otunba Gani Adams Otunba Gani Adams, in his reaction said from the speech made by President Jonathan, it became clear that he is serious about the conference and has challenged the delegates to come to agreement that could further the unity of the country. On what he has for the Yoruba race, Adams said the interest of the country was paramount even though he is a Yoruba man. “We will make sure we do something that will be of interest to the entire nation; so that at the end of this conference, Nigeria will be a solid and stronger nation”. Femi Falana Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana, who said he had no cause to doubt what President Jonathan has said on the need to place the unity of the country first and the openness of agenda of the conference, insisted that everything had to be discussed including the dissolubility of the country. He added that it was a good thing the President had left open the agenda for the meeting, but said the challenges before the conference was how the delegates could put selfish and regional agenda aside and appreciate that history is beckoning to them to transform the largest concentration of black people in the world from country of poverty to land of prosperity and having regard to the nation’s enormous resources. He said the profundity of the resolution that might emerge from the conference, would dictate the success of otherwise of the conference. Skeptics have now embraced national dialogue, says Okunrounmu Sen. Femi Okunrounmu, the Chairman, Presidential Committee on National Dialogue, on Monday, expressed happiness that skeptics had embraced the national conference. Okunrounmu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, after his accreditation at the venue of the conference, that its convocation was a testimony to President Goodluck Jonathan’s sincerity of purpose. “Everybody was doubting the sincerity of the President to really have the National Conference. “I am sure the skeptics have now been proved wrong and everybody must now know that the President is serious about having the national conference. “Not only that, Nigerians have warmed up to the whole idea; even the initial “doubting Thomase’s” among our leaders, many of them have become convinced and persuaded. “Even the hard core opponents from my own geo-political zone, the APC governors, they ultimately became persuaded to the point that they were struggling to send delegates. “I’m so excited, I’m so happy and I think I am partially fulfilled, I say partially because I will be fully fulfilled when the conference itself is successful.” Okunrounmu said that the conference was necessary as it was an opportunity for so many issues agitating the minds of Nigerians to be thoroughly discussed. He said some of the burning issues were not sanctioned for discussion during the national conference organised by Olusegun Obasanjo. Elder statesmen justify their participation at confab Some elder statesmen participating at the National Conference said their inclusion was based on their past experience, which was needed to create a better future for the country. The elder statesmen told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that most of the problems bedeviling the nation were mistakes made by them in the past. Chief Richard Akinjide, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said, ``Nigerian elders have a lot to offer toward achieving a developed and unified country.’’ “Nigerians should not look at the age of the delegates but the experience they will be bringing to bear. It is not a question of age that matters. “I don’t mind if the youths are more than the older ones or vice versa but don’t lay too much emphasis on age. Lay emphasis on idea and quality of production. “The elders have got enormous experience. “I was in the parliament before independence, and at the time of independence, even after independence. So, I have got enormous experience which is going to be an added advantage. “There are others too who have experience. You need the old, the fresh and the middle range. “We need everybody. That is how it should be,’’ he said. Asked if the conference was important for the development of the country, Akinjide said, “we lose nothing by meeting together, exchanging ideas and views. “This has been done in several countries all over the world including Australia, Canada, U.S., Ghana, Gambia, and South Africa. It is good and I support it 100 per cent. Akinjide said that the previous national conferences that the country had were not a waste of time but that a lot of ideas that were generated from those conferences were still being used. He said that he was optimistic that the conference was going to be a success. Blow-by-blow account of the inauguration THEY walked in majestically initially in trickles.By noon, the officials in charge of accreditation of delegates began to feel real intense pressure of work. That was the situation at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, venue of the National Conference, as the delegates from all walks of life converged from 10 am on Monday for accrediation. Respledent in beautiful attires reflecting the diverse cultural make of the country, the delegates exuded enthusiasm and confidence as they took turn to be accredited at the lobby of one of the main buildings at the institute. The early arrivals included a chieftain of the pan-Yoruba organisation, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Richard Akinjide, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Senator Ken Nnamani, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, Major General Ike Nwachukwu, Adolphus Wabara, Alhaji Mohammed Goni and Pastror Tunde Bakare. Others included Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Alhaji Isa Mohammed, Chief Niyi Akintola, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Dr Sam Egwu, traditional rulers, notable activists and professionals from diverse backgrounds. It was one occasion that brought most Nigerian leaders, especially politicians of different political persuasion together, as the delegates freely mingled, exchanged banters and engaged in backslapping as they made their way to the point where the delegates were accredited. Besides, it became a platform for re-union for many of the politicians, who had not been in physical contact with their colleagues for a long time. Many of the delegates were seen exchanging phone numbers, just as many others strode around the institute, ostensibly to while away the time since the inauguration of the confab by President Goodluck Jonthan was slated for later in the day, precisely six and half hours after the accreditation exercise commenced. From the entrance to the venue, an array of security operatives frisked all and sundry. Armoured vehicles were positioned in strategic places. Similarly, anti-bomb squad of the Nigeria Police were on standby, while armed police and military personnel kept surveillance in different parts of the institute. By 12.04 pm, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) arrived at the venue, apparently to monitor the progress of the accreditation of the delegates. His arrival coincided with a slight hiccup witnessed in the equipment being used for the exercise with some delegates expressing fears that they might not have the opportunity to be captured. The problem was rectified shortly after Anyim held a closed door consultation with officials on the spot. He left almost immediately, with most of the delegates who had waited anxiouoly, taking their turns to be accredited. The exercise progressed without further hitches and by 2.25 p.m., some delegates began to move to the main auditorium of the NJI. This was because all the delegates were officially expected to be on their seats by 3.00 p.m. They were again subjected to a thorough security screening by plain-clothe operatives. By 3.30 p.m., all the delegates had taken their seats, while a police band provided light music as interlude since the president was to arrive at 4.30 p.m. to inaugurate the conference. However, before his arrival, other eminent persons, some of who are delegates like Professor Jerry Gana, came in. They included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Muktar and the leader of the Ijaw nation, Chief Edwin Clark, who arrived at 16.13 pm. The main bowl of the auditorium was a sight to behold. Glittering with decorations interspersed in national colours, the well-lit arena was filled beyond capacity. Apart from the 492 delegates and the six-man team led by the chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi and his deputy, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, the gathering included members of the diplomatic community, former Nigerian leaders, members of the National Assembly, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, among others, witnessed what both the president and Justice Kutigi described a landmark, historic event in the annals of the country. Many former governors, lawmakers and other categories of elder statesmen, aside those that were delegates to the conference were part of the inauguration, which was preceded by a 23-minute speech by President Jonathan. The president, who was dressed in the usual Ijaw attire, was in his true element in his address to the delegates on what Nigerians expect from the conference. His erudition was attested to by the spontaneous occasional applause that trailed the speech, in which he assured that the authorities would not teleguide the conference, as the objective is to evolve a constitution that Nigerians can claim to be the codification of their wishes and aspiration as a people. He stated: “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.” He identified critical issues that must be fully dissected as form and structure of government, devolution of powers, revenue sharing, resource control, state creation, state police annd fiscal federalism, as well as indigeneship, gender equality and children’s rights. He asserted: “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 to today’s problems.” Elder statesman and nationalist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo also affirmed that the conference was necessitated by the genuine desire of Nigerians to discuss the terms of their living together as a country. He said it provided the real opportunity and avenue for the nation to retrace its step to the post-independence era when a regional arrangement was in place. Adebanjo, who has been involved in constituition making from pre-independence, re-echoed the popular view that the 1914 Amalgamation Treaty of the Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria was faulty. Another elder statesman and former Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), was also optimistic about the outcome of the conference, which has a tentative duration of three months. He said there was nothing wrong in a nation discussing issues of common interest to the people. The Second Republic governor of Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Goni, equally declared that the conference would have a great impact on the country, given the quality of the delegates, their pedigrees and background. He said Nigerians should never have any reason to discuss issues pertaining to the progress of the nation since violence does no good to any nation.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 04:59:53 +0000
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