The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National conference

  • Will National Conference tackle true federalism?

    Will National Conference tackle true federalism?

    The drop in revenue for states from the Federation Account has strained the relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and some governors. This development has reinforced calls for the enthronement of true federalism and fiscal restructuring at the forthcoming national conference. Adebisi Onanuga reports.

    he relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and some governors appears cold. Reason: the disagreement on how the money and revenues paid  into the Federation Account, particularly from the sale of crude oil, are shared and allocated among the three levels of government.

    Section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) establishes the Federation Account where all revenues collected by the government shall be paid, with a few exceptions.

    Sub-section (2) empowers the National Assembly to determine the formula for the distribution of funds in the Federation Account.

    It provides: “The President, upon the receipt of advice from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), shall table before the National Assembly proposals for revenue allocation from the Federation Account, and in determining the formula, the National Assembly shall take into account, the allocation principles, especially those of population, equality of states, internal revenue generation, land mass, terrain as well as population density;

    ”Provided that the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than 13 per cent of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources.”

    The proviso to the sub-section entrenched, with respect to natural resources, the principle of derivation in any formula the National Assembly may come up with. By this principle, “not less than 13 per cent” of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resource shall be payable to a state of the Federation from which such natural resources are derived. For a state to qualify for this allocation of funds from the Federation Account, the natural resources must have come from within the boundaries of the state, that is, the resources must be located within that state.

    Unfortunately, the Federal Government has deviated from the constitutional provisions with the governors now accusing it of deliberately manipulating the Federation Account to give the impression that there are inadequate funds to share, despite steady increase in oil prices since the beginning of the year.

    The 2014  Budget is predicated on $74 per barrel of crude oil while an estimated 2.39 million barrels per day were forecast for sale. But sales of crude has remained steady at $109, leaving a profit margin of over $35, which means more money coming to the Federation Account and vice versa. Expectedly, more money is to be shared by the Federal and state governments. But, regrettably, allocation to states have been on the decline, hence the worry over the state of economy and the unending decline of allocation going to the states of late. Every state in Nigeria depends largely on the  allocation from the Federation Account, just as its respective annual budget is predicated upon earnings from the Federation Account. With this they are able to develop their states. The only exception is Lagos that has been able to harness its resources for developmental projects.

    Allocations to states, especially opposition states, have been haphazardly done with the latter complaining of a deliberate attempt by the Federal Government to strangulate them and starve them of funds ahead of 2015. This has resulted in their difficulty to execute developmental projects. Unfortunately for the states, Vice President Namadi Sambo, who is the chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), has  not convened the meeting of the council, which could have addressed issues raised by the governors. The meeting has been postponed five times.

    Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso, last week accused the government of causing divisions among the governors. He alleged that President Jonathan gave governors in Plateau Governor Jonah Jang’s faction of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) N2 billion each as ecological fund. The money, he claimed, was taken from the common purse of the country and was not given to governors who voted for Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as chairman of NGF.

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has described the government’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the states as a recipe to national disaster.

    Oshiomhole, while reacting to Federal Government’s inability to pay monthly allocations to states, urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay the over N2.3 trillion owed the Federation Account, adding that the corporation was not sincere with Nigerians on the number of barrels of oil refined daily.

    “I don’t know if the Federal Government is broke, but I know there is a serious crisis and it is unprecedented in the history of this country. For the first time, since 1999, allocations can no longer come as at when due to states. I have been involved in trying to understand what the reasons are and I have not seen anything yet. Whether we use the word broke or you deny the word broke, the truth is that there is financial crisis in Nigeria which has very serious national security implication.

    “So, I am hoping that the NNPC should wake up and meet its obligation to the Federation Account. Ootherwise, the integrity of the government is at stake,” he said, adding: “they collect 455,000 barrels per day for domestic refinery, but they also agreed that the refineries are not working, that at the very best they cannot refine more than 100,000 barrels per day. So, the question is what are you doing with the balance of 355,000?

    “If you multiply $109 by 455,000 barrels per day, you will imagine the kind of money NNPC ought to be paying into the Federation Account. And from some of the figures that have been thrown around, NNPC is owing the Federation Account over N2.3 trillion,” he said.

    The Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, at its meeting in Abuja last week also condemned the Federal Government for illegal deductions from states’ funds. Besides, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governors decried what they called ‘flagrant disregard by the Federal Government of the Constitution and the Appropriation Act on collection and sharing of government revenue and implementation of budgets.

    The governors wondered why the President Jonathan’s administration has consistently been unable to implement budget provisions, which it willingly formulated and passed into law by the National Assembly.

    In a communiqué, they vowed to take appropriate legal actions to compel the Federal Government to respect the constitutional rights of states and comply fully with the Appropriation Act.

    “We wish to say that there is no justification for the continuous dwindling revenue collections into the Federation Account given that the price of crude oil, being the main revenue earner, has been relatively stable and above $100 per barrel since the beginning of 2013.

    “The Forum excoriates the Federal Government’s consistent flagrant disregard for the Constitution and the Appropriation Act as passed by the National Assembly. In fact, we wonder why the Jonathan’s administration is unable to implement the budget provisions, which it willingly formulated and which the National Assembly passed into law,” they noted.

    A comparative analysis of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monthly economic report and that of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), conducted by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, indicated that revenues accruing to the Federation Account were not fully reported.

    According to Fayemi, the Nigerian economy is highly dependent on the proceeds from sale of oil. He noted that oil represents 95 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and 80 per cent of budgetary revenue for the federation while revenue from taxes, custom and others account for 20 per cent of budgetary revenue. Hence, income from revenue generating agencies are expected to be transferred to the Consolidated Revenue Account for appropriation.

    Fayemi noted that there was no time Nigerian oil sold less than $95 in 2013 and $110 in 2014.

    “Conclusively, Nigerian earned more revenue from oil sales in 2013 and 2014 than budgeted,” he said, adding that this can be corroborated by a comparison of revenue reported by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    He said any major change due to poor handling/depletion of the nation’s resources would have ripple effects on the implementation of budget at the state and local government levels. Fayemi said the report of earnings to the federation by CBN was an indication that Nigeria earned more revenue than was reported into the Federation Account by the Federal Government. He said the effect of the depletion of the nation’s revenue has created a huge financial burden for states, including Ekiti, in meeting its obligations. According to him, average monthly deduction from money due to his state is N481 million which has resulted in the inability of the state government to meet its commitments as and when due and increasing vicious circle of poverty in the country.

    Huge sums of money meant for the account have been declared missing or found their way into other accounts.

    Amaechi, while inspecting some projects in Obio/Akpor Local Government Wednesday last week, cited, among other revelations, sleaze in federal agencies, alleged misuse of subsidies on petrol, kerosene and sharp practices in the allocation of oil blocs, saying: “whopping sum of $10 billion and $20 billion were alleged to be missing.”

    The suspended CBN Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi had raised the alarm that the $49.8 billion, which was supposed to be remitted to the coffers of the Federal Government through the apex bank, was nowhere to be found.

    Sanusi’s allegation and petition to the Senate Committee led to the ongoing probe of the missing fund at whcih the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, told the committee that she would hire foreign experts for forensic audit of NNPC.

    REACTIONS

    The development has thrown up a number of issues as Nigerians are worried over the state of health of the economy. More worried are pundits who are questioning the rationale of a fiscal policy that does not guarantee equity in the sharing and allocation of revenue among the federating units; the need for a sovereign wealth fund and an excess crude oil account that does not have constitutional backing. Lawyers versed in fiscal policy issues agreed that the country is not broke, blaming the situation on the absence of true federalism, insincerity on the part of the government and those whose duty is to manage the funds coming into the Federation Account.

    They included Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Monday Ubani and a member of the Ogun State Judicial Council, Abayomi Omoyinmi.

    Fagbogungbe argued that that it is not right and a breach of the Constitution for the President to withhold the money that belongs to states because it is from the Federation Account which belongs to the states, Federal Government and the local governments. He could not fathom the reason for the decline in the revenue to the Federal Government which caused the decline in revenue to states.

    “The reason is that we have not been told whether the number of crude that we sell per annum has changed from  what we sold the previous year. The money accruing to the account should change because we have not been selling below the baseline. The quantity of oil we have been selling per day, per week, per month and per year has not changed nor declined.

    “So, what would now be responsible for the decline in the income to the Federal Government? That means something is wrong and we are getting to know what is wrong. From the CBN revelation, it means that there is a problem in the management of our revenue. I don’t think we need a body to tell us that the issue is the management. Our revenue has not been well managed, such that we are short of revenue. We are not short of revenue, it is the management of it that is the problem,” he said.

    Fagbohungbe said it did not matter whether Nigeria adopted a Federation Account or fiscal federalism in the sharing of revenue, it all depended on the operator. He said what this means is that “the Minister of Finance should be sacked, the Minister of Petroleum should quit, the MD of NNPC should also be removed because they have been accused of the mismanagement of our fund. The coordinating minister is not coordinating anything, so she should leave. She is the one causing the problem for Nigeria. The three of them should go at once so that we can have peace in our finance management and the oil industry. This their second coming has not been helpful to Nigeria,” he stated.

    Ubani agreed with Fagbohungbe that going by the Constitution, it is wrong for the President to withhold what is due to the states. He said every amount that accrued to the federation must be credited into the Federation Account and  be shared accordingly by the three tiers of government.

    “But there are strange things happening at this time in Nigeria. We heard the President saying the other time that any state governor that abuses him that it would affect his state. In other words, the President is trying to claim absolute power now. It means that states would not get what is due to them because they are abusing him.

    “Secondly, what I don’t understand is the issue of dwindling of allocation when  the price of crude internationally has increased and it keeps soaring daily. So, why is the Federation Account being manipulated to the extent that states are being denied their normal allocation? It tells you that there is no serious governance going on in the country, that  what all the money is being conserved for is for electoral purposes at the federal level,” he said.

    Ubani further noted that if the states are being denied their allocation due to them on purpose, then the governors  would not be able to run their state effectively, whereas the Federal Government would have enough money to throw around.

    His words: “It shows that the money they are conserving is for  electioneering purposes at the federal level. It explains why the states are being under-funded in order to put them in bad light before the people so that they would not probably return some of the governors to office. So, it is about politics, all the conservation, all the non allocation of funds to states. That is what is going on actually. That is why they are manipulating the processes.”

    He said the development was a reflection of the fact that we are not operating a federal structure the way we should. He said if we continue with the way it is now, Boko Haram will continue, kidnapping will continue, stealing will continue, smuggling will continue unemployment will continue and all manner of violence will be unleashed on Nigerians and there would be agitation and much violence in the system because we are not running an efficient federal system.

    Omoyinmi also argued that the President  has no right, legal or moral, to withhold funds that belong to the state under any pretence. This has been confirmed by the Supreme Court in the case brought against the Federal government by Lagos State during the Obasanjo era when Lagos State government allocation was withheld on the ground that the state government created additional local government councils.

     

    THE WAY OUT

    To Fagbohungbe, the system of revenue allocation can only be changed by the National Assembly. He said the issue  should be discussed at the confab. Let’s wait for what they would say at the confab.

    Ubani said if Nigeria must make progress, the national confab presents the most golden opportunity for Nigeria to restructure. If we must run a very effective federal structure, where every region or state will assume  control over what it produces, giving only a percentage to the Federal Government, then we must return to the federal system between 1960 and 1966. So, running to Abuja, cap in hand, to beg for money, should stop.

    Omoyinmi said a sovereign wealth fund or excess crude account was uncalled for and not constitutionally provided. To him, it is very unlikely that there would be equity sharing in as much as its sharing and its creation do not have the effect of law. He stressed that the current revenue allocation formula should be  reviewed and discussed fully at the national conference with the hope of finding a lasting and dispassionate solution inline with the principles and ideals of true federalism.

  • Boko Haram and National Conference

    The resort to maximum terror by the Boko Haram insurgents in the run-up to the National Conference, starting on March 17, may be a political message to the Nigerian elite. If so, I hope they take note. With over 400 children, youths, adults, old men and women slaughtered or burnt to death, within five weeks to the start of the conference by the incendiary elements, the biggest issue for the national confab will no doubt be: ‘what can be done to secure lives and property in Nigeria’. The old national scarecrow, resource control, can only come second, now. Even the conferees will no doubt be wary of any suspicious movement, stampede or a carelessly lying suspicious object; as they wheel and deal in the cozy environment of Abuja.

    This column supported the convocation of the national confab, even before it became agreeable to the majority of Nigerians. The reason is simple. Nigeria as presently governed can not survive a few more decades, regardless of all the optimism by those temporary benefiting. And the reason is because there is perverse corruption, particularly the carefree massive stealing of our common resources, by public officials across the land. This gross mis-governance is possible because of the structural defects in our country, which our political office holders exploit to divide the people and avoid any form of accountability. But to my chagrin, and I guess most Nigerians, the 492 potential conferees, who I thought would change the paradigm, appear already ensnared into the gang of national treasury looters.

    Forgive my impudence, but there is no other way to describe the humongous allowances that the federal government has promised the delegates. That may explain, why retired and tired old men and women are struggling to get a share of the gravy. One source said the delegates will be paid 4 million naira per month, with other comforts. If that is true, each delegate will ‘earn’ 12 million naira for the three months they will sit. This ridiculous waste of scarce national resources will be shared from the mind boggling budget of a whooping 7 billion naira budget, for the conference. Now, if we rail at the audacious impunity of our law makers and executive officials, who appropriate unconstitutional allowances to themselves, what moral authority will the potentially conniving conferees have to propose an equitable protection and re-distribution of our national resources.

    Indeed, if truly the National conferees who will soon assemble to proffer the solutions to our current crisis, will be comfortable with such an anomalous earning for what should at best be a part-time patriotic engagement, then we wont be surprised if their time at the conference will be spent hankering over allowances, comforts and similar distractions. It does appear to me, now, that what the President has opted for, by agreeing to a national conference, is an opportunity to assemble the crème de la crème of our socio-political and economic elites, and summarily bribe them to shut-up and allow him a secound term in office, in 2015.

    For it is unthinkable that after grabbing, just in the same manner as our current political office holders are doing, 12 million naira and other sundry entitlements for a mere three months ‘work’; the participants will have the mindset or the temerity to thoroughly appreciate and proffer solutions to the dire economic and political crises starring our dear country in the face. Their case may not be different from the leaders of the Niger-Delta militants, who have been ensnared by the Abuja glitterati, that they have completely forgotten their recent past. If in doubt, compare the ‘rag tag generals and war lords’ that came out of the creeks to shake the hands of former President Yar’Adua on being offered an amnesty program and the suave and sharp looking ‘billionaire business men and philanthropist pretenders’ parading the corridors of power after having handsomely been settled because of who they were. The magic is the massive infusion of luxury and unearned income, which has compromised them.

    Such cycle is the tragedy of the Nigerian elite. When he/she is outside the corridors of power, the mind is uncluttered and he/she appreciates what needs to be done to have a functional nation, in the true sense of it. Unfortunately, when the elite gets into power or a position to influence a change, he/she is overwhelmed by the unearned easy life, and soon becomes so encumbered that he/she turns into a clog in the wheel of any measure of national progress. Regrettably, President Jonathan and the rest of them are, whether they know it or not, in that quandary. Our country, as is, is a nightmare, regardless of the amount of resources you may have accumulated. If for no other reason, for the simple one that you can not say with any measure of certainty, that you and your wealth are safe and secure.

    So as the conferees engage in their task, with all the temptations of excessive comfort, they should spare a thought as to the audacious impunity of the Boko Haram. What inspires and sustains it? What needs to be done to contain and resolve it – militarily or politically? They should also spare a thought as to why our national resource is like an unmanned bazaar, such that our public officials freely steal to their hearts’ desire. They should question the legitimacy of the sources and the security of national resource, both human and material. Here they should ask themselves, whether what is in place is fair, reasonable and sustainable. Luckily, nobody is expecting them to re-invent the wheel. Precedents, systems and process abound. What is needed is for them to spare a thought for the possibilities.

    For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

     

  • Expectations from the National Conference

    SIR: I have always been an advocate of a Sovereign National Conference which our governments have always been opposed until President Jonathan now seems to have had a rethink.

    I still have my doubts as to whether the President will go the whole length. However, whatever his motives were, I believe we can hijack it to our advantage! I am particularly delighted at the calibre of nominees as delegates!

    One area I appeal to these delegates to address is the area of the obscene pays that attach to being in government at whatever level. There are projections that each delegate will go home with N12 million naira. I appeal to the delegates to fix a pay for themselves that will reflect the economic situation of the country! They can then go on from there to fix salaries that will attach to various offices inthe land, from the President to the Councillor. Anyone who feels that pay is too low for him should stay away and allow those who are only out to serve to come forward.

    They should recommend the scrapping of RMAFC,which has been recommending the outrageous pays that are paid to people in government,which pays make getting into office a do or die affair.

    The other day the erstwhile CBN Governor alleged that our legislators consumed 25% of the country’s recurrent expenditure which they denied vehemently. Senator Enyinaya,the Senate spokesperson later claimed it was only three percent.

    Granted that it is three percent, what that means is  that, even if we generously grant that there are about 5000 of them, it means they are consuming the entitlement of about five million people because that is what three percent of 170 million, Nigeria’s population comes to.

    Another area is that not less than 70% of our annual budget should be for capital expenditure. Anyway the trimming down of the compensations for public officers will take care of that.

    If this is all the conference will achieve, it will be quite an achievement as it will sanitize the polity.

    •Abiodun Sopitan

    masopitan@yahoo.com

  • Full list of National Conference delegates

    Full list of National Conference delegates

    DELEGATES TO  THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

    ELDER STATESMEN

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dr. Tunji Braithwaite
    2. Chief Ayo Adebanjo
    3. Chief Richard Akinjide
    4. Chief Olu Falae
    5. Erelu Olusola Obada
    6. Chief Afe Babalola, SAN
    7. General Ike Nwachukwu
    8. Iyom Josephine Anenih
    9. Senator Jim Nwobodo
    10. Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN
    11. Senator Azu Agboti
    12. Chief Peter Odili
    13. King Alfred Diete Spiff
    14. Edwin K. Clark
    15. Daisy Danjuma
    16. Prof. Evara Ejemot Esu, OFR
    17. Chief Nduese Esiene
    18. Prof. Ambrose Okwoli
    19. Alhaji Abdulahi Ohoimah
    20. Prof. Ibrahim Gambari
    21. Mr. Dogara Mark Ogbole
    22. Prof. Jerry Gana
    23. Gen. Jonathan Temlong
    24. Prof. Jubril Aminu
    25. Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Muazu
    26. Arc. Ibrahim Bunu
    27. Amb. Yerima Abdullahi
    28. Mr. John Mamman
    29. Alhaji Adamu Waziri
    30. Alhaji Umaru Musa Zandan
    31. Prof. Mohammed Jumari
    32. Mallam Tanko Yakassai
    33. Senator Ibrahim Idah
    34. Hon. Justice Usman Mohammed Argungu
    35. Prof. Sambo Jinadu
    36. Ishia Aliyu Gusau
    37. General A. B. Mamman

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    RETIRED MILITARY AND SECURITY PERSONNEL

    (i)                  RETIRED ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE OFFICERS (RANAO) ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (ARPON)

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Gen. Zamani Lekwot
    2. Maj. Gen. Alex Mshelbwala
    3. Rear Adm CS Ehanmo
    4. Brig. Gen. (Barr.) DO Idada-Ikponmwen
    5. Group Capt Ohadomere
    6. Gen. Raji Rasaki

    (ii)                ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS OF NIGERIA (ARPON)

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. R. O. Osanaiye, AIG (rtd)
    2. Alh. (Barr.) Mamman Misau, AIG (rtd)
    3. Alhaji Bashiru Albasu,  AIG (rtd.)
    4. Chief (Barr.) Nicholas Duru Nkemdeme, CP (rtd)
    5. Barr. J. I. Ebinum, DCP (rtd)
    6. Barr. Samuel Adetuyi, CP (rtd)

     

    (iii)              RETIRED STATE SECURITY AND NIA OFFICERS

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Chief Jeremiah Okwuonu
    2. A. K. Horsfall
    3. Mr. Iliya Danga
    4. Chief Babatunde Ala
    5. Amb. B. M. Sani
    6. Amb. J. K. Shinkaiye


    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    TRADITIONAL RULERS

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. His Royal Highness, Alh. Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Yauri
    2. His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr.) Nuhu Mohammed Sanusi, Emir of Dutse
    3. His Royal Highness, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha, CFR, Lamido of Adamawa
    4. His Royal Highness, Alh. Abdullahi Ibn Muhammad Askirama III, Emir of Askira
    5. His Royal Highness, Alh. Sulu Gambari, CFR, Emir of Ilorin
    6. His Royal Highness, Elder Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos
    7. His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, Ariyowonye Lim Owaoye of Okemesi
    8. His Royal Majesty, Oba Arc. Aderemi A. Adedapo, Alayemore of Ido Osun, Coordinator
    9. His Royal Highness,  Eze (Dr) Cletus I. Illomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu
    10. His Royal Highness, Eze Elder Agom Eze, OON
    11. His Royal Highness, Dr. Edmund Daukuro, FNSE, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom
    12. His Royal Highness, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom
    13. HRM Ismail Danlami Mohammed, Sarki of Karshi


    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS

     

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Engr. Ebele O. Okeke
    2. Dr. Edet A. Ekerendu
    3. Mr. Akin Arikawe
    4. Chief Robert Audu
    5. Ammuna Lawan Ali
    6. Dr. H. U. Sanusi

     


    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    LABOUR REPRESENTATIVES

     

    NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Abdulwahed Ibrahim Omar
    2. Chris Uyot
    3. Kiri Mohammed Shaibu
    4. Joe Ajaero
    5. Promise Adewusi
    6. Issa Aremu
    7. Lucy Offiong
    8. Ayuba Wabba
    9. Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson
    10. Emma Ugboaja
    11. Ibrahim Khaleel
    12. Michael Olukoya

     

    TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Bobboi Bala Kaigama
    2. Barrister Musa Lawal
    3. Mrs. Dinatu Asibi Assani
    4. Olasanye Oyinkan
    5. Sunday Olusoji Salako
    6. Olakunle Olanrewaju Olaitan
    7. Peter Esele
    8. Augustine Etafo
    9. Maryam Jummai Bello
    10. Hassan Salihu Anka
    11. Bede Opara
    12. Aliyu Musa

     


    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    ORGANISED PRIVATE SECTOR

    NIGERIA EMPLOYERS’ CONSULTATIVE ASSOCIATION (NECA)

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Chief R. U. Uche
    2. Mallam Mahmud Othman

    MANUFACTURERS ASSOCATION OF NIGERIA (MAN)

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Chief Kola Jamodu, OFR
    2. Alhaji Ali Madugu, mni

     

    NIGERIA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND MANUFACTURERS ASSOCATION (NACCIMA)

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Alhaji Mohammed B. Abubakar, MON
    2. Chief Bassey E. O. Edem, MFR

    NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT GROUP (NESG)

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Mr. Bukar Kyari
    2. Mr. Frank Nweke II

     

     


    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    NIGERIA YOUTHS ORGANISATIONS

    NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Comrade Henry Nwabueze
    2. Ajani James Olawale
    3. Abdullahi Abdulmajeed
    4. Mallam Hamma Bello Bilkindo
    5. Charles Ibiang
    6. Ben Duntoye

     

    NATIONAL ASSOCATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS)

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Yinka Gbadebo, GCNS
    2. Sylvester Okoh
    3. Abdullahi Ali-Kano
    4. Chinonso Obasi
    5. Clifford Abur
    6. Olayinka Dada (JP)

     

    OTHER YOUTH ORGANISATIONS

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Hassan Rilwan
    2. Yadomah Bukar Mandara
    3. Yakubu Shendam
    4. Kasim Akande
    5. Mosunmola Umoru
    6. Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    WOMEN GROUPS

     

    NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN’S SOCIETIES (NCWS)

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Okemini Mba
    2. Mrs. Love Ezema
    3. Mrs. Remi Kuku
    4. Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Ogbonnaya
    5. Chief (Mrs.) Anthonia Balogun
    6. Chief (Mrs.) Temitope Ajayi
    7. Hajiya Ramatu Usman, mni
    8. Chief (Mrs) Hannatu Lohor
    9. Mrs. Princess Rabi Ibrahim
    10. Mrs. Safiya Ibrahim Ogo
    11. Hajiya Miriam S. Mohammed
    12. Mrs. Princess Hadiza Ibrahim

    MARKET WOMEN ASSOCIATIONS

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Mrs. Sheila Tamuno Abiye
    2. Hajiya Alina Usuma
    3. Hajiya Marvyatu Iliasu
    4. Mrs. Sarah Benjamin
    5. Mrs. Felicia Sanni
    6. Mrs. Ifeayinwa Ezenwa

    INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS (FIDA)

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Ms. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau
    2. Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor

    NIGERIAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN JOURNALISTS (NAWOJ)

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Asabe Baba Nahaya, JP
    2. Brenda Akpan

     

     

     

    WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICES (WINBIZ)

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Mrs. Ifeoma Idigbe
    2. Hajiya Bola Shagaya

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    POLITICAL PARTIES

    ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE (APGA)

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Chief Chris Ejike Uche
    2. Dr. Sagir Auwal Maidoya

    ACCORD PARTY

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja
    2. Hon. Muhammad Lawal Nalado

     

    LABOUR PARTY

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Chief (Barr.) Dan Nwanyanwu, mni
    2. Comrade A. A. Salam (Baraden Paiko)

     

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Dr. Ahmadu Ali
    2. Commodore Olabode George (rtd.)

     

    ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC)

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Yet to forward nominations
    2.

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    MUSLIM LEADERS

     

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali
    2. Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede
    3. Hajia Amina B. Omoti
    4. Mal. Muzzammil Sani Hanga
    5. Alh. Nurudeen Lemu
    6. Nomination yet to be completed

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    CHRISTIAN LEADERS

     

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Bishop Joseph D. Bagobiri
    2. Prof. Andrew Haruna
    3. Elder Barr. John A. Achimugu
    4. Pastor Emmanuel Bosun
    5. Dr. Mrs. Kate Okpareke
    6. Barr. Godswill Iyoha Iyoke

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

    S/N DELEGATES STATE/ZONE

     
     1. Rev. Nnimmo Bassey Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
     2. Mahmood Aminu Public Interest Lawyers League
     3. Dr. Isaac Osuoka Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action) & Pan Niger Delta Conference (PNDC)
     4. Joe Okei-Odumakin Women Arise for Change Initiative & Campaign for Democracy

     
     5. Ezenwa Nwagwu Partners for Electoral Reform
     6. Festus Okoye Human Right Monitors
     7. Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN Leader, Civil Society Organization
     8. Ebuchukwu Ezike Civil Liberties Organization (CLO)

     
     9. Femi Falana, SAN Leader, Civil Society Organizations
    10. Dr. Abiola Akiyode Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre
    11. Wale Okuniyi PRONACO
    12. Bisi Olateru Olagbegi Women Consortium of Nigeria

     
    13. Kyauta Giwa Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP)
    14. Steve Aluko Civil Liberties Organization
    15. Jaye Gaskiya United Action for Democracy
    16. Rommy Mom Lawyers’ Alert

     
    17. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre
    18. Mallam Naseer Kura Basic Rights Action – Kano
    19. Dr. Emma Shehu International Institute of Journalism
    20. Dr. Maryam Abdullah Women for Peace in Nigeria

     
    21. Hajia Shetu Alfa FOMWAN
    22. Y. Z. Ya’u Centre for Information Technology & Development
    23. Abubakar Saidiq Ibrahim Campaign for Democracy & Development
    24. Dudu Paloma Responsible Citizenship

     

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA

     

     EUROPE

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Adebayo Oladimeji
    2. Christian Chukwudozie Udechukwu

    AMERICA

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Mr. Gabriel Okoye
    2. Hon George Anibowel

    AFRICA

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Abdulahi Abubakar
    2. Amb. Vincent Okobi

     

    ASIA

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Dr. Jonathan Obaje
    2. Dr. Balarabe Yushau

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dandeson Hart
    2. Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi
    3. Ms. Ekaete Judith Umoh
    4. Kenan Mamman
    5. Esther Andrew
    6. Zainabi Argungu

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS ASOCIATION OF NIGERIA

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Mr. Nduka Obaigbena
    2. Mal. Kabir Yusuf

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    NIGERIA GUILD OF EDITORS

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Isaac Ighure
    2. Is’haq Modibo Kawu

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Alhaji Mohammed Sani Zoro
    2. Mr. Lanre Ogundipe

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    BROADCASTING ORGANISATION OF NIGERIA

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Abubakar B. Jijiwa, MFR
    2. High Chief (Dr.) Aleogho Raymond Dokpesi, PhD, OFR

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    SOCIO-POLITICAL/CULTURAL AND ETHNIC NATIONALITY GROUPS

    SOUTH SOUTH GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Okon Osung
    2. Idongest Nkangha
    3. Ray Ekpu
    4. Amb. (Prof.) Lawrence Ekpebu, OFR
    5. Prof. Kimse Okoko
    6. Sen. Musa Adede
    7. Ntufam (Dr.) Josephat Okey
    8. Hon. Orok Out Duke
    9. Chief Joshua B. Fomudo
    10. Gen. Paul Omu
    11. Chief Paul Enebeli
    12. Sen. Yisa Braimah
    13. Barr. Chris Agbonmwanegbe
    14. Chief Sergeant Awuse
    15. Dr. Silas Eneyo

    SOUTH WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele
    2. Supo Sonibare
    3. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi
    4. Dr. Adetokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu
    5. Chief Ajibola Ogunsola
    6. Barr. Niyi Akintola, SAN
    7. Mr. Yinka Odumakin
    8. Senator Anthony Adefuye
    9. Senator Femi Okunrounmu
    10. Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood
    11. Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa
    12. Dr. Amos Akingba
    13. Chief Gani Adams
    14. Dr. Femi Obayori
    15 Pastor Tunde Bakare

    SOUTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Gary Enwo-Igariwey
    2. Chief Onyema Ugochukwu
    3. Chief Chukwu Wachukwu
    4. Prof. I. C. Madubuike
    5. HRH Igwe (Amb) L. O. C. Agubuzu
    6. His Excellency, Amb. Fidel Ayogu
    7. Chief Goddy Uwazurike
    8. Dr. Dozie Ikedife
    9. Chief Chris Eluemunoh
    10. Chief Uzoma Nwosu Iheme
    11. Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba
    12. Dr. Joe Nwaogu
    13. Dr. Sam Egwu
    14. Dr. Clement Mgbada
    15. Prof. Nnenna Oti

    NORTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim
    2. Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia
    3. Mr. Paul Bassi
    4. Amb. Ibrahim Mai Sule
    5. Dr. Abdu Bulama
    6. Mr. Bar Abubakar Samo
    7. Amb. Adamu Aliyu
    8. Dr. Sale Dauda
    9. Dr. Daniel Madu
    10. Sen. Saidu Kumo
    11. Amb. Hassan Adamu
    12. Kashim Ndjida
    13. Chief B. Leonard
    14. Barrister Chris Abongaby
    15. Alhaji Isa Mafindi

    NORTH WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. IGP Ibrahim Coomassie (rtd)
    2. Amb. Yaro Yusuf Mamman
    3. Prof. Auwalu Yadudu
    4. Alhaji Magaji Danbatta
    5. AVM Mutari Mohammed
    6. Sen. Bello Maitama Yusuf
    7. Ms. Fati Eunice Ibrahim
    8. Sen. Mohammed Kabiru Jibrin
    9. Sen. Saidu Musa Dansadau
    10. Col. Bala Mande
    11. Gen. Tanko Ayuba
    12. Hajiya Maria Waziri
    13. Bilkisu Magoro
    14. Hajiya Laraba Dattijo
    15. Sen. Ladan Shuni

    NORTH CENTRAL GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Elder Bulus Dareng
    2. Lt. Gen. J. T. Useni
    3. Sen. Ibrahim Mantu
    4. Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma
    5. Mr. Anthony Sani
    6. Prof. Onje Gewyedo
    7. Prof. Iyorchia Ayu
    8. Prof. John Uko
    9. Dr. Philip O. Salawu
    10. Bayo Ojo
    11. Prof. (Mrs.) Mariatu Tunuche
    12. Dr. Shem Nuhu Zagbayi
    13. Engr. Mustapha Bello
    14. Sen. Gbemi Saraki
    15. Mr. John Dara

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    PROFESSIONAL BODIES

    S/N

    DELEGATES

    NOMINATED BY

    1. Okey Wali, SAN Nigeria Bar Association (NBA)
    2. Engr. (Senator) Adefemi Kila, FNSE The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
    3. Dr. Segun Aina, OFR Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIB)
    4. Dr. Osahon Enabulele Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)
    5. Dr. Nelson U. O. Uwaga, mni, FNIM Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
    6. Arc. Waheed Niyi Brimmo, fnia, pnia Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)
    7. Senator (Chief) Felix Kolawole Bajomo, FCA Institute of Chartered  Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
    8. Mr. Johnson Oludeinde Oluata, FCNA Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN)
    9. Dr. Rotimi Oladele, FNIPR Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
    10. Mrs. Bunmi Oke, frpa Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAPN)
    11. Mr. Emeka D.Eleh The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)
    12. Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu Nigerian Environmental Society
    13. Prof. Olu Ajakaiye Nigeria Economic Society
    14. Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu Historical Society of Nigeria
    15. Alhaji Musa Isiwele Road Transport Employers Assocation (RTEAN)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    NATIONAL ACADEMIES

     

    THE NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Oyewale Tomori, FAS, NNOM

     

    ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Engr. V. I. Maduka, OFR

     

    THE NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF EDUCATION

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Prof. U. M. O. Ivowi

     

    NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF  LETTERS

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Munzali Jibril

     

    ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

     

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. Yet to be nominated

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    JUDICIARY

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Hon. Justice G. A. Oguntade
    2. Hon. Justice F. F. Tabai
    3. Hon. Justice Abdulahi Mustapha
    4. Hon. Justice Adamu Bello
    5. Hon. Justice Veronica Ngozi Ume
    6. Hon. Justice Baba Alkali Ba’aba

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    FORMER POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS

    FORMER GOVERNORS

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Chief Achike Udenwa
    2. Chief Olusegun Osoba
    3. Obong Victor Attah
    4. Alh. Saidu Barda
    5. Amb. Fidelis Tapgun
    6. Nomination not completed

     

    SENATORS FORUM

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Senator Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe
    2. Senator Abdullahi Bala Adamu
    3. Senator Muhammed Ibrahim
    4. Senator Nnamdi Eriobuna
    5. Senator John K. Brambaifa
    6. Senator Iyabo Anisunlowo

    HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FORUM

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, CFR
    2. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, CON
    3. Hon. (Chief) Obi Anoliofo
    4. Hon. Umar Kareto Lawan
    5. Hon. Musa Elayo Abdullahi
    6. Hon. Sheik M. Sekoni

     

    ASSOCIATION OF FORMER SPEAKERS

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Rt. Hon. (Chief) Anayo Nnebe
    2. Rt. Hon. Abudssalam Taofig Olawale
    3. Rt. Hon. Ignatius Kevin Edet
    4. Rt. Hon. Habu Isa Ajiya
    5. Rt. Hon. Mohammed Yaro
    6. Rt. Hon. Terseer Tsumba

     

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

    S/N DELEGATES
    1. General Alani Akinrinade (rtd)
    2. Prof. Olawale Albert
    3. Prof. Anya O. Anya
    4. Dr. (Mrs.) Virginia A. Anohu
    5. Annkio Briggs
    6. Col. Tony Nyiam
    7. His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Kure
    8. Group Capt. Jeo Orji
    9. Ibrahim D. Waziri
    10. Mrs. Binta Ibrahim Musa
    11. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar
    12. His Excellency, Adamu Aliero
    13. Hajiya Hauwa Bukar
    14. Senator Mimibariya Amange
    15. Dame Virgi Etiaba
    16. Chief Asara A. Asara
    17. Mrs. Eunice Igwe
    18. Damian Dodo, SAN
    19. Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme
    20. Atedo Peterside

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    STATE GOVERNMENTS AND FCT

     

    ABIA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Senator Adolphus Wabara
    2. Prof. J. C. Ogbonnaya
    3. Mrs. Victoria Akanwa

     

    ADAMAWA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Alhaji Mohammed Gambo Jimeta
    2. Mrs. Binta Massi Garba
    3. Mr. Moses Ngbale

     

    AKWA IBOM STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Senator Anietie Okon
    2. Prof. Nsongurua J. Udombana
    3. Her Excellency (Mrs.) Atim Etim Okpoyo

     

    ANAMBRA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife
    2. Prof. A. B. C. Nwosu
    3. Prof. Dora Akunyili

     

    BAUCHI STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dr. Garba Ibrahim
    2. Prof. Isa B. Mohammed
    3. Prof. Gambo Laraba Abdullahi

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    BAYELSA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha
    2. Chief Francis Doukpolagha
    3. Dr. (Mrs.) Ngieriwagha

     

    BENUE STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Senator Jack Tilley Gyado
    2. Dr. Magdalene Mba Dura
    3. Maj-Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga

    BORNO STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Kashim Ibrahim Imam
    2. Hajiya Fati (Dongonyaro) Ali Monguno
    3. Hon. Dr. Haruna Yerima

    CROSS RIVER STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Gen. Anthony Ukpo (Rtd.)
    2. Dr. Pius Tawo
    3. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

     

    DELTA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Godini G. Darah
    2. Chief Benjamin S. C. Elue
    3. Female nominee expected

    EBONYI STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Nwuzor
    2. Senator (Dr.) Offia Nwali
    3. Prof. Chigozie Ogbu

    EDO STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Mr. Charles Edosomwan, SAN
    2. Prof. Sylvanus Oboh
    3. Female nominee expected

    EKITI STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Akin Oyebode
    2. Prof. (Mrs.) Bisi Aina
    3. Bishop Felix Ajakaye

    ENUGU STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. H.E. Ken Nnamani
    2. Prof. Mrs. Rose Onah
    3. Monsignor Obiora Ike

    GOMBE STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Alhaji Usman Faruk, NPM, CON
    2. Barr. Zubairu Mohammed Umar
    3. Mrs. Hannatu Ibrahim, MFR

     

    IMO STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Engr. Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu
    2. Chief Bob Njemance
    3. Chief (Mrs.) Chidinma Uwajumogu

     

    JIGAWA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu
    2. Umaru Mohammed Hadejia
    3. Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmed Rufa’l

    KADUNA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Yusuf Turaki
    2. Senator Ahmed Mohammed Aruwa
    3. Hajia Nafisatu Babajo

     

    KANO STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Alhaji Sule Yahya Hamma
    2. Dr. Junaid Muhammed
    3. Hajiya Aishatu Isma’il

    KATSINA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Justice Mamman Nasir (Rtd) GCON
    2. Dr. Abubakar Saddique Mohammed
    3. Hajiya Talatu Nasir

    KEBBI STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dr. Bello Haliru Muhammad
    2. Amb. Isah Muhammed Argungu
    3. Dr. Fati Lami Adamu

    KOGI STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Sam Egwu
    2. Hajia Ladi Ibrahim
    3. Chief Olusola Akanmode

    KWARA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Alhaji Yusuf Kawu Daibu
    2. Senator Ahmed Mohammed
    3. Mrs. Wosilat Marcarthy

    LAGOS STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Mr. Supo Sasore, SAN
    2. Prof. Tunde Samuel
    3. Olufunmilayo Osinowo-Bashorun

    NASARAWA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dr. Mohammed Hassan Lawal
    2. Alhaji Muhammed Othman
    3. Mrs. Lydia J. Viko

     

    NIGER STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Hajiya Dije Bala (F)
    2. Abubakar Adamu Chika
    3. Barr. Halidu Ibrahim (Ph.D)

    OGUN STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Mr. Fola Adeola
    2. Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi
    3. Prof. (Mrs.) Titi Filani

     

    ONDO STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Dr. (Mrs.) Yemi Mahmud-Fasominu
    2. Prof. N. Oluwafemi Mimiko
    3. Barr. Remi Olatubora

     

    OSUN STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji
    2. Chief Femi Akande
    3. Mrs. Bola Ogunrimade (mni)

    OYO STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Chief Adeniyi Akintola
    2. Prof. Ganiyu Raji
    3. Female nominee expected

    PLATEAU STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Dakum Shown
    2. Prof. Ganyir Lombin
    3. Mrs. Esther Gonda

     

     

     

     

     

     

    RIVERS STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Prof. Amakievi Gabriel
    2. Justice Peter Akere (Rtd)
    3. Female nominee expected

     

     

    SOKOTO STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Engr.  Bello Suleiman
    2. Alh. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi
    3. Prof. Aishatu I. Madawaki

    TARABA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Justice Adamu Aliyu
    2. Ambassador Suleiman Zubairu
    3. Hon. Dr. Mrs. Salome Jankada

    YOBE STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Khalifa Hassan Yusuf
    2. Dr. Garba Abari
    3. Female nominee expected

    ZAMFARA STATE

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. HRH, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, Emir of Gummi
    2. Brigadier Gen. Muhammad Mansur Dan Ali (Rtd)
    3. Hon. Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu

    FCT

     

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Barr. Musa Salihu

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

    DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    FORMER LGA CHAIRMEN

    S/N

    DELEGATES
    1. Hon. Felex Akhabue
    2. Barr. Nasiru Ibrahim Junji
    3. Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed
    4. Barrister Igberi Nweme
    5. Hon. Emmanuel Tsamdu
    6. Chief Shola Ebiseeni

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

     

    OFFICIALS OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

     

    CHAIRMAN, DEPUTY CHAIR AND SECRETARY      

    S/N

    OFFICIALS

    POSITION
    1. Justice Idriss Legbo Kutigi Chairman
    2. Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Deputy Chairman
    3. Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Azinge Secretary
    4. Dr. Akilu Indabawa Asst. Secretary, Conference Proceedings
    5. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Asst. Secretary, Finance & Administration
    6. Mr. James Akpandem Asst. Secretary, Media and Communications

     

  • National Confab: FG names 492 delegate

    The Federal Government has released the names of the 492 delegates to the proposed National Conference.

    According to a statement on Thursday  by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the National Conference would be inaugurated in Abuja on the 17th of March.

    He also disclosed that the Federal Government has appointed three additional Assistant Secretaries for the conference.

    The statement reads: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Eblele Jonathan, GCFR has approved the appointments of three Assistant Secretaries to serve in the National Conference Secretariat; they are as follows: Dr. Akilu Ndabawa as Assistant Secretary, Conference Proceedings, Prof Mahmood Yakubu as Assistant Secretary, Finance and Administration and Mr. James Akpandem as Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications”

    “The President has also approved the release of the Names of the 492 delegates to the National Conference as attached.”

    “The National Conference shall be inaugurated on Monday 17th March, 2014 at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja at 11:00 am.
    All delegates are expected to attend the inauguration.” It stated

  • Southwest’s first eleven for national conference

    Southwest’s first eleven for national conference

    The Southwest geo-political zone is sending its first eleven to the proposed national conference to raise the ‘national question’ and pursue an agenda that may lead to the restoration of true federalism. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    The stage is set for the national conference. The fear of boycott by the Southwest region has also fizzled out. When President Goodluck unfolded plans for the dialogue on October 1, last year, critics dismissed it as a decoy. The mood of the opposition could not accommodate the proposal. The feeling was that the five states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) would shun the exercise. The President had pre-emptied the governors, saying that he would nominate delegates on their behalf. But, the game changed when Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi announced that the five states will nominate delegates to the conference.

    The conference is taking place at a time many commentators believe that disintegration can still be averted, if serious efforts are made to debate the problems tearing apart the fabric of the heterogeneous Nigerian society. Some years ago, a foreign agency warned that the country may be finally liquidated next year, if it fails to resolve its challenges of development. The component units are complaining about lack of equity, fairness and justice. The odds weigh heavily against a country trembling under the scourge of terrorism, inept leadership, infrastructural decay, power outage, corruption and electoral fraud.

    The quality of delegates from the politically sophisticated zone underscores the readiness of the region to re-negotiate the basis for peaceful co-existence. The delegates from the Southwest are elder statesmen from many walks of life. They are also foremost advocates of Sovereign National Conference (SNC). They have also led the way in raising the national question. In their view, the resolution of the fundamental question is critical to the survival of the divided country.

    Historically, the agitation for an SNC started in Yorubaland in the late eighties. It only gained momentum during the dark days of the military regime when the historic presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was criminally annulled by former military President Ibrahim Babangida. Lagos lawyer Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun , who championed the agitation for national conference, explained that the future of the country was bleak, unless the people resolve to live together, based on agreed terms. He recalled that other countries, including France and Republic of Benin, had held similar conferences successfully and moved forward.

    Also, the slain Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, advocated for a “national family meeting” to discuss the problems of Nigeria. “Do we still want to live together as a country?”, he asked. Ige said, if the answer is yes, under what terms? Instructively, the military rulers suppressed the popular agitations. However, there was no reprieve for the beleaguered country. The transition restored civil rule. But, as the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) National Secretary, Ayo Opadokun, recalled, democracy was still a tall order. Explaining the crisis of leadership, he said: “The crop of rulers that succeeded the military interlopers were military confederates, apologists and lackeys”.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo set up the National Political Reforms Conference in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2005. The conference collapsed on the altar of the third term. What was paramount to the former Commander-In-Chief was unconstitutional self-succession triggered by covetousness and kleptocracy, instead of the promotion of national interest. Although the conference managed to come up with lucid recommendations, the report was dumped into the dustbin.

    This year’s conference may be unique. Judging by the antecedents of the delegates from the Southwest, there will be a serious deliberation in Abuja. Moments of tension are also expected. Two issues have generated discord and bitterness in the far-flung nation state. There are the distribution of national revenue and sharing of political power. Already, the various competing zones have their agenda. The agenda of the Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth and Middle Belt may clash with the agenda of the core North. But, the resolution of the differences may shape the future of Nigeria.

    Confronted by a collective threat, Southwest leaders put their political differences aside and closed ranks to fashion out a single agenda. It was evident at recent ‘Grand Yoruba Summit’ held at Ibadan, the political headquarter of the region, that the antagonistic camps in Yoruba land have the fear of the future under the fragile federation. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi and Senator Olabiyi Durojaye attributed the problems of nation-building to the mistake of 1914. They belong to different factions of the Afenifere. Former Secretary to Federal Military Government Chief Olu Falae and Chief Olusegun Osoba, who belong to different parties, closed ranks and robbed minds. The agenda, said Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, is the Southwest’s arsenal at the conference.

    The 15-point agenda are: the review structure of federalism, restoration of regionalism, re-introduction of parliamentary system, fiscal federalism and resource control, state police, constitutional court, zonal electoral commissions, and referendum. Others are structure of the FCT, status of Lagos, federal appointments and equity, limited immunity for President, Vice President, governors and their deputies, pensions, Central Union Government and Traditional Rulers Council at state level. Critics have pointed out that not all the proposals are feasible. But, they represent the ideas of a region for moving the country forward.

    If the Federal Government has planned a jamboree, the irredentists from the Southwest will have none of that. They are eminent Nigerians who cannot be bought by money. In the past, they have spoke the truth to power. It is noteworthy that the Conference Vice Chairman and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, is a staunch advocate of national conference. But, he believes in national unity. ‘From Ekiti State are eminent delegates, including the octogenarian technocrat and community leader, Chief Deji Fasuan, former Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University Prof. Akin Oyebode, and fearless Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese Rev. Felix Ajakaye. They hold strong views about the national question. For example, the legal scholar, Oyebode, has always insisted that there is nothing that is not negotiable in Nigeria, including its unity. He has also criticised the lopsided federal structure, saying that it is a unitary edifice.

    The credential of Osun State delegates are also intimidating. On the list is Lt-Gen. Alani Akinrinade, former Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defense Staff and minister. He is the convener of the Yoruba General Assembly. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Yoruba Agenda Committee. Akinrinade’s strength lies in his powers of ideas, courage and unblemished personality. He has a reputation for pursuing a worthy cause. The retired General fought for democracy along with compatriots in the NADECO. He is unhappy that the struggle did not bear good fruits. “Nigeria has remained the same and bad leadership is the main problem”, he protested. Akinrinade holds a similar view with Oyebode on the unity of Nigeria. “The unity of Nigeria is negotiable”, he said. He also favours devolution of power, decentralisation of the police structure and fiscal federalism.

    Other delegates from Osun State are former House of Assembly Speaker Prof. Mojeed Alabi, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense Mr. Femi Akande, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji, and Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN) Mr. Dipo Famakinwa.

    Ogun State delegates are Sir Ajayi, who moved the motion for the adoption of the ‘Yoruba Agenda’ at Ibadan, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Senator Biyi Durojaye, the activist-cleric and convener, Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Pastor Tunde Bakare, lawyer and politician Chief Bisi Adegbuyi, former Managing Director of Guarantee Trust Bank Fola Adeola, Prof. Titi Filani and the Olu of Ilaro and Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

    The NADECO chieftain, Ajayi, an associate of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, aligned with the view that the 1914 amalgamation was a mistake. “ We are going there (conference), God be our helper, to correct the serious error committed by the British when they were here”, said the former Western Nigeria’s Commissioner for Education. Echoing him, Adegbuyi, the Asiwaju of Ode-Remo and pro-national conference crusader, said that the conference would provide another opportunity to look at Nigeria in its defective form and discuss those issues that are germane to its continuity and survival. Resource control is a burning issue and I also believe that it is not wrong if there are provisions in the federal constitution that makes component units to opt out, if the terms are not agreeable”, he said.

    Lagos State delegates are led by the former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN). He was a member of the 2015 conference. In his team are former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Supo Sasore (SAN), who has criticised the flawed formula for distributing the national wealth in the past, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Chief Rabiu Oluwa, and Mrs. Oshinnowo Basorun.

     

     

  • National Confab: Kutigi named Chairman, Akinyemi, Vice

    President Goodluck Jonathan has  approved  the appointment of the leadership of the forthcoming National Conference.

    According to a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, the committee is chaired byHonourable Justice Idris Lebo Kutigi, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi-Vice Chairman while
    Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Azinge is the Secretary.”

    The committee is expected to be inaugurated on the 10th of this month.

    It is to midwife the proposed three-months National Conference in Abuja.

    The statement reads: “His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the appointment of the Leadership of the National Conference as follows:
    Honourable Justice Idris Lebo Kutigi-Chairman
    Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi-Vice Chairman
    Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Azinge-Secretary”

    “The appointees are to resume at Abuja on Wednesday, 5th March, 2014 and would be received on arrival by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

  • Research fellows for national conference

    The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) as the nation’s apex legal research Institute has deployed about 20 research professors to boost the secretariat of the proposed National Conference recently announced by the Federal Government.

    A statement from the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) states that the management of the Institute decided to avail the conference of the services of its outstanding faculty members to demonstrate its unflinching support for the national dialogue.

    Consequently, a minimum of 20 research fellows will be deployed to support the secretariat of the National Conference as volunteers. This we believe is part of the social responsibility of the Instituted as a government agency that is renowned for integrity, efficiency and quality assurance in conference services.

     

  • National Conference: Jonathan shops for chairman

    National Conference: Jonathan shops for chairman

    •Jumbo allowances for delegates

    •North pushes for chairmanship

     

    President Goodluck Jonathan is shopping for the chairman, deputy chairman and secretary of the planned National Conference as preparation for the talks heightens.

    Delegates can also expect mouth watering allowances, The Nation gathered yesterday.

    Some forces in the presidency are understood to be pushing for the appointment of a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria or a retired judge of any of the courts in the land to head the conference.

    A top government source said that whoever would preside over the conference would be a person of “unimpeachable character.”

    Sources also suggested that the president was under pressure to slash the allowances of the 492 delegates following revelations that each of them might return home with as much as N12.195 million at the end of the three-month conference.

    Five names are said to be on the list of those being considered by the president as chairman of the conference and a source said that the president is keen to appoint a chairman who will appeal to all Nigerians.

    Said the source, “We know that some people are making a strong case for a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, or a retired judge as the chairman of the conference. Others are calling for tested constitutional lawyers or bureaucrats.

    “The president is being careful in nominating any Nigerian with political leaning to avoid the conference starting on a controversial note.

    “The good thing is that Nigeria is not short of men of integrity; it is left to Nigerians to appreciate them.”

    The source explained that the president would appoint the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary of the conference.

    He added: “So far, the North is pushing for the chairmanship of the conference going by the precedent that past conferences were mostly chaired by the South.

    “Some have also emphasised the need for the South-West to retain the chairmanship slot in view of the ‘rancour-free job that Senator Femi Okunrounmu’s Committee has done.

    “I think as soon as the president is done with the reconstitution of the cabinet, the structure of those who will manage the conference will emerge.”

    It was also gathered that the president might cut the budget for the conference because the projected number of delegates had been reduced.

    The federal government had voted N7 Billion for the conference based on the initial delegates of about 571.

    Following the unwieldy number of delegates, the president reduced it to 492.

    It was learnt that the budget may be reduced to either N6billion or N5billion.

    Also, there were concerns that each of the 492 delegates may earn as much as either N12, 195, 121.95 951, 219 or N10, 162,601.62 for three months if N6billion or N5billion is voted for their allowances.

    At the rate of N5billion, each delegate may earn N112, 917.79 per day.

    If N6billion is budgeted for the allowances of the delegates, each of them may be paid N135, 501.35 per day.

    A source said: “I think the president may reduce the budget because what was put in the 2014 Appropriation was based on about 571 to 572 Delegates before the President pruned it to 492 Delegates.

    “All I can tell you is that the delegates will be paid only allowances per day to cater for their needs in Abuja. It is too early to assume how much of the N7Billion budget will be voted for the allowances of the delegates.

    “The details are being worked out. And as soon as the principal officers of the conference are in place, things will take shape.

    “What we are proposing is to ensure that the National Conference has its own secretariat different from government bureaucracy.”

    On the nomination of delegates, the source said: “Consultations are still in progress. And for those to be nominated by the president, the presidency is tidying up this end.”

  • National Conference, an alternative to chaos

    National Conference, an alternative to chaos

    The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi was an unrepentant advocate of the Sovereign National Conference (SNC). At a press conference on March 22, 2000 he addressed many of the frequently asked questions about convoking  the SNC. Excerpts:

    THE root cause of our national tragedies is the fundamental defects that have always afflicted the process of determining every constitutional frame-work of the polity. Our constitutional arrangements since 1914 to date (2000) have never truly reflected the political, economic, social, cultural and religious realities of the country.

    Above all, the people of the country have never had the opportunity to make inputs into, accept or reject any constitutional frame-work through a referendum. Consequently, the masses of our people have always been treated as aliens in all constitutional processes from 1914 to 1999 as all constitutional frame-works have always been imposed on them whether or not they like them.

    Principled policies of governments, loss of moral sensitivity.

    SNC as solution to grievances

    There are so many grievances and accusations against Nigeria and by Nigerians which the Sovereign National Conference must consider and resolve with the sole objective of designing a new Constitution (the Peoples’ Constitution) for the country which will cast into extinction all the evil tendencies which have conspired to make Nigeria’ a virtual ‘ghost’ country, deeply and invidiously polarised in all directions since 1914 to date and more seriously since January 15, 1966. We must pull Nigeria back from the brink and from the precipice with a Constitution made democratically by Nigerians through the SNC and affirmed in a referendum by Nigerians. The alternative to this path of sanity is to continue disastrously to pretend that pious political preaching, posturing and exhortations and the use of governmental power of brute force will contain the mounting crises. They will not. It is time to call a spade a spade and face the reality of our fate squarely, sincerely and courageously, so as to prevent a disintegration of the country.

    The Sovereign National Conference being advocated is to rebuild this single sovereign nation from its collapsing foundation, not to tear the country into several sovereign nations. If we don’t, I shudder to think of the catastrophic consequences to the very existence of the country and its horrible effects on the black race, Black Africa and the world at large.

    Let us move away from the brink. The answer is the Sovereign National Conference. We must prevent the experiences of Rwanda, Burundi, Srilanka, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia from happening in Nigeria.

    The only opportunity we have to do this is the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference. We need to talk, talk and talk ourselves to true peace, genuine justice and appropriate peoples’ Constitution in which all Nigerians will find a fulfilment of their hopes and aspirations and unshaken guarantee of peace, stability and prosperity.

    How to convoke a Sovereign National Conference

    The Sovereign National Conference, which is the only option left to save this country from sliding into disintegration, must be convoked as quickly as possible.

    The Sovereign National Conference is not to govern the country but to find solutions to all the problems that afflict the polity. All the governments under the current constitutional dispensation should be preliminarily involved in the process of convoking a Sovereign National Conference. Consequently, the President of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of House of Representatives, all the thirty-six (36) Governors of the states of the federation and the thirty-six (36) Speakers of the thirty-six (36) state assemblies must quickly meet jointly to set up the Sovereign National Conference Planning Committee. The National and State Assemblies should promulgate laws in support of the SNC so that fresh elections are held at the expiration of the tenure of the existing government in year 2003 on the basis of the Constitution that will be drawn up by the SNC and subjected to a referendum of the people.

    Composition of SNC Planning Committee

    We recommend that the Planning Committee should comprise 50 members – 25 officially selected and 25 non-officials who will be selected across the country based on their track records of patriotism, honesty, integrity, hard work, and ability. The Chief Justice of Nigeria will swear this committee into office as members of the Sovereign National Conference Planning Committee.

    Duties of the Planning Committee:

    The SNC Planning Committee should be mandated to: (a) Conduct elections in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), into the Sovereign National Conference. (b) Determine the venue of the Conference. (c) Ensure the full inauguration Conference.

    Composition of Sovereign National Conference

    (a) We must use what we have to achieve what we want. By virtue of section 3(6) of the 1999 Constitution, there are seven hundred and seventy-four (774) local governments in Nigeria. Each local government area will elect a member into the Sovereign National Conference. But such election must not be on party basis.

    (b) There are important interest groups which cannot be involved in the election at local government level but whose views could be of paramount importance in the resolution of grievances that could come before the Conference. These groups include: The Judiciary, the Army, the Navy, the Airforce, the Police, the Customs, the Prisons, the Immigration, interest groups, professional and trade associations such as those of teachers at all levels of educational system; Lawyers; Medical Doctors; Pharmacists; Nurses; Engineers; Sociologists; Political Scientists; Administrators; Secretaries; Accountants; Bankers; Architects; Quantity Surveyors; Journalists; Students; Farmers; Market women and petty traders; Artisans; Organised Labour; Employers; Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Women; Religious bodies, including Christians, Moslems and Traditional worshippers; Civil Servants at local, state and federal levels; Human Rights Community and pro-democracy organisations; Ethnic organisations fighting for self-determination; and Traditional Rulers, etc. Each of these groups will in its respective organisation elect representatives to the Sovereign National Conference based on its numerical strength. The modalities for doing this can be easily worked out by the Sovereign National Conference Planning Committee.

    SNC not just an assembly of nationalities

    The import of the recommended composition of the SNC above is that the SNC should not be conceived solely as an assembly of nationalities. Multiple nationality is just one of the realities of Nigeria as a plural society. Other realities of Nigeria such as religious differences, social stratification, gender subjugation, professional and economic interests must also be considered.

    Observer status at SNC

    Observer status should also be given to international bodies such as the UNO, OAU, ECOWAS, EU, Commonwealth, National and International Human Rights and Media Bodies, etc.

    Primary function of the SNC:

    The primary duty of the Sovereign National Conference is to address and find solutions to the key problems afflicting Nigeria since 1914 to date. The concern is to remove all obstacles which have prevented the country from establishing political justice, economic justice, social justice, cultural justice, religious justice and to construct a new constitutional frame-work in terms of the system of government – structurally, politically economically, socially, culturally and religiously. Furthermore, the conference is to receive and deliberate upon all grievances and whether contained in memoranda or letter from individuals or groups within and outside Nigeria. The Sovereign National Conference will be enjoined to discuss and deliberate on everything under the sun with regards to Nigeria and how to preserve the country in which Nigerians will have fulfilment of their hopes and aspirations. In other words, a Nigeria where every ethnic group will find succour; and where the masses, the neglected, the persecuted, the deprived and the cheated will find solace. In short, the Sovereign National Conference is to rebuild the country called Nigeria from the scratch and to establish a new constitutional structure for a new Nigeria.

    Referendum

    The Constitution made by the people’s Sovereign National Conference will be subjected to the people’s referendum for the first time in the history of Nigeria.

    Economic Restructuring

    It is perhaps imperative to stress that contrary to the conception of some new organisations and individuals who have just woken up to appreciate the necessity of the SNC, the work of the SNC should not be limited to political restructuring based on ethnic factors. A key concern of the SNC is economic restructuring.

    The SNC should discuss and resolve the character and nature of the economic system that can ensure sustained improvement in the material lives of the ordinary people. The SNC should be concerned with establishing an economic system that will guarantee economic rights of Nigerians, whether rich or poor.

    The ordinary people must enjoy the right to work or unemployment allowance in the absence of jobs, cost-free housing, education, health, water, electricity, etc. In a restructured polity, access to social services by the masses should be regarded as fundamental rights. An obligation ought to be imposed on all levels of government to provide social services such that citizens constitutionally, legally and politically can challenge the government in the event of non-provision. If the provision of social services is made to the constitutional responsibility of all tiers of government, then national resources will be utilised meaningfully in the interest of the larger society. Accountability of government to the people will equally be promoted because governance will acquire a focused and definitive character. When a government has so many constitutional responsibilities and the people are aware of their constitutional rights and are prepared to fight for them legally and politically, looting, stealing, misappropriation of public resources will be minimised, if not eliminated.

    Relationship of Sovereign National Conference to the current Constitutional Dispensation

    The Sovereign National Conference is not to govern the country. It is to find solutions to the problems of the country. It will therefore not interfere with the governance of the country at the federal level, in the states and at the local governments. Those to govern the country have been elected in 1998/1999 to do so for four years and their tenure will end in the year 2003.

    Those elected on December 5, 1998 to the local governments, on January 9, 1999, to the states and on February 13 and 27 to the centre are now functioning within the confines of a fundamentally defective constitutional arrangement, which was made on the 5th of May 1999 after their elections. Since the military-imposed 1999 Constitution is fundamentally defective and is incapable of satisfying the aspirations of the people, there is a need for a democratically drawn up Constitution through the SNC. The existing Constitution has proved incapable of containing national chaos and steady decline into catastrophic and bloody disintegration in which the teeming poor masses will bear the brunt while the rich, many of whom have looted public treasury, will find succour and solace in foreign countries. It would be foolhardy to want to protect such a Constitution. It is in the interest of democracy, in order to avert the impending disaster that a new Constitution be drawn up through a mass participatory process.