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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference (1450 Views)
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ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by awodman: 11:14am On Oct 02, 2013 |
President Goodluck Jonathan could not have made a better choice than Femi Okurounmu, a former senator, as chairman of the 13–member Advisory Committee on National Conference. In his broadcast to the nation to mark its 53rd Independence Anniversary, on Tuesday, Mr Jonathan said the committee would establish modalities for a national dialogue, among other things, and submit its report in one month. A statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, later named other members of the Committee as George Obiozor, Ben Nwabueze, Tony Nyam, Funke Adedayo, Abubakar Sadiq, Buhari Bello, Tony Uranta, Khairat Abdurazaq-Gwadabe, Timothy Adudu, Mairo Ahmed Marshi and Dauda Birma. Akilu Ndabawa will serve as Secretary. For Mr. Okurounmu, his choice as chairman of the committee to midwife the conference was a dream that is almost becoming a reality. For a sizable part of his political life, Mr. Okurounmu, an engineer, who represented the Ogun Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy, AD, between 1999 and 2003, had joined like-minds across the country to agitate for a Sovereign National Conference and later National Conference. On October 13, 1999, barely five months after he was inaugurated senator, Mr Okurounmu moved a motion on the floor of the upper legislative chamber, seeking the convocation of a national conference in the country, to address salient issues. In the motion, the former senator asked the Senate to consider the convening of a National Conference on True Federalism towards a review of the 1999 Constitution. Mr. Okurounmu’s desire for a National Conference did not come to many as a shock. As one of the leaders of the apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, the senator was passionate about translating the agitation of the leaders of the zone into reality while in the upper chamber. The quest by the leader of the South West zone for a conference, it was generally believed, was not divorced from the annulment by former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, of the 1993 presidential election, presumably won by the late Moshood Abiola. However, despite his superlative lead debate to convince his 108 colleagues, Mr Okurounmu’s motion was roundly defeated. His plan was to get the issue of a national dialogue adopted by the defunct Presidential Committee on the Review of the Constitution set up by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, who himself was one of Mr. Okurounmu’s constituents. During the debate, most of the lawmakers expressed the view that the review of the constitution was the exclusive prerogative of the National Assembly. Although his attempt to get legislative backing for his pet project failed, the Ogun State-born former senator had recorded a major achievement – registering the issue of a national dialogue in the consciousness of his colleagues. Chuba Okadigbo, who succeeded Evan Enwerem as Senate President, upon assumption of office in 2000, constituted the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution and made Mr. Okurounmu a member. The Committee later became part of the Joint National Assembly Committee on the Review of the 1999. In 2001, Mr. Okurounmu served a notice on the Senate about the plan by him and eight other senators to sponsor a fresh motion on the floor of the Senate, seeking the convocation of a national conference. The eight senators were Arthur Nzeribe (Imo West), Afolabi Olabimtan (Ogun West), Ike Nwachukwu (Abia North), Jim Nwobodo (Enugu East), Melford Okilo (Bayelsa East), Tokunbo Afikuyomi (Lagos Central), Sunday Fajimi (Osun West), and Emmanuel Diffa (Bayelsa West). They titled the notice “Motion that the Senate should mandate the Joint Committee on the National Assembly on the Review of the 1999 Constitution to convene a National Conference as a necessary part of the process in its Review Exercise, and to forward the motion, if passed, to the House of Representatives for concurrence.” In his argument, the senator said, “I am, in this current motion, relying on the provisions of Section 53 (6) of our Standing Rules to revisit the earlier motion in a modified form, in conformity with the reality of the existence of the Joint National Assembly Committee, and in recognition of developments in the polity since the earlier motion. “It has become clear that the setting up of the Joint National Assembly Committee which itself followed an earlier committee set up by the President, has not reduced the clamour for a National Conference. On the contrary, the clamour is gaining momentum with each passing day.” Mr. Okurounmu, who was then the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency, which was chaired by the current Senate President, David Mark, told his colleagues that not only had the demand for a National Conference become a dominant opinion in the South East geo-political zone, the agitation of almost all the ethnic nationality unions, was the convocation of a conference. He added that in the South West, the demand for a National Conference was an article of faith while in the Northern geo-political zones, an increasing number of individuals and groups were beginning to see the wisdom in a national dialogue. He also recalled that apart from receiving the support of the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Emeka Anyaoku, the agitation of a national dialogue had received unreserved support of the second meeting of the Tradition Rulers and Leaders of Thought from the six geo-political zones. “It can therefore be surmised that a non-negligible fraction of Nigerians, and possibly a majority, are vociferously clamouring for a National Conference, in spite of the two existing committee of the executive and the legislature,”Mr. Okurounmu argued. “I suggest, my distinguished colleagues that we should listen to them and weigh their arguments dispassionately and objectively unhindered by any previously fixed mindset.” On the modalities, the senator said, “My proposal in this respect is to base representation on elections, to be conducted on non-party basis, with each delegate representing the smallest practicable constituency unit, subject to the total number of delegates not exceeding 1200. “By this, the delegates will be representing their communities, not their political parties. The smallest practicable constituency unit as per this guideline will be the State House of Assembly constituency unit, and I therefore recommend its use for the purpose of the National Conference elections. “This would give ethnic minorities the greatest possible chance of being suitably represented, since the larger the electorate constituency unit, the greater the possibility of small minorities in such units being disadvantaged. “A delegate from each State House of Assembly constituency unit throughout the country would result in about 1000 delegates, which is not too large a number ƒσя a country the size of Nigeria. I also recommend that since delegates from a State are essentially representing that State, the elections in each State should be conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC.” In the notice, Mr. Okurounmu and the eight senators listed their prayers: -That the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on the review of the 1999 Constitution be mandated by the Senate to convene a National Conference on the lingering contentions and unresolved issues of the Nigerian polity, as a necessary part of the processes in its review exercise; -That representation at the Conference should be by elected members, with one delegate elected to represent each House of Assembly constituency, on a non-party basis; -That the elections to the Conference be conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission; -That the conclusion of the Conference be regarded as one of the inputs to the work of the Joint National Assembly Committee (on Constitution Review); and -That if the above legs of the motion are successful, the entire motion should be forwarded to the House of Representatives for their concurrence. On June 12, 2001, on the eight anniversary of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the debate on Mr. Okurounmu notice came up, but its consideration almost led to a rowdy session induced by opponents of a National Conference in the country. His colleagues, notably late Senator Afolabi Olabimtan (AD, Ogun West) made significant, but failed attempt to have it scale through. When the then Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, who is the current SGF, put it to vote on whether the motion should be taken or not, Mr. Olabimtan and other AD senators present in the session, laboured unsuccessfully against striking it out. Although their action indeed demonstrated strong support for Mr. Okurounmu, they were overwhelmed by their colleagues who were in the majority and who subsequently shut it down. As Mr. Olabimtan later explained in a statement he issued on June 14, 2001, “There is no doubt that the majority shall always have its way, but the minority in a democracy should be allowed to have its say…. “Honestly, I find it difficult to understand the serious opposition to National Conference as a means of finding lasting solution to Nigeria multifarious problems. I doff my cap and pay homage to the great Nigerian statesmen who sat together to talk and bring us independence in 1960. If they had the same spirit as some of us today, Nigeria would have arrived as one indivisible independent country.” But Mr. Okunrounmu was not deterred. On March 7, 2002,he made another deft move by bringing up, this time, a bill on the issue. It was titled, “A Act to make provisions ƒσя convening of a National Conference of the Peoples of Nigeria for purposes of preparing a Constitution ƒσя Consideration and Adoption by the People of Nigeria at a Referendum and matters ancillary thereto.” The former senator successfully got the Senate Committee on Rules and Procedure headed by Dalhatu Tafida, the current Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, to list the motion for first reading at the plenary session. Mr. Okunrounmu, and many senators, including Olabiyi Durojaiye (Ogun East) and late Mr. Olabimton, voted for it,but again the motion failed to scale through the first reading, even though the senator and his supporters stood courageously behind the bill. Curiously, Mr. Nzeribe, who was one of the eight senators that signed the earlier notice to the Senate on the issue, led the onslaught against the bill. The maverick former senator produced a document against the bill and lobbied his colleagues to back him in his surprise bid. The death of the bill, particularly Mr. Nzeribe’s betrayal, was devastating to the pro-conference senator. In a statement he gave this reporter, who was then covering the Senate, Mr Okurounmu explained, “It is on record that I effectively rebutted every point of order or constitution that was raised against the bill, and the bill was only killed because of the fixed negative mindset of many senators, as was glaringly exhibited by Senator Nzeribe’s prejudicial document which he had circulated to all Senators and Honourable members (of House of Representatives) as soon as the bill was circulated, canvassing that the bill should not be entertained. “It is also important that the public be informed that the bill was actually the product of some of the best minds in Nigeria – The Patriots –and I was mandated by the Senate President to sponsor it since I have consistently and unrelentingly associated myself with the contents.” Regrettably, Mr Okurounmu left the upper legislative chamber in May 2003, after spending four years, without realizing his dream of having the nation to dialogue, no thanks to the stern opposition of most of his colleagues to it. But with Mr Jonathan’s nod to a national dialogue and Mr. Okurounmu’s choice as head of the Advisory Committee, the former senator appears set to have the last laugh. premiumtimesng.com/news/145843-analysis-femi-okurounmu-and-his-relentless-battle-for-national-conference.html 1 Like |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 11:32am On Oct 02, 2013 |
Well, let's see what he makes out of it. On a serious note, we really need this dialogue. |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Alxmyr(m): 12:19pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
So Nigeria journalist can be this thorough. |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 12:26pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
gregtochi: Well, let's see what he makes out of it.Jonathan is only using Okunrounmu to infilterate SW. Jonathan did not create this to have a true national dialogue. This thing ends the moment Jonathan wins re-election- if he's lucky enough to win. 2 Likes |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Alxmyr(m): 12:31pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
payless: Jonathan is only using Okunrounmu to infilterate SW. Jonathan did not create this to have a true national dialogue. This thing ends the moment Jonathan wins re-election- if he's lucky enough to win. Everything must not be seen from winning 2015 election. Btw, the article is about a man who was steadfast in what he believe and not infiltration of so called SW. 2 Likes |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by russellino: 1:06pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
payless: Jonathan is only using Okunrounmu to infilterate SW. Jonathan did not create this to have a true national dialogue. This thing ends the moment Jonathan wins re-election- if he's lucky enough to win. If you know anything about Okurounmu from his AD days you will understand that GEJ no reach to use am for political. His type are very rare and became isolated voices when tinubu hijacked the party |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by TeaParty: 4:11pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
You stvpid islamist fundamentalist keeps trolling every thread with your hate,damn you are so bitter. payless: Jonathan is only using Okunrounmu to infilterate SW. Jonathan did not create this to have a true national dialogue. This thing ends the moment Jonathan wins re-election- if he's lucky enough to win. |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 4:15pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
TeaParty: You stvpid islamist fundamentalist keeps trolling every thread with your hate,damn you are so bitter. You are a pighead! |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 4:20pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
Alxmyr: Okunrounmu is about to find out that Jonathan is an insincere dolt who sees every national issue as political football. Okunroumu is about to get the same treatment Ribadu got when he was appointed to head a committee but later dumped with the findings and recommendations of that very committee. The whole thing is a charade. The earlier Okunrounmu realises this, the better for him. |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by tomakint: 5:53pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
payless: Jonathan is only using Okunrounmu to infilterate SW. Jonathan did not create this to have a true national dialogue. This thing ends the moment Jonathan wins re-election- if he's lucky enough to win.Another hogwash from a bitter soul |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 7:01pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
tomakint: tomakint the zombie, long time no see! |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by kingbang: 7:36pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
payless: Jonathan is only using Okunrounmu to infilterate SW. Jonathan did not create this to have a true national dialogue. This thing ends the moment Jonathan wins re-election- if he's lucky enough to win. Were you forbidden never to make use of your brain? 3 Likes |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 9:14pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
kingbang/slimghost:You remain Anambra pighead. |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by tomakint: 9:55pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
kingbang:kai c finishing....... 2 Likes
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Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by tomakint: 9:58pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
payless:MUMU-ni how you dey, but you dull sha no be small oooo! |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by omiobo: 10:10pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
russellino:Point of correction,where were u when Obj rigged election and displaced the AD governors in 2003? Tinubu been a strong refused to fall for obj's trick. Now tell me how tinubu hijacked the party? |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 10:16pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
t |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by russellino: 10:41pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
omiobo: They were tricked by OBJ who they felt had some honour. You can't compare the men of integrity in AD like him and falae to the generality of what is obtainable today. |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 10:43pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
tomakint: tomakint the zombie, wear you diaper, find a mat and relax your mighty head. Ode oshi! 1 Like |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by carsprayer: 10:54pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
payless:big fool..God regrets ever creating u ...ode lasan 1 Like |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 11:37pm On Oct 02, 2013 |
carsprayer: big fool..God regrets ever creating u ...ode lasanWho is this baba were? How did you get out of psychiatric ward? I guess you are tomakint the zombie pretending to be someone else. Arindin jati jati! |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by tomakint: 12:22am On Oct 03, 2013 |
payless: Who is this baba were? How did you get out of psychiatric ward? I guess you are tomakint the zombie pretending to be someone else. Arindin jati jati!The truth is people know you (and your ilks) for whom you are, a bloody psychopath of the deepest dye! How I wish I can save your soul from perdition, unfortunately, I can't! |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 12:42am On Oct 03, 2013 |
tomakint: tomakint the zombie, it is not my fault your life is fvcked up like crushed eggs. Just get your mat this night and find a place to rest your mighty ugly head. You have no friend anywhere but your fellow igboid on nairaland. Arindin jati jati! |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by eye4eye: 12:50am On Oct 03, 2013 |
payless:@payless, the guy is yoruba impersonator |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by eye4eye: 1:31am On Oct 03, 2013 |
awodman: President Goodluck Jonathan could not have made a better choice than Femi Okurounmu, a former senator, asAfter reading this, I am cautiously optimistic. Fingers crossed........ |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by ezebest1(m): 8:33am On Oct 03, 2013 |
Arthur Nzeribe will forever remain an outcast, little wonder why his kinsmen buried him alive. |
Re: ANALYSIS: Femi Okurounmu And His Relentless Battle For National Conference by Nobody: 8:57am On Oct 03, 2013 |
payless: Jonathan is only using Okunrounmu to infilterate SW. Jonathan did not create this to have a true national dialogue. This thing ends the moment Jonathan wins re-election- if he's lucky enough to win. The write up articulated how Okorunmu had been steadfast in advocating national dialogue. He introduced the bill several times in the NASS. To him, it was a passion. So heading this committee will only afford him the opportunity to stamp his feet on the ground and prove to his former colleagues and the generality of Nigerians that he hadn't been joking. And PAYLES, everything is not about 2015 and SW. surely, Nigeria and its corporate existence is much more than such mundane matters. We have all in one way or another, supported a national discuss because we agreed that what we have at the moment is not what we want to have. |
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