Member representing Bende federal constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has said that the call for national dialogue by Southern governors is unnecessary and an avenue to waste and pilfer already lean resources.

While hailing them on all other 12 resolutions, including restructuring, ban on open grazing and others after a meeting in Asaba, Delta state recently, he said the issues discussed are things Nigerians have for long waited to hear their opinion on.

Speaking on a radio programme, Ben Kalu Mandate streamed live by ABN TV on Tuesday, the lawmaker lauded governors in Southern Nigeria under the aegis of Southern Governors Forum for coming together to deliberate on regional integration and developmental.

Hon. Kalu who doubles as Spokesperson of the House of Representatives said irrespective of political party lines, the Southern Governors' meeting was in the interest of South East, South-South and South West, same way their counterparts in the North meet to discuss issues that border on their development.

He expressed satisfaction for their boldness to come together and have a common agreement on the resolutions reached.

He however faulted the number six of the twelve resolutions which borders on convening a national dialogue to resolve the growing agitations for inclusiveness among the regional divides.

According to the federal lawmaker, the post Covid-19 economic status does not favour to coming together of nearly 500 persons as was the case in 2014 to deliberate on issues the parliament is set up to handle.

Describing it as superfluous, Hon. Kalu insisted that such move is an encouragement to fritter the already lean resources.

"At the moment we can't afford it. We can't. Unless there is an international agent or donor that will take up the full bill. Even at that, donor funds are needed in other areas, not this.

"It will be an avenue also for most governors to siphon funds because when you begin to move people to Abuja, for this national dialogue, it's going to cost a lot of money.

"Resources of the states are not healthy. Most of the state governors are looking for money to pay salaries. They will begin to pay for representatives to go in addition to the representatives that were elected. To me, I consider it a waste" he said.

He also added that the time limit of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari does not give enough room to convene, compile and implement the resolutions that may be reached at the end of the national dialogue.

He insisted with the election year approaching, such exercise will end up an effort in futility. Hon. Kalu while stating that the 2014 dialogue did not add a significant value to Nigerians noted that embarking on a similar project will be a duplication of what has already been done about 7 years ago.

He, therefore, called for adoption and review of the resolutions of the 2014 conference by the National Assembly and subsequently presented to Executive for implementation.

He advised governors of the 17 Southern states to liaise with their state Assemblies and take a position on the resolutions, then present same as their position to their National Assembly representatives so that it will help in reaching a final document that will be presented to the Executive arm for implementation.

Hon. Kalu said if this is done, the voices of the 17 Southern Governors will be heard.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/05/asaba-resolution-call-for-national-dialogue-avenue-to-waste-siphon-resources-hon-kalu-alleges/

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