NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2014
PRESS STATEMENT
AUGUST 27, 2014

Alhaji Magaji Dambatta OFR, CON is dead

As officials of the 2014 National Conference were winding down activities at the Secretariat, another sad news of the death of a delegate was received.

Alhaji Magaji Dambatta OFR, CON, who came on the platform of Socio-political/Cultural and Ethnic Nationality Groups, from the North West Zone. died a few hours ago at the Garki General Hospital, Abuja where he was taken to after an unsuccessful medical trip abroad.

An indigene of Kano State, Alhaji Dambatta was born in 1931. He attended the Bayero University in Kano and worked as a Senior Reporter and Northern Regional Editor of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). He was a Senior Information Officer in the Northern Nigerian Government and an Information and Public Relations Officer in the Regions Agent General’s office in 1961.
The late Alhaji Dambatta was also a Chief Information Officer in the Northern Region and Reporter and Editor of the Daily Comet in Kano between 1950 and 1953. He was a Minister in the Nigerian Embassy in Washington CD between 1973 and 1978 and later a Board member of daily Times.

A seasoned media guru, Alhaji Dambatta worked with the Kano State Broadcasting Corporation, Triumph Publishing Company, Federal Housing Authority and Nagarta Radio.

He was also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Arewa Consultative Forum, founding member, Northern Elements Progressive Union; Recipient of Medal of Merit of the Government of Egypt (1961); and member of the Presidential Advisory Council (2010).

Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, GCON, feels deeply distressed by this sad development. On behalf of the Conference Secretariat, Justice Kutigi expressed his deep condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Dambatta and prays that the Almighty receives his spirit and grants his soul sweet repose.

Alhaji Dambatta’s death was preceded by those of Barrister Hamma Misau (a delegate on the platform of the Retired Police officers), from Bauchi State, on Thursday, March 27, 2014; Dr Mohammed Jumare (A delegate from Kaduna State) who died on Monday May 5, 2014, Professor Dora Akunyili (a delegate who represented Anambra State) on June 7, 2014 and Professor Mohammad Nur Alkali (a delegate from Borno State) on August 1, 2014.

Signed:

Akpandem James
Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST 21, 2014

This report will not be wasted—Jonathan tells Nigerians as he closes 2014 confab

“You have done your patriotic duty; we the elected people must do our own…Let me assure you that your work is not going to be a waste of time and resources…”

With these reassuring words, well applauded by an excited crowd, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan brought to a close on Thursday August 21, the 2014 National Conference inaugurated on March 17, 2014.

He said with the conclusion of deliberations at the conference and with the voluminous reports submitted by the Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, GCON, “Our moment for national rebirth is here. We have to rekindle hope.”

The President, accompanied by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and some ministers, praised the 494 members of the conference for arriving at every decision through consensus without an option of a vote or division.

He said the quality of debate and the depth of contributions added to the ability of the delegates to resolve every argument without burying or suspending them was indicative of the fact that “it is a new dawn in Nigeria and a new nation is at the door.”

President Jonathan expressed gratitude to the delegates for displaying deep patriotic zeal which has led to the successful accomplishment of the idea behind the conference which was that of creating a platform for sincere dialogue among the citizens.

The President was emphatic that the success of the conference has proved cynics wrong in many respects and has built a new architecture of national development as the country moves into the next 100 years of its existence.

He promised that since nobody has monopoly of wisdom in national affairs, the relevant aspects of the reports and recommendations would be sent to both the Council of States and the National Assembly for necessary action.

He paid tributes to four members of the conference who died in the course of the national assignment. He also consoled Justice Kutigi on the death of his wife during the conference period.

Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, in a brief remark, said the event of the day was based on the invitation of the Conference Chairman indicating that the conference had concluded its proceedings and was ready to submit the report.

While submitting the report, Justice Kutigi said the purpose of the conference included addressing the fears, disappointments, aspirations and hopes, “which have accumulated over 100 years.

Under the circumstance, he said “it is only to be expected that the debate would be robust; and indeed the debates were robust. It was only to be expected that tempers would fly; and tempers did fly.

“We did not try to ignore or bury our differences. We addressed these differences while respecting the dignity of those holding these differences and sought to construct solutions which would become building blocks for a just and stable nation.”

Justice Kutigi disclosed that at the end of the conference, more than 600 resolutions dealing with issues of law, issues of policy and issues of constitutional amendments were approved.

He assured that the resolutions did not deal with inconsequential or frivolous issues; “we showed courage in tackling substantial and fundamental issues.”

The chairman said adopting all the resolutions through consensus; “is a message that we wish the world to hear loud and clear. Nigerians are capable of not only discussing their differences but are also capable of coming up with solutions to these difficulties.”

Submitted to the President on Thursday were 22 volumes of reports and annexures totaling about 10, 335 pages.

Justice Kutigi explained that with the submission of the report, “we have finally laid to rest the apprehension that a national conference will lead to the disintegration of Nigeria. We have held a national conference and we are more united today than ever.”

The conference chairman disclosed that not once did President Jonathan interfere in the work of the conference.

He said: “the only time we tried to consult the President during the conflict over voting percentages at the very beginning of the conference, we were told that the issue was for us to resolve. At no time after that did you meet with us or speak to us.”

The chairman expressed to the National Assembly “the greatest respect of all members of the 2014 National Conference. We accept that the National Assembly has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that the conference report translates into law.”

Earlier on Wednesday, at a dinner hosted by Justice Kutigi for the delegates, Vice President Sambo had praised the delegates for successfully accomplishing the mission of the national conference describing their effort as a “no mean feat.”

He said despite all odds against the hosting of the conference, delegates stood firm and delivered to Nigeria a living document that would usher the country into the next centenary.

The Vice President described the 2014 National Conference as the “broadest national conference” where all matters for the stability of Nigeria were freely discussed without any interference from any quarters.

He said the quality of deliberation was not only outstanding, “your capacity to pull back from the brink was the hallmark of 2014 National Conference.”

While recalling some strategic moments at the conference, Sambo declared, “Because you stood up for Nigeria, Nigeria will stand up for you.” At this point all the delegates rose to applaud him.

Justice Kutigi had congratulated and thanked all the delegates for the nationalistic roles they played in ensuring that the conference came to a memorable conclusion, adding: “history will forever be kind to you.”

He said the delegates were outstanding both in deliberation and contribution of ideas which enabled the conference to accomplish its mission.

“Your comportment, mature reasoning, and articulate presentation of persuasive opinions towards resolutions of critical and even controversial issues will always be remembered.

“It was my joy and national pride to serve as chairman of the conference in which you played such a significant role as delegates. My interaction with you has once again rekindled my hope of a better Nigeria for the present and future generations.”

He paid tributes to some of the delegates who died in the course of the convocation namely: Barrister Hamma Misau, Dr Mohammed Jumare, Professor Dora Akunyili and Professor Mohammed Nur Alkali.

Conference Deputy Chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, in his remarks, said the conference was only a success because of the maturity and comportment of the Conference Chairman, Justice Kutigi.

Describing Justice Kutigi as a righteous steadfast judge, Akinyemi said the chairman was prepared at all times to over-rule anybody in defence of the vision and principle of the conference.

“We had in our chairman, a Nigerian without any trace of prejudice. If every Nigerian behaves like Justice Kutigi, this country is set on a path of greatness.”

Also speaking, Chief Ediwn Clark who led the southern delegation said: “we came in, we came out and we conquered.”

He said the conference has brought a renewed Nigeria ready to face the challenges of the future.

He earned a huge applause when he called on the President to ensure the implementation of the resolutions of the conference to justify its convocation.

Clark said at the beginning of the conference, it was clear that the delegates would disagree to agree; describing the conference as a forum where Nigerians decided to discuss and debate the Nigeria of the future.

He said the conference has proven that “we will continue to live together in this country; we have nowhere else to go. We are all true Nigerians. A new beginning has started, a new Nigeria has started.”

In his comments, former Inspector General of Police and leader of the northern delegation to the conference, Ibrahim Coomasie harped on the need for unity of the country.

He said whatever the northern delegates protested or shouted against during the conference, “we did so for one Nigeria.”

Coomasie thanked the leadership of the conference for managing the delegates in spite of the load of work before them.

It was his believe that after the conference and with all the resolutions adopted, the next 100 years will be a better 100 years for Nigeria.

Every delegate to the conference was decorated with a medal of honour by the Vice President. They also went home with certificate of participation, a diary, a conference plaque and a photobook.
SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

SPEECH


BY


HON. JUSTICE IDRIS LEGBO KUTIGI, GCON, FNIALS, FCIArb, FNJI, (FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA)
CHIARMAN, NATIONAL CONFERENCE

AT THE

SUBMISSION OF 2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE REPORT



HELD IN ABUJA, NIGERIA



21 August, 2014




Protocol

Mr. President, when you inaugurated the 2014 National Conference on 17 March, 2014, we knew that we were taking on a tough assignment. If truth be told, most Nigerians did not believe that this whole enterprise was going to last this long or come to a successful conclusion.
2. Yet, Mr. President, here we are five months later at a ceremony to mark the successful execution of our mandate.
3. It is not that we lasted this long that is newsworthy; but that we overcame all the obstacles in our way.
4. Mr. President, when 494 Nigerians are assembled to address the fears, disappointments, aspirations and hopes which have accumulated over one hundred years, it is only to be expected that the debates would be robust; and indeed the debates were robust. It was only to be expected that tempers would fly; and tempers did fly.
5. Mr. President, we did not try to ignore or bury our differences. We addressed these differences while respecting the dignity of those holding these differences and sought to construct solutions which would become building blocks for a just and stable nation.
6. Mr. President, we approved over 600 resolutions; some dealing with issues of law, issues of policy and issues of constitutional amendments. These resolutions did not deal with frivolous or inconsequential issues. We showed courage in tackling substantial and fundamental issues.

7. Mr. President, time will not permit me to list all the critical and fundamental resolutions adopted. But let me emphasize this: all our resolutions were adopted by consensus. Not once did we have to vote or come to a division. This is a message that we wish the world to hear loud and clear. Nigerians are capable of not only discussing their differences but are also capable to coming up with solutions to these difficulties.
8. Mr. President, the magnitude of what we have done is reflected in our Report and Annexures of 22 volumes of approximately 10,335 (ten thousand, three hundred and thirty-five) pages. Mr. President, the official Report of the 2014 National Conference was also adopted unanimously.
9. In the post-independence history of Nigeria, there have been four Conferences, including this 2014 National Conference. However, Mr. President, our own task has been the most arduous. The following statistics graphically illustrates this. The 1978 Constituent Assembly had a membership of 230 people and met for 9 months. The 1995 National Constitutional Conference had a membership of 371 people and met for twelve (12) months. The 2005 National Political Reform Conference was made up of 400 delegates and met for 5 months. We are 494 in membership and you made us do all this work in 4½ months.
10. Lasting Impression:
On behalf of the delegates to the 2014 National Conference, I thank you for your courage in summoning this Conference. We have finally laid to rest the apprehension that a National Conference will lead to the disintegration of Nigeria. We have held a National Conference and we are more united today than ever.
11. Let me state here categorically and with the fear of Almighty Allah in my heart, that not once did you interfere or dictate to us in the course of this Conference. The only time we tried to consult the President during the conflict over voting percentages at the very beginning of the Conference we were told that the issue was for us to resolve. At no time after that did you meet with us or speak to us.
12. I also wish to thank my fellow members of the Conference Management and Conference delegates for the vibrant, even if at times turbulent, cooperation in ensuring a successful Conference.
13. I thank especially the former and present Administrator of the National Judicial Institute and their staff for their contribution to the success of this 2014 National Conference. Mr. President, let it be on record that all these facilities were turned over to us with less than 12hrs notice.
14. I thank all of you who have responded positively by accepting our invitation to attend this closing ceremony. Your presence has added gravitas to this ceremony.
15. At this juncture, I want to convey to the National Assembly, the greatest respect of all members of the 2014 National Conference. We accept that the National Assembly has a pivotal role to play in ensuing that the Conference Report translates into law.
16. Mr. President, please permit me to pay tribute to four of our delegates who died during the pendency of the Conference. Barrister Hamma Misau who died on March 27; Dr. Mohammad Jumare who died on May 5; Professor Dora Akunyili, on June 7; and Professor Mohammad Nur Alkali, on August 1, 2014. May their souls rest in peace.
17. Finally, Mr. President, let me on behalf of all of us thank the Secretary to Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, who went beyond the call of duty in virtually turning over all the facilities of Government to assist this Conference.
18. And now on behalf of the 2014 National Conference and the people of Nigeria, I hereby present to your Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 21 Volumes of the Report of the 2014 National Conference. Here, Mr. President is the Main Report and on that table are the remaining 19 Volumes of supporting documents.
Thank you.

Hon. Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, GCON,FNIALS,FCIrb,FNJI
(Former Chief Justice of Nigeria)
Chairman, National Conference – 2014
August 21, 2014.

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST 14, 2014

National Conference ends as delegates adopt final report

It was a happy end to an uncertain journey on Thursday when the plenary session and indeed the 2014 National Conference drew to a close amidst fanfare laced with solidarity songs.

Suddenly, media hypes regarding apprehensions arising from issues contained in the three volumes of the prepared reports melted into oblivion as delegates unanimously approved the reports.

A scenario of unsolicited hugs, multiple pats on the back, wide smiles, handshakes unhindered by ethnic divides unfolded naturally as the unanimous adoption of the reports was taken.

Conference Chairman and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, GCON; Deputy chairman and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi; Conference Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Valerie-Jenete Azinge and the three assistant secretaries savoured the atmosphere with joy.

Shortly after the adoption of Votes and Proceedings of the previous day, the session opened with a “motion to mandate the secretariat to vet and effect amendment” to the three reports prepared by the secretariat.

Here is the full text of the motion sponsored by High Chief Jerry Okwuonu and former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili:

“Whereas the secretariat has done a very marvelous job of compiling the report of the Conference and presenting same to us in easily readable and cross-checkable format; and

“Whereas delegates have perused all the reports and submitted in writing all items of omission or incorrect addition to the final report; and

Bearing in mind the dual necessity of bringing the conference to a close for purposes of not unduly over-reaching the logistics provision of the conference and not unnecessarily prolonging the continued conglomeration of people in contradiction to the prescription of Health Authorities especially as the country tackles the Ebola crisis.

“It is hereby moved that the secretariat be mandated to vet all the written submission by delegates and make necessary correction thereby providing the final draft of the Conference reports”

Another motion to slightly amend the earlier motion was taken for a change in the nomenclature of one of the volumes of the reports from Draft Constitution to Proposed Amendments to the 1999 Constitution was moved by another delegate Adamu Maina Waziri. Here is a full text of his motion:

“To cultivate a conducive environment for delegates to validate and adopt the final report of the Conference, we the undersigned delegates, hereby offer and endorse the following observations and recommendation that seek to facilitate the process and lead to amicable ending of the Conference proceedings.

“We note that the Secretariat of the Conference on August 11, 2014 tabled before delegates a draft report contained in three volumes that are broken down in seven chapters

“In particular, we observed that volume III titled Draft Constitution, conveys an attempt to insert various resolutions and recommendations of a constitutional nature that were adopted by the Conference as proposed amendments to the appropriate sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“We recall and welcome the clarification and confirmation offered by Conference Chairman at plenary on August 13, 2014 that indeed Volume III contains proposals for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

“We urged the leadership of the Conference, in collating the final report, to more appropriately designate Volume 111 as: Draft Proposals to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“Furthermore, we note and welcome the amenability of the Conference Secretariat to entertain suggestions from the delegates that point out any specific error to misrepresentation of decisions taken or resolutions adopted by the Conference and/or any inadvertent failure to incorporate same in the draft report.

“We are aware that delegates have responded to this call and submitted to the Secretariat their various observations and suggested amendments to the draft.

“In preparing the final report, we urged the Conference Secretariat to keep faith with and reflect fully and accurately all resolutions and recommendations accepted by the Conference and as contained in votes and preceding that were formally adopted.

“Subject to the acceptance of the foregoing understanding, assurances and conditions and in accordance with the Procedure Rules, 2014 of the Conference, we move for the validation and adoption of the draft reports contained in volume 1,2 and 3 without further debate.

“In the spirit of the consensus building cultivated by members and to maintain the bridges built during the currency of the Conference, we urge all delegates to subscribe to this plea.”

The two motions when put to voice vote separately by the Chairman received a unanimous acceptance by the delegates.

Spontaneously, all the delegates stood up and enthusiastically sang the old National Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee”.

The chairman then called on Chief Richard Akinjide to formally move a motion for the adoption of the final Conference Report. Chief Akinjide while moving the motion recalled his days in parliament before Nigeria gained independence and also after independence and noted that it was an honour to be called upon to move a motion for the adoption of the final report of a “very successful conference”. The youngest delegate to the Conference, 24-year old Miss Yadoma Bukar Mandara, seconded the motion.

Shortly after, delgates took turns to pour encomium on the leadership of the Conference for their maturity in steering the conference proceedings. Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah gave a very moving vote of thanks which received spontaneous applause from delegates. A delegate representing the South South, Hon. Orok Otu Duke, read out a farewell poem titled “How Can We Say Farewell” to the delegates.

After adoption of Votes and Proceedings for the day based on a motion by Iyom Josephine Anenih and seconded by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, Justice Kutigi called on the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha to move a motion for the closure of the Conference.

Chief Mike Ahamba who seconded the motion said Thursday was a day of pride and honour because “when we came here, nobody expected us to end this way…We have disappointed the skeptics.”

With that comment, the 2014 National Conference inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 17, 2014 came to a close.

SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

2014 NATIONAAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST 13, 2014

Conference begins discussion of draft Report Thursday

Delegates to the National Conference on Wednesday reconvened at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, venue of the Conference to begin the process of certifying the draft report prepared by the Conference Secretariat.

Each delegate arrived the Conference hall armed with huge files of the resolutions captured in two volumes and another volume containing proposed alterations to the 1999 Constitution as adopted by the Conference.

However, the sitting lasted for just a few minutes as the leadership of the Conference, led by the Chairman and retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, GCON, announced plans for accelerated handling of final approval of the draft resolutions.

The Chairman, flanked by his deputy, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, the Conference Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Valerie-Jenete Azinge and the other three principal officers, delightfully welcomed the delegates back to the Conference.

He apologized for the postponement of resumption from August 4 to August 11; explaining that it was due to the enormous work that needed to be done to ensure the completion of the draft resolutions.

Justice Kutugi reassured delegates of the inviolability of the draft resolutions; adding: “If there are any errors, they are human errors and not an attempt by the leadership to any play game”

He further stated that the draft reports of the Conference prepared by the Secretariat were done “to the best of our ability and with all honesty and diligence.”

However, he said as humans, there could be noticeable errors that would be corrected if brought to the attention of the secretariat; “any mistake is due to human error and can be corrected.”

The chairman said in line with the resolution of the Conference, the reports were prepared to cover constitutional issues based on amendments agreed upon by the delegates; policy issues meant for implementation by the President; and legislative issues earmarked for enactment into laws by the National Assembly.

Justice Kutigi explained that the copy labeled “draft constitution” contained the various alterations and amendments to the 1999 Constitution “proposed by you.”


After the brief address, delegates applauded the chairman, signifying their agreement with his explanation and readiness to discuss and approve the draft reports.

Justice Kutigi immediately went ahead to spell out the procedure to be adopted by the Conference for consideration and approval of the different reports.

He said after considering several options towards resolving issues emanating from the reports within the shortest possible time and without problems, the leadership came to the conclusion that the smooth but detailed method adopted in handling committees’ reports should be applied.

He said all groups and individuals should study the report and diligently write out areas that need to be corrected and submit them to the Conference Secretariat for compilation and presentation to the Conference when delegates reconvene on Thursday.

The Chairman said when such comments are compiled, they would be read out on the floor and would either be adopted or rejected by the Conference in plenary for final adoption of the report.

To further enhance and smoothen the process of approving the draft report prepared by the Secretariat, the Chairman summoned a meeting of leaders of delegation from the geo-political zones to discuss certain critical issues.

Both proposals were unanimously accepted by the Conference in plenary without any objection while delegates agreed to meet again on Thursday to practically begin the process of approving the reports.

Before adjourning the session, Justice Kutigi announced the presence of a new delegate, Supo Shonibare, who replaced Olaniwun Ajayi from the South West; and the death of Professor Mohammed Nur Alkali.

During separate meetings with the leaders of the northern and southern delegation, the Conference management was severally commended for producing a magnificent report within a short space of them.

SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
CONFAB LOSES ANOTHER DELEGATE

The Secretariat of the National Conference on Saturday morning received with great grief the sad news of the demise of Professor Muhammad Nur Alkali, who was one of the six delegates representing the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) at the 2014 National Conference in Abuja.

Professor Alkali died in his residence in Maiduguri on the night of Friday, August 1, 2014. He was 68 years old.

A Professor of History and two-term Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1985 – 1992), the late Alkali was Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee under the administration of General Sani Abacha. More recently, he was a member of the Committee on Insecurity in the North East (The Boko Haram Committee)

He will be buried later today, Saturday, August 2, 2014, in Maiduguri.

Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, GCON, feels deeply distressed by this sad development and on behalf of the Conference Secretariat and Delegates, has expressed his deep condolences to the family of the late Professor, and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the platform which Alkali represented at the Conference. Justice Kutigi prays the Almighty receives his spirit and grants his soul sweet repose.

Professor Alkali’s death was preceded by those of Barrister Hamma Misau (a delegate on the platform of the Retired Police officers), from Bauchi State, on Thursday, March 27, 2014; Dr Mohammed Jumare (A delegate from Kaduna State) who died on Monday May 5, 2014 and Professor Dora Akunyili (a delegate who represented Anambra State) on June 7, 2014.


Signed:
AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 21, 2014

RETIRED FEDERAL PERM SECT APPLAUD NATIONAL CONFERENCE OUTCOME

Chairman of the National Conference and retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, has continued to receive solidarity messages over the success of the Conference whose reports are expected in less than two weeks.

Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries in a goodwill message released on Monday said it has watched with keen interest the proceedings and recommendations of the Conference and is impressed by the deep sense of patriotism displayed by both the leadership and the delegates.

The group also acknowledged what it described as the wisdom of President Goodluck Jonathan in convening the National Conference with its inauguration on March 17, 2014.

It said both the mature leadership of the Conference and the patriotism exhibited by the delegates have in many ways resulted in smooth proceedings over emotive and difficult issues discussed at the Conference.

The letter signed by the national president, Chief Phillip Asiodu, the national secretary, Asiwaju Tunji Olutola and the Abuja branch chairman, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, noted that six of their members are at the Conference as delegates.

It applauded the selection of delegates to the Conference stating that the composition of representation has revealed that senior citizens and professionals in various fields of public service were not left out.

The group urged the Federal Government to ensure that the outcome of the Conference truly re-engineers the country’s political, and administrative practices towards its continued existence as one indivisible nation, capable of creating wealth, freedom and peace for its citizens.

Parts of the goodwill message reads: “As the conference is about to wind up in a few weeks’ time, we have keenly watched in months past its proceedings and recommendations that have been made on all issues affecting the nation’s political, social and economic well-being.

“We have noted that your leadership of the Conference and the patriotic fervour expressed by delegates have in no small way smoothened proceedings over very emotive and difficult subject matters that have scaled through both the committees and Conference plenary.

“It is our belief that with six of our members as delegates at the Conference, our Council cannot but feel elated that our contribution to nation-building through the Conference has come even in retirement.

“The delegate composition at the Conference has revealed that senior citizens in various fields of public service and other professionals including youths and market women made it to the Conference.

“Our wish therefore is that as the Conference is drawing to a close, the outcome would certainly re-engineer the country’s political, social, financial, administrative and management practices to ensure its continued existence as one indivisible nation, capable of creating wealth, freedom and peace for the citizens.”

“Our Council therefore looks forward in future, in its continued patriotic service to the nation, to support the implementation of the Conference decisions when it finally submits its report.


SIGNED


AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 14, 2014


Conference Wants Technical Committee to Determine Appropriate Percentage for Revenue Allocation, Adjourns Plenary Till August 4, 2014

The plenary session of the National Conference drew to a close on Monday following completion of debate and adoption of resolutions arising from reports of 20 committees that considered critical issues arising from the convocation of the Conference.

Conference Chairman and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, said the next plenary session would be on August 4, 2014 when delegates would reassemble to consider and approve the final reports of the Conference for presentation to the Federal Government.

Specifically on Monday, Conference formally adopted the Report of the Committee on Devolution of Power but without conclusive decision on the vital issue of derivation principle and what percentage should be paid mineral producing areas.

After days of fruitless discussion by leaders of geo-political zones at the Conference, Justice Kutigi and other principal officers of the Conference met with selected leaders of delegations to the Conference; co-chairmen, chairmen and deputy chairmen of all the Standing Committees to decide on the matter.

The first meeting scheduled for Friday last week did not hold as most of the selected delegates scheduled had already concluded their travel plans in view of the imminent closure of Abuja airport that Friday afternoon for maintenance work on the runway.

As soon as the Conference resumed on Monday, Justice Kutigi said: “I’m still of the view that the Committee that is handling the matter of coming to a compromise will still do their job.

“We couldn’t have the meeting on Friday. So, I am proposing that we give them two hours to meet with us.” He then invited the “Fifty Wise Men, Committees Co-chairmen, Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen to meet now in our usual place.”

After five hours of close-door deliberation with the leadership of the Conference, both the southern and the northern delegates refused to agree on some of the issues thrown up in the initial meetings of some regional leaders.
From the presentations of the leaders, three issues were raised during their discussions. The issues were: 18 per cent derivation for mineral producing area, five per cent for the development of solid minerals and five per cent for the reconstruction of states in the northern region ravaged by insurgency and internal conflicts. The last seemed to have been the point of controversy as some of the leaders insisted that the intervention fund should be for the entire country where such was required.

The issue split the delegates along the north/south divide, but during meeting between the selected delegates and principal officers, it was suggested that since there are other areas that funds are being allocated from the Federation Account outside the issues being considered, it would be proper to have a technical committee to take a global look at the revenue allocation framework and determine the appropriate percentages on the three issues under consideration and advise government accordingly.

But before endorsing that decision, the meeting had critically examined the issues in contention and recognized the need to review the percentage of revenue allocation to oil producing states including those producing other resources; to reconstruct and rehabilitate areas affected by problems of insurgency and internal conflicts; and the diversification of the economy by fast tracking the development of solid minerals.

Conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi then conveyed the decision of the leaders to delegates at resumption of plenary. Although some delegates kicked against the decision lamenting the irreconcilable positions of the delegates from both sides, majority of them agreed that the decision was not just a compromise position but a reasonable one in view of the technical nature of the revenue allocation infrastructure.

As delegates started re-opening debate on the issue, the chairman declared, in line with the Rules of Procedure that having adopted the report of the Committee, “this effectively brings us to the end of this debate.”

The Resolution reached at the meeting of the leaders and principal officers of the Conference reads thus:

Having critically examined the issues in contention, Conference recognizes the need to:

a) Review the percentage of revenue to states producing oil (and other resources)

b) Reconstruct and rehabilitate areas affected by problems of insurgency and internal conflicts; and

c) Diversify the Nigerian economy by fast tracking the development of the solid minerals sector;

The Conference also notes that assigning percentages for the increase in derivation principle, and setting up Special Intervention funds to address issues of reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas ravaged by insurgency and internal conflicts as well as solid minerals development, require some technical details and considerations.

Conference therefore recommends that Government should set up Technical Committee to determine the appropriate percentages on the three issues and advise government accordingly.

SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

Former governor of Bayelsa State and delegate representing Bayelsa State in the National Conference, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha has raised the alarm over an imminent tsunami and earthquake that will soon hit oil producing areas if nothing is not done fast to stop it.

Raising a point of information at the start of Monday’s plenary, Chief Alamieyeseigha reveals to the delegates that the leadership of oil producing communities in the Niger Delta visited him over the weekend to inform him that they have started experiencing “earth movements” in their communities and they fear that there is going to be earthquake very soon in their land.

According to Chief Alamieyeseigha, the community leaders have vowed to shut down oil production except something drastic is done urgently.

His words: “Leadership of oil producing communities visited me at the weekend and have asked me to convey this information to the management and the delegates of this conference that in the past 58 years, a minimum of 1.8 million to 2 million barrels of crude oil have been extracted from their land on a daily basis. The consequence is that they have started experiencing earth movements in their environment and they fear that there is going to be earthquake or tsunami very soon in their land.

In other jurisdiction, when this volume of oil is removed, liquid of same specific gravity is being injected to equalise or stabilize the geology of the area. In recent times, there was gas flaring off the coast of Balyesa for over a month, the heat was so much that all the villagers evacuated for one month, the oil companies could not clamp the gas flaring.

So, they fear they don't have the capacity to withstand any earthquake in that environment and that I should inform you all that they may take the option, I repeat, they will take the option of shutting down production in that areas till concrete agreement or arrangements is made with the oil companies for the stabilising of the environments.”

After delivering his point of information, Chief Alamieyesigha was greeted by a round of applause by some section of the delegates.

Thereafter, the chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi recognised Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) to speak. Mr. Falana paints a pitiable picture of the state of the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, oil. Mr. Falana states that the government of Nigeria has run into problem in finding buyers for its oil because as of today, the United States has stopped buying oil because they now have an alternative to oil.

Mr. Falana states that most African countries have now struck oil and Angola has increased its oil production to meet international demand. He says that the fear that the crisis in Libya will affect global oil supply is unfounded.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria further informs delegates that presently countries in the European Union are experiencing oil glut, while China and India are looking towards Russia for oil. According to him, the Russian President is going around the world wooing nations that his country has enough supply for export.

Mr. Falana therefore submits to delegates that “when we are talking about sharing, we should take into cognisance that there will be nothing to share.”

Also on Monday plenary, Chief Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa calls the attention of the conference to the deplorable state of a segment of the Lagos–Abuja road around Akungba. The delegate, representing the South West Geo-Political zone, informs delegates that the people of Ondo States are dying daily on that road.

Chief Arogbofa calls on the conference to come to the assistance of the people of Ondo saying that the Ondo State government has tried its best but need the assistance of the federal government.

He reveals that there are two dangerous spots on the road that is claiming the lives of people. According to him, “Yesterday, a trailer lost control and killed ten people. We need the assistance of the Federal Government to take action. The Ondo State government is trying its best.”

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 10, 2014


No Decision Yet On Revenue Sharing Formula, Derivation
Conference chairman to meet with interest groups on Friday

Plenary session of the National Conference ended on Thursday without a final decision on critical issues of revenue sharing formula from the Federation Account and derivation principle.

Members of the Consensus Committee derived from the six geo-political zones to find a middle ground to the contentious issue of derivation formula could not reach an agreement on the resolution to be presented to the plenary.

The leader of the Northern group on the committee and former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, fired the first salvo when he announced that the committee was yet to reach an agreement on the contentious issue.

A resolution of the committee earlier submitted by Chief Raymond Dokpesi and later read to the delegates by Chief Olu Falae, who represented the South West on the committee, was greeted with disapproval by some delegates.

Falae said the committee did agree that the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than 18% of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources.

He said it was also agreed that not less than 50% of the total derivation fund accruable to a mineral bearing state shall be due and payable to the host communities within the state where the resources are derived in accordance with the production quota contributed y such communities.

Amidst the shout by a number of the delegates, Falae announced that an aspect of the decision was that there shall be established a Solid Mineral Development Fund which is currently 3% but which would be increased to 5% of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

He said a National Intervention Fund which would be 5% of annual revenue accruing to the account of the Federal Government for the stabilization, rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas affected by terrorism and insurgency, starting with the North east, and then any other part of the country affected was also announced in the controversial report.

Faced with obvious rowdiness from a cross-section of the delegates who variously disagreed with the presentations by both Coomasie and Falae; and applause from another section that seemed to also variously agree with the two presentations, Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutugi decided to adjourn sitting till Monday.

After a brief consultation with the principal officers, he announced that the leadership of the Conference would meet with selected delegates referred to as the 50 Wise Men in a bid to resolve the contentious issues.

Justice Kutigi said in addition that all the chairmen, co-chairmen and deputy chairmen of the 20 committees that handled different assignments for the Conference should also attend the meeting.

However, before the adjournment, Conference had considered and adopted certain aspects of the Report on Devolution of Power including the recommendation that granting public holidays should be moved from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List.

In adopting the recommendation through a unanimous decision, Conference said this would give states the latitude to declare holidays reflective of the values of their own people.

Conference also accepted the recommendation that management of prison services be retained in the Exclusive Legislative List as specified in the 1999 Constitution. The same was done to fishing and fisheries other than those in rivers, lakes, waterways, ponds and other inland waters within Nigeria.

Also retained in the Exclusive Legislative List are insurance, stamp duties and formation, annulment and dissolution of marriages other than marriages under Islamic Law and Customary Law including matrimonial causes.

Moved from Concurrent to the Exclusive Legislative List is the first item on the Concurrent Legislative List which deals with allocation of revenue and division of public revenue between states and federation, between states and states and between states and local governments.

The merger of Items 6, 15, and 24 which all relate to banks, banking, exchange control, bills of exchange, currency, coinage, legal tender and promissory notes, was also approved and adopted for placement in the Exclusive Legislative List.

Other issues left in the Exclusive Legislative List are taxation of income, profits and capital gains; trade and commerce while other aspects of Trade and Commerce particularly, registration of business was moved to the Concurrent List.

The Committee also recommended that regulations of political parties be retained in the Exclusive Legislative List as specified in the 1999 Constitution as amended. Pensions, gratuities and other-like benefits payable out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public funds of the federation are to be split between the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists.

In one aspect, retirees previously employed by the federal government are entitled to payment of their benefits by the federal government while state governments shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the pension matters of their own employees and retirees.

The Committee also recommended the retention of Traffic of Federal Trunk roads in the Exclusive Legislative List as specified in the 1999 constitution.


SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

The National Conference on Thursday morning mourned the death of human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Barrister Bamidele Aturu.

Raising a Point of Order immediately after the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings for Wednesday, the Labour Party Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyawu, informs delegates that Nigeria has lost a patriot, comrade and lawyer who fought for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.

Chief Nwanyawu also pays glowing tribute to Barrister Aturu calling him a fighter for the oppressed people of Nigeria. According to him, Barrister Aturu used the instrumentality of the law to ensure justice in Nigeria.

In response to the prayer of Chief Nwanyawu that the National Conference should honour the departed lawyer, the conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, says that members of the national conference commiserate with the family of Barrister Aturu.

Bamidele Aturu died in a Lagos hospital on Wednesday evening after a brief illness, aged 49. He studied law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

He shot to limelight as a fighter against power abuses when, as a member of the National Youth Service Corps, he refused to shake the hand of a military administrator of Niger State, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, in 1988 during his passing out parade declaring that the military had caused great harm to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 9, 2014

Conference Decides on Land Use Act; Votes on Derivation Principle Tomorrow

Resolution of two critical issues that have caused a deep divide at the National Conference formed a part of the plenary session of the Conference on Wednesday, a day partially devoted to debate on the modalities for the implementation of the Conference report.

One of the issues which were handled by a special committee comprising leaders of geo-political zones and other selected delegates was the Land Use Act and the contentious argument as to whether or not it should be removed from the constitution.

The other critical issue which had split the Conference into two regional blocs was the Derivation Principle. It bordered on whether the existing 13% allowed by the Constitution should be retained, reduced or increased.

The Committee on Devolution of Power had in its report recommended that due to the sharp division created during discussions on the issue and based on the capacity of such division to destabilize the Conference and even the nation, the status quo (13%) be maintained.

This it said was to avoid upsetting “the existing peace and equilibrium in the polity,” which it described as a product of years of political engineering and craftsmanship by the founding fathers of the Nigerian nation.

However, tempers started rising during the debate on the report when delegates from the north and the south took opposing positions on the critical issue.

While delegates from the south insisted on increase between 25% and 50%, those from the north said nothing more than the position of the Committee on Devolution of Power would be acceptable to them.

The matter was immediately handed over to a special committee comprising leaders of each geo-political zones, who then picked other delegates from their zones, for discussion and possible resolution.

Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who was introduced by General Ike Nwachukwu to present the report of the special committee, said the process of arriving at a solution was tedious but in the interest of the country.

He announced the committee’s decision that the derivation fund be increased from 13% to 18%; and that the decision was reached after two straight days and several hours of meeting and negotiation between all the interest groups which extended beyond the leadership of the six geo-political zones.

He said the decision of the group was guided by the belief that there would be no winners and there would be no losers; and that the only winner would be the Nigerian
nation.

He also announced a 5% federal revenue allocation for solid mineral development and another 5% for Stabilisation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction for the development of the North East, North West and North Central.

“We have reached agreement whereby no one will be completely unhappy,” he said amidst instant murmuring and applause from a cross-section of the delegates.

As soon as Professor Gambari ended his presentation, many hands went up for re-opening of debates on the issue while some delegates applauded the decision of the special committee.

Conference Deputy Chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, after consultation with the Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Legbu Kutigi, announced that voting on the recommendations of the Committee on Devolution of Power would hold on Wednesday during which a decision would also be taken on the Gambari Report.

On the Land Use Act, the argument for its retention in the 1999 Constitution was based on the belief that allowing the Act to go would give chance for oligarchs to take over lands which the Land Use Act has democratized with the government as the intervening body.

Supporters of this school of thought also said that since land is not a renewable commodity, it must not be left at the mercy of land speculators; and that removing it from the constitution would be discriminatory and unjust to the poor.

It was their position that removing the Act from the constitution would create dichotomy; describing the suggestion as a grand design for the rich to buy land at cheap prices, a situation they said would lead to crisis that cannot be managed.

On the other side, the argument was that the Land Use Act should remain a law but must be removed from the constitution to make it easy for amendment.

They argued that at present, amending the Act through the constitution has become too cumbersome and that in other countries, land tenure is universal while governments nearest to the communities serve land tenure better.

They complained that government have taken peoples land and have refused to pay compensation; and that since the promulgation of the Act, access to land has remained a major problem, thus hindering economic development.

It was also stated that the power of compulsory acquisition vested on state governors has been, in most cases, used arbitrarily without the payment of adequate compensation to land owners.

The committee noted that both sides of the argument were convincing; unfortunately none of them agreed with the other and no side agreed to back down.

Thus, in its decision which was accepted by the Conference, it was stated that the Act would be retained in the constitution while certain amendments would be carried out in certain sections of the Act.

For instance, one of such amendment would enable land owners to determine the price and value of their land. It allows government to negotiate with land owners and not compensate them.

It was also resolved that the customary right of occupancy in Section 21 of the Act be amended to read “Customary Right of Occupancy should have the same status as statutory Right of Occupancy, and should also be extended to urban land”.

It was also agreed that Section 7 of the Act which deals with the restriction on rights of persons under the age of 21 to be granted statutory right of occupancy should be amended to read “restriction of persons under the age of 18”. This, it was argued, is because the Child Rights Act stipulates that a person attains adulthood at the age of 18.

With the decision on the issue of the Land Use Act, the report of the Committee on Land Tenure Matters and National Boundary was formally adopted, as amended.


SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 8, 2014

National Conference to Decide On Devolution of Power, Resource Control, Fiscal Federalism on Wednesday

In a bid to calm the already heightened emotions, proceedings at the plenary session of the National Conference was on Tuesday afternoon adjourned till Wednesday when voting would be conducted on the recommendations submitted by the Committee on Devolution of Power.

Issues arising from the report generated combative debate since Monday when the co-chairmen of the Committee, Obong Victor Attah and Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, presented the 41-page report to the Conference in session.

Conference Chairman and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, GCON, said the adjournment is to enable delegates interact, lobby and possibly negotiate on certain contentious issues before amendment and adoption of recommendations.

This followed an application by the leader of the South East delegation to the Conference, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) who said he was mandated to speak on behalf of the leaders of other groups who are already making progress in their bid to forge a consensus on some contentious issues.

The adjournment, which was unanimously supported by the delegates present and voting, will also afford members of the Consensus Committee to conclude their meeting on the best possible ways to amicably resolve all contending matters arising from the report.

Such contentious issues include devolution of power, resource control, revenue sharing formula and fiscal federalism among others.

On resource control, the Committee recommended that the 13% derivation contained in the 1999 Constitution be retained with a proviso that a percentage of the 13% derivation devolved to the host communities from which the resources are derived was amended thus:

Some delegates while speaking on the report said the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry for the Niger Delta should be abolished and their functions transferred to respective oil producing communities.

The suggestion was seriously opposed by other delegates who believed the Committee’s recommendation, particularly on derivation principle was the lowest the oil producing areas of the Niger Delta could accept.

A number of the delegates who spoke on Monday and Tuesday suggested an upward review of the percentage, dominant among this group suggesting 21.5 per cent.

Another recommendation by the committee that mines and minerals including oil fields oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas should be retained in the Exclusive Legislative List as specified in the 1999 Constitution also attracted criticisms.

An amendment was proposed by a delegate that the item be moved to the Concurrent Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution in line with the decision of the Conference on the report of the Committee on Public Finance and Revenue Generation.

The Conference is expected to receive the position of the Consensus group in Plenary tomorrow Wednesday and delegates will vote on the recommendations and amendments to the recommendations of the Committee report.

SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

As the debate on Devolution of Power commenced in earnest at Monday’s plenary of the National Conference, there were divergent views among some delegates on the true state of Federal Government’s funding for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

While advocating for the increase in the derivation to the Niger Delta states, Chief Sergent Awuse from Rivers State throws the first salvo that whoever said that the Federal Government funds the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is wrong. He challenges delegates that are peddling the information that the Federal Government funds NDDC to go into the record book and check. According to him, the NDDC is sustained by the contribution from oil companies operating in the Niger Delta.

He goes ahead to paint a gory picture of the challenges that inhabitants of Niger Delta are facing as a result of oil exploration in their domain. “Delegates should go to Niger Delta and see some villages who don’t know if it is day or night because of oil flaring. There is highest number of blindness in oil producing states.”

He disabuses the mind of delegates that Niger Delta delegates are asking for more money for the sake of it. He said the call for increase in derivation is a call for justice and equity. “We stand here for justice; because of oil revenue, a lot of states don’t want to exploit their own resources. The 13% is a constitutional issue which says that it must not be less than that percentage.”

He submits that derivation should be increased to 25%. Chief Awuse declares that revenue generated from each state of the federation, and not just oil should attract the derivation of 25%. According to him, this will enable the states that are presently suffering to get back to life.

Responding to the assertion by Chief Sergent Awuse that the Federal Government is not contributing to the NDDC, Hon. Mohammed Kumalia informs delegates that while he was a member of the House of Representative, the National Assembly ensured that a clause for 10% contribution by the Federal Government into NDDC was inserted in the Commission’s Act despite opposition from the Executive.

Hon. Kumaila reveals that the funding structure for NDDC consists of oil companies and 10% of the annual budget of the Federal Government. While opposing the call for increase in derivation, Hon. Kumaila declares that it is very important to situate every agitation and decision to the present economic reality. He admonishes delegate to have a collective responsibility to say the fact and reach consensus on the way forward.

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief D.S.P. Alameisigha counters the explanation by Hon. Kumaila by declaring that the Federal Government is not contributing to the NDDC despite the fact that the law setting up the commission specifically calls on the Federal Government to do so.

Chief Alameisgha observes that the economic foundation of federalism in a federal country like Nigeria is the autonomy of the federating states. He declares that it is wrong and provocative for anyone to compare the cultivation of groundnut with the degradation of oil producing areas. He calls for 100% ownership of resources starting from 50% in the interim.

In his own contribution, Elder Stateman, Chief Edwin Clark alleges that the Federal Government owes NDDC up to the tune of six hundred million naira. He reminds delegates that the problem the Niger Delta people are experiencing is devastation in the environment.

He says, “Let justice prevail. What we are asking for is nothing less than 50%. No one should come here to say that the status quo should remain. Anyone advocating that the status quo should remain is un-progressive.”

In a bid to clear the air on the controversy over the funding of NDDC, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) sought the permission of the conference chairman to raise a point of information which was granted.

According to Mr. Falana, the funding of NDDC by virtue of Section 14 of the NDDC Acts, the Federal Government is required to contribute 15% equivalent of total statutory monthly allocation due member states of the commission from the federation account being the contribution of the federal government.

In addition to that, Mr. Falana reveals that 3% of the total annual budget of the oil producing companies operating offshore and onshore is contributed. Mr. Falana informs delegates that the contribution of the Federal Government to the NDDC since President Olusegun Obasanjo era has not been paid. “It is in the tune of N1trillion,” Mr. Falana declares.

He also reveals that the $1billion recommended by the United Nation to clean up the Niger Delta has not been paid by the Federal Government.

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 7, 2014

CONFAB DELEGATES DEBATE DEVOLUTION OF POWERS, RESOURCE CONTROL

Fervent debates flourished during the plenary session of the National Conference on Monday as conferees commenced debate on the report of the Committee on Devolution of Power.

The slim-volume submission, loaded with serious issues, focused principally on devolving power from the centre to the federating units; and the issue of resources.

The report was however applauded by the delegates shortly after it was presented by the co-chairmen, Obong Victor Attah, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State; and Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, the former Inspector General of Police.

Critically examined in the report, whose recommendations would be subjected to vote by the Conference later, were the issues of resource control, derivation principle, revenue sharing and the development and exploitation of mineral resources nationwide.

The report also examined 68 items cited in the Second Schedule, Part One of the 1999 Constitution which deals with the Exclusive Legislative List; and 30 items contained in Part Two of the Fourth Schedule that deals with the Concurrent Legislative List.

While most delegates from the South, particularly, the South South and South East said derivation should be increased from the present 13 percent to between 21.5 and 50 per cent, others suggest it should be reduced further from where it is now.

Resource control, perhaps, was the most debated aspect of the report. Each delegate, depending on where he or she comes from either wanted considerable level of control of resources in view of the adoption of true federalism by the Conference while others said the issue did not arise as far as they are concerned.

Those who canvassed the view that states should control their resources said they did so in the spirit of devolution of power which allows the states to only pay or make appropriate financial contributions to the Federal Government.

Others argued that mineral resources in Nigeria are owned in law by the Federal Government as contained in Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Section 44(3) states that: “Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oil and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.”

In its report, which is still subject to ratification by the Conference, the Committee said that after prolonged heated discussion on resource control, it unanimously agreed that the issue of derivation should rather be discussed instead of resource control.

It said its decision was informed by the emotive nature of the issue, which in the Committee’s view was capable of destabilizing the country.

On derivation, the Committee said some delegates were of the view that derivation should be increased either in a quantum or gradual manner; while others were opposed to any form of increase.

Instead, it said some members had proposed the reintroduction of the off-shore/off-shore oil dichotomy in derivation payments; at the same time, others stood up against it.

It reported that even the abolition of intervention measures such as the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission and the Amnesty Programme were robustly discussed.

After long debates which spanned four days on the issue, the report indicated that a consensus was reached on the issue to the effect that the status quo be maintained in order to avoid upsetting the existing peace and equilibrium in the polity which it described a s a product of years of political engineering and craftsmanship.

On fiscal federalism which basically deals with how revenues are generated and distributed among the federating units in the federation, the Committee concluded that the powers conferred on the Federal Government to keep custody of and determine the terms and manner of fund allocation from the Federation Account negate the principles of fiscal federalism.

The Committee spotted what it called imbalance in favour of the Federal Government in the sharing formula and maintained that the imbalance has adversely affected the performance of the federating units. It therefore asked for a review.

It recommended that the powers of the Federal Government under Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to prescribe the terms and manner of sharing national revenue should be exercised through the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

The Committee said RMAFC shall at the same time consult the federal and state governments before presenting a draft Bill on the matter to the National Assembly for enactment into law.

On vertical revenue sharing, which deals with how revenue is disbursed to federating units, the Committee emphasized the need for equilibrium between the central government and the federating units comprising states and local government.

It carried out examination of specific development challenges of states and local government and concluded that to a great extent, rapid economic and social development could be achieved in the country if the percentage of revenues allocated to states and local governments were reviewed upwards.

It recommended that the sharing formula for funds accruing to the Federation Account among the three tiers of government should be: Federal Government 42.5% instead of the present 52.68%; State Government 35% instead of the current 26.72%; and the Local Government 22.5% to replace the current 20.60%.

The committee further recommended that the percentage given to population and equity of states in the existing sharing formula be reduced while that assigned to social development factor should be increased to a higher percentage to ensure accelerated development of all parts of the country.

The proposed sharing formula by the committee is based on: diminished emphasis on principles of equality of states and population; increased emphasis on social development factor; and internally generated revenue.

On Mines and Minerals including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas, the committee recommends that they should be retained on the Exclusive Legislative List as specified in the 1999 Constitution but should be amended to read thus:

“The governments of states where the mining activities take place shall be involved in matters relating thereto; (and that) the government of the federation shall create a special fund to develop mines and minerals in states where such resources are undeveloped”

According to the committee, the overriding need to bring all other mineral resources of the country, hitherto undeveloped, into the mainstream development by activating National Strategic Plan for exploitation of minerals to boost their contribution to Gross Domestic Product(GDP), were considered in making this recommendation.

Still on mineral development, the Committee recommends a constitutional provision for the establishment of a Special Fund for the development of mineral resources in the country.

It further proposed that 4.5% of the total revenue accruing to the federation should be devoted to this special fund when established.

In addition, the Committee wants the Special Fund to be in the form of a Venture Capital Fund and that a competent body should be established to administer the Fund according to the guidelines that shall be specified by the National Assembly.

Before the presentation of the committee’s report to the Plenary, a delegate, Professor Awalu Yadudu, addressed the conference to “state his own part of the story” on the raging controversy of “consensus group and the existence of position paper”.

Yadudu debunked insinuations that he was primed to “scatter” the conference as claimed by another delegate but rather insisted that his decision to opt out of the consensus committee was informed by the fact that most of the decisions adopted in the position paper to be presented to the plenary of the conference were not part of the recommendations of any committee.

Earlier an Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, had addressed the conference and harped on the need by delegates to put the interest of the country above sectional and personal interest.

Chief Clark expressed regret that the Consensus committee constituted to resolve contentious issues that may arise in the course of adoption of the recommendation of committees was “scattered” midway.

Clark said he was sad that issues that could scatter or dent the credibility of the Conference were being raised as the Conference was about ending.

He said everyone must understand that Nigeria “is made up of equal citizens. Nobody is superior to the other. We came to this conference in order to have consensus on contentious issues.”

He appealed to delegates to see National Conference as an ample opportunity to contribute their quota to the task of reforming Nigeria.



SIGNED
AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 3, 2014

Deputy Chairman of the National Conference and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, CFR, has been conferred with the traditional title of Hasken Adamawa by the His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, CFR; the Lamido Adamawa.

The conferment of the title whose investiture would be conducted by the Adamawa Emirate Council after the National Conference was conveyed in a letter signed by the Lamido, dated June 27, 2014 and addressed to Professor Akinyemi.

Alhaji Mustapha, by his office as Lamido Adamawa, is the premier ruler of Adamawa. He presently serves as the Chancellor of the University of Benin, Edo State.

A part of the letter reads: “I have observed your patience, expertise in handling of the National Conference; fairness, fearlessness, justness and firmness during the three months I have been participating in the plenary of the National Conference.

“These are the things which informed my decision to honour you with the traditional title of Hasken Adamawa which means the Light of Adamawa.

“In view of the above therefore, you may wish to suggest a suitable date of your choice for your investiture and communicate same to the Adamawa Emirate Council.”

In response, Professor Akinyemi said, “It is with humility and a deep sense of appreciation that I received and read Your Highness’ letter dated June 27, 2014 conferring on me the traditional title of Hasken Adamawa.

“I accept with pride this honour. At the end of the National Conference and the Ramadan, I will approach the Adamawa Emirate Council to discuss the most appropriate time convenient to Your Royal Highness.”

SIGNED


AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 3, 2014

Conference decides on zonal presidency, state creation and national anthem

The National Conference on Thursday resolved that henceforth, the office of the President of Nigeria shall rotate between the North and South and revolve among the geo-political zones.

It was also agreed that the office of the state governors shall be rotated among the three senatorial districts of each state while that of the local government chairmen shall to be rotated within the local government areas.

Also, local government councils not democratically elected shall not be recognized by all authorities and persons and would not be entitled to any revenue allocation from the Federation Account or the Account of the State Government or exercise any function exercisable by local government councils.

These were parts of the resolutions adopted by the Conference while considering the Report of the Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government; which attracted intensive debates and lots of amendments.

The Committee was mandated to primarily examine the extant structure and forms of governments in the context of the peculiar circumstances of Nigeria’s diverse and multi -ethnic setting.

It was also expected to examine Nigeria’s attendant challenges and the need to lay a solid foundation for an all-inclusive and cost-effective system of government which would serve the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.


Where the President dies in office, is incapacitated, impeached or where he resigns, Conference agreed that the Vice President shall operate in acting capacity for a period of 90 days during which an election to the same office would be conducted.

This decision was taken because each zone is expected to run the full course of the constitutionally allowed tenure without undue disruption; and it was also agreed that based on the adopted zoning formula, when a president leaves under any of the circumstances stated above, another president would be elected from the same zone where the previous one came from.

Conference also voted in favour of Modified Presidential of Government as recommended by the Committee; described as home-made model of government that combines the attributes of Parliamentary and Presidential systems.

The concept is believed to have the potentials of entrenching the principle of Separation of Powers as practiced in presidential system and promotion of co-operation and harmony between executive and the legislature as operated under the parliamentary system.

The President elected under the new system shall exercise full responsibility for his government and shall select ministers, not more than 18 of them, from the six geo-political zones of the country.

It was agreed that henceforth, the Minister of Finance and no longer the President as presently obtained, would present the annual budget to the National Assembly.

Under the new arrangement, both the President and the ministers would be expected to appear before the National Assembly to render account of their stewardship on quarterly basis.

Conference also voted to retain the bicameral legislative system instead of the unicameral proposed by the Committee in its report.

Still on local government administration, delegates approved the scrapping of Joint State and Local Government Accounts; to be replaced with a State Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

The body would be expected to have as members, representatives of local government areas and a chairman nominated by the state governor for confirmation by the state House of Assembly.

In addition to the functions conferred on the local government councils as specified in the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution as amended, a State House of Assembly may by law, confer other functions on the local government.

Henceforth, and except otherwise overturned, Conference adopted a recommendation to confer financial autonomy on State Houses of Assembly as a way of freeing them from direct control by the executive.

Conference agreed that the Constitution shall fix the tenures for local government councils.

It was also voted that for functionality, local government should be politically and economically independent.

Delegates voted overwhelmingly on the proposal that each state of the federation should have its own constitution which of course would be subservient to the Federal Constitution.

While agreeing that the Constitution should be amended to allow for less onerous process for state creation, Conference specifically approved the creation of an additional state for the South East zone, “in the spirit of reconciliation, equity and justice.”

As soon as the unanimous decision was taken, the hall erupted in celebration as delegates from the South East went around shaking hands and thanking other delegates for their support.

Henceforth, it said state creation should be on the basis of parity between the geo-political zones to ensure equality of zones.

On the creation of new states, Conference said such aspiration must be backed by the potential viability of the proposed state in terms of economic potential, human natural and material resources as well as minimum land and water mass.

The envisaged state, delegates agreed, must have cultural and historical antecedent, with strong cultural affinity amongst its population while the component should be contiguous.

In addition, Conference adopted the recommendation that for any new state to be created such a new state must have a minimum population of one million persons.

Conference approved in principle, the eventual creation of 18 additional states across the country as a way of meeting the yearning and aspirations of the people.

During consideration of additional recommendations, Conference unanimously adopted a proposal that Nigeria reverts to her old National Anthem, “which is a more credible symbol of unity, peace and prosperity.”

Instantly, delegates were up on their feet and in unison sang the first stanza of the old National Anthem which if adopted eventually, would become the new anthem.

It was equally resolved that the right to self-determination by the states as federating units should be extended to ethnic nationalities within the states if they so desired.

As a policy item, the Federal Government was urged to set up a new commission to address the plight of indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory.

At the same time, Conference said the Local Content Act Provision should be extended to the original citizens of the Federal Capital as it relates to procurement within the territory.

However, attempts by some delegates to increase the number of senators from the Federal Capital Territory from one to two was opposed to and voted out.

As a way of improving the wellbeing of many Nigerians, Conference called for adoption of fiscal federalism.

As the Conference winds down on its activities, delegates resolved on the need for modalities for entrenchment of referendum in the Constitution.

SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

Delegates Proffer Solutions to Nigeria’s Defective Political Structure

Speakers after speakers took turn to bring to the front burner the challenges that are buffeting the Nigerian political terrain. They also put forward various proposals and panacea for the nation’s political renaissance.

The delegates spoke during the debate of the report of the Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government.

Speaking on the report, former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, submits that there is need to restructure the Nigerian political scene in such a way that government will be a bit simple. He observes that Nigeria’s government is ceremonial instead of functional. He opposes the committee’s recommendation for a unicameral legislature. He restates the need to make the legislature strong. According to him, “If we remove the legislature from government, it becomes an autocratic state.”

“What makes us democratic today is because of our legislature. If the military takes over, they will still maintain the presidential system as well as the judiciary. What will be lacking in that system will be legislature.”

Senator Nnamani reasons that, “The bridge between democracy and autocracy is the legislature.”

On how to make the legislature more effective, he says that, “We must ensure that those that constitute our national assembly are those that have work experience. Let us be careful because the method of recruiting our political leaders is faulty.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhuome, wants Nigeria anthem and national flag to be reversed to the previous one designed by Mr. Akinwunmi. He also advocates for the change of Nigeria’s name which according to him was imposed by the colonial masters.

Yadomah Bukar Mandara, a youth delegate, laments that so many youths are unemployed, yet legislatures are earning bogus salaries. She argues that these anomalies need to be checked as a matter of urgency.

On Nigeria’s challenges, she says, “I do not believe that the problem of Nigeria is Nigeria; but the problem of Nigeria is Nigerians. The problem of Nigeria is not Nigeria but the structural of the structure.”

She restates the need for Nigeria to reduce the cost of governance in the country.

On the clamour for additional states creation, he submits that “the new state we need in Nigeria is a state of transparency; state of justice; and state of equity.”

Speaking on the committee report, Mr. Musa Abdulahi submits that the challenge of Nigeria is not about the law; but circumventing of the law.

Mr. Abdullahi admonishes that Nigerians must ensure that the resources of the country must go back to the local governments. According to him, “Allocation from the federal government should go down to the local government.”

Mr. Abdullahi states that a lot of minority tribes have a connection with Nigeria through the local government. He opposes the recommendation to make legislative tasks part time, saying “the legislature cannot be part time. They work beyond the plenary.”

Chief Bayo Ojo argues that the failure of the constitution to make provision for the rotation of the presidency has caused great problem in Nigeria. He states that it has caused lots of minority groups to be exempted from elective offices across the state of the federation.

Chief Ojo therefore proposes that there should be an amendment that the office of the president should be rotated between the South and the North.

On funding of local government, Chief Achike Udenwa alleges that the State House of Assembly has failed in curtailing the power of the state governor. According to him, “The State House of Assembly is powerful than the governor,” therefore they should safeguard the local government from the overbearing influence of governors.

Mallam Bar Abubarkar Sabo states that if local government is removed from the constitution, the minority will be greatly hurt. According to him, local government should remain in the constitution and remain a federating unit. He opposes the committee’s proposal for states to merge.

He affirms that states should be created from each of the geo-political zone. Mrs Gabo Laraba states that the local government must remain in the constitution. According to her, “What we should do is strengthen them and ensure that their allocation goes directly to them.”

Prof. Jerry Gana argues that federalism is the best system of government for Nigeria. On state creation, he holds that those that meet the criteria should be allowed to create their own state. According to him, “Creation of state will enhance justice.”

Speaking further, he opines: “The issue of local government is very important. We should re-affirm Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution that the Local Government is democratic.”

Chief Edwin Clark supports the creation of more states in the country. He reasons that those areas that have been marginalised should have the right to aspire to the highest level. He also believes that there should be zoning of political offices among the geo-political zones in the country. “As far as I am concerned, local government should be created by the states. The allocation of local government should be shared between the state and local governments.”

Col. Tony Iyam argues that Democracy rests on three legs: Direct, Indirect Democracy and credible census. He therefore suggests that we must have credible census in Nigeria.

He argues that those that are opposing a new constitution are not democrats.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo states that one of the principal reasons the National Conference was convened is to look at the question of minority interest. He opposes the proposed modified presidential system of government; saying that he supports the parliamentary system of government.

Chief Adebanjo argues that if the FCT belongs to all Nigeria, other ethnic groups must be allowed to be the minister of the FCT.

Prof. Akin Oyebode submits that Nigeria has failed the test of a federal state. “We have no choice but to adopt the federal system of government,” he reasons. “True federalism will be better practised by the geo-political zones.”

He argues that a part-time legislature will reduce government’s expenditure. Prof. Oyebode declares that there is need for more professionals in politics as Nigerians are tired of professional politicians.

Justice Bilikisu Aliu submits that states should not be created on the basis of sentiment. She admonishes that we should ensure that government is closer to the people through the local government system.

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 2, 2014

Intensive debate on Wednesday greeted the Report of the National Conference Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government, presented to the Conference on Tuesday by the Committee’s co-chairmen, General Ike Nwachukwu and Hon Mohammed Kumalia.

Although the Committee’s recommendations are yet to be adopted by the Conference, high on the list is the creation of additional state for the South East geo-political zone, to place it on the same level with other zones.

Presently, out of the six geo-political zones in the country, only south East has five states. All other zones have six except the North West with seven. The recommendation for additional state seems to enjoy wide acceptability among the delegates.

The mandate of the committee as explained by the co –chairman was primarily to examine the extant structure and forms of governments in the context of the peculiar circumstances of Nigeria’s diverse and multi-ethnic setting.

It also included examination of Nigeria’s attendant challenges and the need to lay a solid foundation for an all-inclusive and cost-effective system of government which would serve the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Regarding creation of new states, the committee said such ambition must be backed by the viability of the proposed state in terms of economic potential, human, natural and material resources as well as minimum land and water mass.

The envisaged state according to the committee must have cultural and historical antecedent, with strong cultural affinity amongst its population while the component should be contiguous.

In addition, the committee insisted that for any new state to be created such a new state must have a minimum population of one million persons.

In its examination of Nigeria’s political structure, the committee recommended a proper federal system of which has the central government and the states constituting the federating units.

It recommended that states that wish to merge can do so in accordance with the 1999 constitution as amended under three conditions:

The first being that such a merger receives support of two- third majority of all members in each of Houses of Assembly of states in which such a merger is proposed.

The second is that a referendum be conducted in each of the states proposing the merger with seventy five per cent of eligible voter in each of those states approving the merger.

As a third condition, the committee said the above two procedures must receive a resolution passed by a simple majority of the members of the National Assembly in approval of the merger.

On local government administration, the committee recommends that in tandem with the concept of true federalism, states that wish to, may create local government areas which shall be under the jurisdiction of such a state to the extent of determining the number, structure, form and administration of the council areas.

Based on this, it is also recommended that a list of local governments contained in the first schedule of the 1999 constitution as amended be removed and transferred to the state to be covered by the laws of the states’ Houses of Assembly.

In view of the proposed restructuring, the committee also recommends the scrapping of the joint sates/local governments’ account and the establishment of States Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (SRMAFC) whose chairman and representatives of local government areas would be nominated by the governor, screened and confirmed by the state House of Assembly.

In allocating funds to the government, local government councils and between local councils of a state, the SRMAFC shall apply the same distribution principles adopted by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to allocate funds from the federation account.

On forms and content of government, the committee settled on what it called home made model of government which it says will effectively combine the attributes of the parliamentary and presidential systems of governments. This it called “modified presidential system.”

One of the attributes of the new system is that a candidate for an election to the office of the president shall run as a sole candidate and on election shall select a vice president from the legislature.

The president, as recommended by the committee, will also pick not less than seventy per cent of ministers from the legislature and not more than thirty per cent from outside the legislature.

In an event of death, incapacitation, impeachment or resignation for the president, the vice president shall act as president for a period of ninety days within which an election to the office of the president shall be held.

The committee also resolved that these provisions, as applicable to the president, shall apply with the necessary changes having been made, to the election of the Governor and the government under his charge.

On the legislature, the committee said it shall henceforth be unicameral with fifty per cent based on equality of states and fifty per cent based on population.

Debate on the Committee report continues on Wednesday after which the Conference will decide on the decisions that should be recommended for implementation.

SIGNED
AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 2, 2014

Intensive debate on Wednesday greeted the Report of the National Conference Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government, presented to the Conference on Tuesday by the Committee’s co-chairmen, General Ike Nwachukwu and Hon Mohammed Kumalia.

Although the Committee’s recommendations are yet to be adopted by the Conference, high on the list is the creation of additional state for the South East geo-political zone, to place it on the same level with other zones.

Presently, out of the six geo-political zones in the country, only south East has five states. All other zones have six except the North West with seven. The recommendation for additional state seems to enjoy wide acceptability among the delegates.

The mandate of the committee as explained by the co –chairman was primarily to examine the extant structure and forms of governments in the context of the peculiar circumstances of Nigeria’s diverse and multi-ethnic setting.

It also included examination of Nigeria’s attendant challenges and the need to lay a solid foundation for an all-inclusive and cost-effective system of government which would serve the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Regarding creation of new states, the committee said such ambition must be backed by the viability of the proposed state in terms of economic potential, human, natural and material resources as well as minimum land and water mass.

The envisaged state according to the committee must have cultural and historical antecedent, with strong cultural affinity amongst its population while the component should be contiguous.

In addition, the committee insisted that for any new state to be created such a new state must have a minimum population of one million persons.

In its examination of Nigeria’s political structure, the committee recommended a proper federal system of which has the central government and the states constituting the federating units.

It recommended that states that wish to merge can do so in accordance with the 1999 constitution as amended under three conditions:

The first being that such a merger receives support of two- third majority of all members in each of Houses of Assembly of states in which such a merger is proposed.

The second is that a referendum be conducted in each of the states proposing the merger with seventy five per cent of eligible voter in each of those states approving the merger.

As a third condition, the committee said the above two procedures must receive a resolution passed by a simple majority of the members of the National Assembly in approval of the merger.

On local government administration, the committee recommends that in tandem with the concept of true federalism, states that wish to, may create local government areas which shall be under the jurisdiction of such a state to the extent of determining the number, structure, form and administration of the council areas.

Based on this, it is also recommended that a list of local governments contained in the first schedule of the 1999 constitution as amended be removed and transferred to the state to be covered by the laws of the states’ Houses of Assembly.

In view of the proposed restructuring, the committee also recommends the scrapping of the joint sates/local governments’ account and the establishment of States Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (SRMAFC) whose chairman and representatives of local government areas would be nominated by the governor, screened and confirmed by the state House of Assembly.

In allocating funds to the government, local government councils and between local councils of a state, the SRMAFC shall apply the same distribution principles adopted by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to allocate funds from the federation account.

On forms and content of government, the committee settled on what it called home made model of government which it says will effectively combine the attributes of the parliamentary and presidential systems of governments. This it called “modified presidential system.”

One of the attributes of the new system is that a candidate for an election to the office of the president shall run as a sole candidate and on election shall select a vice president from the legislature.

The president, as recommended by the committee, will also pick not less than seventy per cent of ministers from the legislature and not more than thirty per cent from outside the legislature.

In an event of death, incapacitation, impeachment or resignation for the president, the vice president shall act as president for a period of ninety days within which an election to the office of the president shall be held.

The committee also resolved that these provisions, as applicable to the president, shall apply with the necessary changes having been made, to the election of the Governor and the government under his charge.

On the legislature, the committee said it shall henceforth be unicameral with fifty per cent based on equality of states and fifty per cent based on population.

Debate on the Committee report continues on Wednesday after which the Conference will decide on the decisions that should be recommended for implementation.

SIGNED
AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 1, 2014

National Conference wants State Independent Electoral Commission scrapped

The National Conference on Tuesday resolved to have the States Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) scrapped and recommended that its functions be transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It was observed that the commission at that level has outlived its usefulness and has become a tool for governors to manipulate elections into local government councils.

Also on Tuesday, a proposal for the review of the Electoral Act to further strengthen INEC`s capacity to effectively monitor party conventions was accepted by the Conference.

Delegates also set the minimum academic qualification for candidates seeking elective positions. For instance, for the Presidential, Governorship and National Assembly candidates, first degree or its equivalent was set as the mandatory qualification.

Candidates seeking to contest for States Houses of Assembly and Local Government Chairmanship elections are also expected to posses a first degree certificate or its equivalent while Secondary School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent was set as the minimum academic qualification for candidates seeking election as local government councilors.

These resolutions were part of the recommendations adopted during the debate and consideration of report of the Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters headed by the duo of Senator Iyorchia Ayu and Senator Ken Nnamani, both former Presidents of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Conference also accepted a recommendation for the establishment of a Political Parties Regulation and Electoral Offences Commission to be vested with various responsibilities connected with electoral matters.

Among the responsibilities of the Commission would be to investigate all electoral frauds and related offences; identify, trace and prosecute political thuggery; and other electoral offences as well as monitor the organization and operations of political parties, including their finances.

Conference also resolved that appeals from judgments in pre-election matters to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court should be filed within 21 days from the date the judgment of the lower court is delivered.

Conference, after an exhaustive debate, also accepted the recommendation that the Evidence Act be amended to shift the burden of proof in election matters to INEC.

Still on election litigation, Conference agreed that relevant provisions be made in the Electoral Act to ensure that no elected official is sworn in until all litigations on the elections are concluded.

In addition, it agreed that any candidate adjudged by the courts to have been fraudulent in the electoral process should not only be barred from subsequent elections but should be disqualified from vying for any elective office or holding any government position for ten years.

It was also resolved that in addition any person removed from office, based on the decision of the court on fraudulent election, must lose all privileges attached to that office.

Another resolution was that if a candidate is disqualified by the court for not meeting the required qualification for contesting an election, or in situation where such a person is elected and the court orders him to vacate the office, the candidate with the second highest number of votes should be declared winner.

This recommendation, according to the delegates is to avoid waste of public funds to repeat elections consequent upon removal of disqualified candidate.

On the appointment of INEC chairman, Conference accepted the recommendation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Report regarding the manner of appointing the INEC chairman.

Conference also accepted the Committee’s recommendation that any elected officials, executive or legislative who engages in cross-carpeting, regardless of the reasons for such, shall automatically forfeit his or her seat.

This provision, it said, shall not relate to cases where political parties merge to become a mega party. In such a case, Conference agreed that elected officials should have a choice to freely choose any political party they want to belong.

However, it was agreed that elected officers whose political parties, on whose platform they won election, later merge with other political parties after the elections should be allowed to retain their seats.

Conference also accepted the recommendation for the reservation of a defined quota for women and people living with disability in party hierarchy, although it rejected a suggestion a 15 per cent slot should be reserved for persons living with disabilities.

It agreed that accessible polling stations be established for persons with disability and that INEC should provide Braille ballot papers for the visually impaired persons.

The recommendation by the Committee that if the candidate whose name was submitted to INEC dies or withdraws from election or is disqualified by the court of competent jurisdiction, the political party which nominated the candidate shall forward to the commission the name of the aspirant who scored the second highest number of vote at the primaries as the substitute candidate was accepted by the Conference.

On election matters, Conference accepted the recommendation for the introduction of electronic voting system after the 2015 general elections. It also agreed to the recommendation that government should make efforts to demilitarize elections.

It was agreed that special mandatory provision should be made to compel INEC to electronically transmit result from all the wards upon conclusion of the counting process and that election results should be pasted at all ward levels.

The Committee’s recommendation that government houses, cars and other facilities and resources should not be used for the partisan interests of any political party was endorsed by the Conference just as it endorsed another recommendation that it should be made mandatory by law for INEC to limit the numbers of voters in a polling unit to 500 as well as create as many polling units as the number of registered voters in every constituency.

As part of that, it was also agreed that the criteria for delineation of the units should be clearly spelt out for easy verification so that communities in need of redress and civil society organizations can have verifiable facts to seek redress.

It also accepted the recommendation that makes it mandatory for all candidates seeking election to the office of President, Vice President, Governor, Deputy Governor or such other office as may be deemed appropriate at every general election to participate or attend political debates which shall be hosted prior to the date of general election.

The Conference also agreed that in multi-party systems, parties can only contest local government elections, state elections and federal elections should be allowed to exist. Delegates voted that May 29 should no longer be seen and observed as Democracy Day.

SIGNED
AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 30, 2014

Confab leadership absolved from premature conference report

• National Conference has no hidden agenda - Kutigi
• Deputy Cleared of allegation

Proceedings at the National Conference started on Monday with lengthy arguments over a newspaper publication alleging that the leadership of the Conference was involved in premature preparation of a report that would be adopted as representing the position of the conference.

As soon as the matter came up on the floor through a motion by Ish’aq Moddibo Kawo, arguments started as delegates were divided on whether the Conference Deputy Chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, who was mentioned in another allegation involving the writing of a new constitution, should respond to it or not.

Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, and others were of the view that the publication should be dismissed as it was meant to distract the Conference from is set goals. Chief Ahamba claimed that those who are disappointed by the progress the conference has made so far are bent on scuttling it, but admonished that it should be resisted and not allowed to succeed.

Those who shared that position also challenged those behind the publication and who claimed to have been lobbied by the Deputy Chairman to step forward and justify their claims with evidence; failing, the Daily Trust newspaper that published the stories should be asked to apologise to the Conference.

However, former President of the Senate, Dr Ken Nnamani, raised a counter motion demanding that Akinyemi be allowed to explain himself since he was present at the sitting.

The same position was canvassed by Dr. Haruna Yerima who argued that the allegation should not be dismissed because “morality demands that the Deputy Chairman clears his name.”

The Deputy Chairman, in a brief comment, denied ever lobbying anybody to adopt a new constitution which the publication alleged he was spearheading.

He explained that a few days ago, as was customary when they are contentious issues that have the potential of threatening the smooth progression of the Conference, he had approached political leaders at the Conference from both the north and the south separately, to discuss their differences regarding the issue of whether or not there was need for a new Constitution arising from the proceedings of the Conference.

He said it was normal for him or any member of the leadership to seek such diverse opinions from delegates across geo-political lines towards resolving any contentious issue that usually arise from the Conference before such issues are eventually put up for division at plenary.

Akinyemi, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, went ahead to mention names of people he met to discuss the issue and stated without any ambiguity that the issue of lobbying for adoption of a new constitution for the Conference was absolutely false as he only set out to ensure harmony between two opposing groups.

Shortly after, the former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, who was also mentioned in the story, confirmed he was invited to the meeting by Akinyemi but could not attend although he raised a team of northern delegates to meet with the Deputy Chairman to discuss the issues involved.

He explained that when he observed some moves which tended not to be in line with his initial conception of the meeting, he became weary and decided to pull out. He said “by last Tuesday, I was told a new constitution has been written. ”He went ahead to mention Chief Raymond Dokpesi as the person who had also invited him to a meeting and who later gave him a document which allegedly was published on the claims of representing the position of the Conference.

Chief Dokpesi who spoke next absolved the leadership of the Conference from involvement in the meeting he convened and the issuance of what he called a Working Document produced by the group which comprised delegates from the existing geo-political zones.

He said he and Professor Ibrahim Gambari had convened a meeting under the auspices of National Consensus Bridge-Building Group to discuss and close areas of differences regarding some critical areas of agreement and disagreement at the Conference.

Chief Dokpesi mentioned the controversy surrounding the creation of State Police which was resolved last week without any dissenting voice as one of such areas discussed and agreed upon.

The delegate noted that membership of the Group which he said he convened as a lobbyist body without the knowledge of the leadership of the Conference cut across all the geo-political groups represented at the Conference.

He said three delegates were nominated by the group from each of the geo-political zones and that part of their agenda was analysis of all the reports submitted by the 20 Committees appointed by the Conference, particularly the recommendations of the committees.

Regarding the publication, Chief Dokpesi said it had nothing to do with the leadership of the Conference and that “there is nothing secret in the document,” declaring that it was a mere working document agreed upon by 15 of the 18 members of the group.

He declared: “I want to affirm irrevocably that the leadership (of the National Conference) has nothing absolutely to do with this Committee. This is a working document and not a final document.”

He however noted that Professor Auwalu Yadudu, a delegate, had approached him last week with a letter declaring that all the northern delegates were withdrawing from the group on the grounds that what the group was doing was sponsored.

Dokpesi told the conference, he did his best in telling Professor Yadudu that the activities of the group had nothing to do with the Conference leadership; and that the group was there to discuss and agree on certain contentious issues.

At the end his explanation, the Conference Chairman and retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, GCON, said from all the explanations offered, it was clear that the leadership of the Conference knew nothing about the document in question.

He said while delegates were free to meet and discuss issues of interest regarding the Conference, “If you want to do anything for yourselves, please do so but don’t include us.” He told delegates that the leadership of the Conference was seeing the document for the first when it was presented to him during the plenary session by Alhaji Coomasie and insisted that the leadership had nothing to do with it contrary to what was speculated in the media.

Meanwhile the Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters has recommended that any person convicted of any electoral offence should be disqualified for a period of ten years from the date of conviction; from contesting any election or holding any elective or appointive position either in government or political party.

Such offences mentioned by the Committee include registration offences, campaign finance breaches and breach of political party finance provision.

The committee also recommended that any action challenging the conduct of primaries by a political party shall be filed within fourteen days of the accrual of the cause of action.

These and other recommendations were presented to the plenary of the conference by the co-Chairmen of the Committee, Senator Iyorcha Ayu and Senator Ken Nnamani, on Monday.

The Committee in its recommendation advocated the enforcement of a Code of Conduct for political parties already drawn up by the Inter-Party Advisory Council.

In the course of screening nominees of the President for any INEC position, the committee recommended that the Senate should set aside at least two weeks to allow for public objection if any.

The committee also recommended that for party to enhance party independence and discipline, all members must submit themselves to the principle of party supremacy and that elective members of the party must respect party decisions at all times.

On the conduct of election, the committee recommended that biometric data of all electorates should be captured, stored and used for elections in the country.

In addition, it said INEC should ensure that the latest technology is deployed at all times in the conduct of elections as is the case in other jurisdictions.

The committee also recommended that relevant sections of the Constitution and the Electoral Act be amended to provide for independent candidacy during elections.


SIGNED

AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

Chairman and Deputy Chairman Deny Knowledge of Draft Constitution

The principal officers of the National Conference have denied the allegation by a national daily that the Deputy Chairman of the National Conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, is lobbying northern and southern delegates to accept a new draft constitution.

Raising a Point of Order immediately after the National Prayer, Mr. Is’haq Modibo Kawu, representing the Nigerian Guild of Editors calls the attention of the conference to a publication on Sunday’s and Monday’s editions of a national daily. The publication alleges that Prof. Akinyemi convenes a meeting with some northern delegates where he spoke of the need for them to accept a new draft constitution.

In view of the weighty nature of the allegation in the reports, Mr. Kawu challenges the conference Deputy Chairman to clear his name from the allegation. He argues that the conference was not convened to write a new constitution, rather to make recommendations. He says that the report alleges that the leadership of the conference is trying to “smuggle in” a draft constitution. According to Mr. Kawu, “This conference should not be part of any hidden agenda. If there is any issues that need to be tabled, it should be tabled and discussed.”

When the Deputy Chairman made attempt to reply the allegations, the Chairman of the National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi requested that the issue be deferred until the time most of the delegates would have arrived.

When the issue was eventually re-opened after many of the delegates have arrived and adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of last week, Chief Sergeant Awuse argues that he sees no reason why the report of the newspaper should cause an uproar, saying newspaper reports are not a reliable source of information.

He alleges that as the conference is coming to an end; those who are not happy with the confab are finding ways to distract the attention of the conference from achieving its set objectives.

“In my opinion, we have come to the end of this conference. Enemy will be finding ways to distract this conference. We should disgrace them by ignoring them,” he submits.

In his own contribution, Chief Mike Ahamba alleges that those who are against the conference have decided to bring distrust between the delegates of the conference and the principal officers of the National Conference. “We have a duty to disappoint them.” He says.

He wonders how anybody can lobby on any issues that are yet to be tabled before the plenary of the national conference. “This assembly is too serious to be distracted. There is no reasonable person that can doubt the credibility of this table (principal officers). If anyone has been lobbied, let them stand up and tell us on what circumstances they have been lobbied.”

He calls on delegates to ignore the report of the newspaper and move on to the business of the day. “Our Deputy Chairman has nothing to answer. There is no allegation, only speculative statement.”

Dr. Haruna Yerima argues that there is no need to dismiss report of the national daily as irrelevant. He said the onus is on the Deputy Chairman to deny or affirm the content of the publication. According to Dr. Yerima, “Morality demands that the Deputy Chairman clears his name.”

At this point, the chairman of the conference calls on Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) to move a motion on the issue. In his prayer, Chief Ahamba argues that the publisher of the newspaper must apologise to the conference for the wrong information it has disseminated to the public.

While opposing Chief Ahamba’s motion, Senator Ken Nnamani representing Enugu State, moved a counter motion by calling on the Deputy Chairman to state his own side of the story. Senator Nnamani states that the Vice Chairman should be given the opportunity to clear his name over the issue.

Responding to the counter motion, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi states that the allegation is a simple matter for him to address. He tells delegates that since the beginning of the national conference, whenever he senses that there are conflicts emerging on any issue, he has taken the initiative in approaching both sides to find a compromise.

Prof. Akinyemi informs delegates that he only tried to mediate between delegates that are calling for a new constitution for Nigeria and those who are against the idea.

Throwing light on the controversial document, Chief Raymond Dokpesi informs delegates that it is absolutely true that he and Prof. Ibrahim Gambari convened a group called The National Consensus and Bridge Building Group, which has the objectives of dealing with contentious issues at the National Conference. According to Chief Dokpesi, membership was extended to as many delegates and groups as possible in the conference.

Chief Dokpesis reveals that from the various meetings they have been holding, it was glaring that there would be challenge with the three remaining committees’ report that are yet to be considered by the plenary.

He says that as a result of that, the group saw a need to find a consensus. Chief Dokpesi reveals further that his group nominated three delegates from the geo-political zone to serve as the convener.

Continuing, Chief Dokpesi reveals that the group discussed National Security and the contentious issue was State Police. The group, according to him, came to a conclusion that there is need for a multi-tier of policy in a federal system.

Chief Dokpesi further informs delegates that the group put on the table all the fears from different sides of the isle. They discussed electoral matters, political restructuring and devolution of power.

To underscore the neutrality of the principal officers of the National Conference, Chief Dokpesi declares that, “I want to affirm irrevocably that the leadership (of the National Conference) has nothing absolutely to do with this committee. This is a working document and not a final document.”

Chief Dokpesi reiterates that the leadership has nothing to do with the consultation and meetings being organised by his group. He states that the working document from his group is not a draft constitution as speculated.

Putting a lid on the controversy, the Chairman of the National Conference states that “Apart from the 20 committees that were officially set up, we have no other committee. We have nothing to do with the committee. The matter should be closed for now.”

Former Senate President and delegate representing Enugu State, Chief Ken Nnamani, GCON, has argued that “strong democratic institutions can only be possible if we have strong leaders.” He adds that “strong leaders will invariably usher in great institution.”

He made this assertion while contributing to the debate of the Committee on Politics and Governance, co-chaired by Prof. Jerry Gana and Chief Olu Falae. He also argues that the “immunity clause was and is still the flag bearer of corruption,” asking, “Why will someone have immunity and have licence to do whatever he likes and not be questioned?”

Senator Nnamani therefore throws his weight behind deleting the section of the constitution that gives immunity to elected public officials. He reminds elected public officials that “There is life after office. If you do well in office, you should not be afraid of life after office.”

He raises the alarm over the way Nigerian politics hae been taken over by moneybags, saying that “we are degenerating into a situation where good candidates will not be able to afford the cost of election. I am of the view that the National Conference not being a policy body should recommend how costs of electioneering should be reduced.”

Also speaking on the committee report, Senator Ahmadu Ali argues that the immunity clause must not be removed. Engineer Buba Galadima argues that there is no need for regulation of political parties by anybody or institution, saying whoever wants to contest election should be allowed to contest.

On the issue of good governance, Engineer Galadima argues that there won’t be good governance if there is no impartial and independent judiciary. According to him, “If the judiciary are impartial, those in authority will sit up and obey the rule of law. When the judges are being tele-guided, we may never have good governance in Nigeria.”

Professor Awolu Yadudu supports the committee’s report for independent candidature. He recommends that all relevant provisions of law should be amended to facilitate the eligibility of people to stand for election.

Senator Bucknor Koforola Akerele submits that if Nigerians are for affirmative action, 35% of positions at all levels of political party should be reserved for women. She argues that the scope of democracy will not be enhanced if we only talk about independent candidature, without talking about formation of political parties.

Ms. Fati Eunice Ibrahim observes that politics is about people and inclusiveness. She observes further that what is happening in today’s politics is that there are lots of sycophants who are advising our leaders in a wrong way. She bemoans the effect of money in Nigeria’s politics saying, “Money politics is bringing corruption in Nigeria. The higher bidder gets elected.”

Sen. Bello Maitama Yusuf declares that Nigeria is under siege. He submits that justice, equity, fair play will make Nigeria a great nation. According to him, 80% of Nigerian youths are unemployed. He therefore calls on Nigeria to start a welfare program to cater for the poor.

Prof. Akin Oyebode says that Nigeria is at a crossroad. According to him, “If we don’t make earth-shaking recommendations from this conference, our effort would have gone down the drain. The exercise of political engineering that the committee (Politics and Governance Committee) has championed will not come to fruitfulness if there is no political will to implement it.”

He narrates that his experience in the past few weeks shows the power of money in Nigeria’s politics. According to Prof. Oyebode, Nigerians are getting tired of the “revolving door” of Nigeria’s politics.

2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
SECOND PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 26, 2014

Conference adopts true federalism with states as federating units

The National Conference sitting in Abuja on Thursday adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Politics and Governance that Nigeria adopts a true federal structure with the states operating as the federating units.

With this, it was agreed that the creation of local government areas be done by the states as they deem necessary.

However, decision on establishment of structure, composition, finance and functions of local government councils were put on hold pending discussions on the Report of the Committee on Political Restructuring.

On right to self determination, Conference agreed that minority groups that wish to exist as separate states and meet the criteria for state creation should be allowed to do so under the instrumentality of the relevant laws and procedures as part of their right to internal self determination.

In making this proposal, Conference says it recognizes the unconditional rights and freedom of every and any other ethnic nationality that considers itself as unjustly subjected to real and perceived injustice and marginalization to join their kith and kin through the instrumentality of relevant laws.

Conference also proposed stiff penalties for elected public office holders who move from one political party to another before the expiration of their mandates.

It said such elected public office holders who abandoned their parties midway for new ones without cogent reasons are to loose their seat.

It was also resolved that inducement of voters with money and materials on Election Day should be treated as a criminal offence and perpetrators severely punished.

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) are to fashion ways to ensure that physically challenged persons, especially lepers, are registered and actually vote in elections.

These were parts of the recommendations adopted by the Conference during the debate and consideration of the Report of the Committee on Politics and Governance headed by Professor Jerry Gana with Chief Olu Falae as Co-chairman.

Conference also accepted the proposal that government should not fund any political party but that they should be funded through membership subscription, levies, donations, investments, sales of party cards and other fund raising activities.

The proposal that unelected chairmen of local governments often referred to as Transition Committee Chairmen or such unelected representatives at the local government areas should be sanctioned by withholding the statutory allocations pending the conduct of election into such local governments was also accepted by the conference.

On anti-corruption and ethics in governance, Conference accepted the proposal that Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) especially the EFCC and the ICPC, should take up any corruption case that is in the public domain without waiting for a petition.

It said refusal by the anti-corruption agencies to act on any corruption cases that has come to their knowledge shall constitute an act of misconduct, criminal negligence or dereliction of duty that will attract appropriate sanctions.

Conference also accepted the proposal that all anti-corruption agencies should be empowered to invite anybody living above their means to explain their source of wealth, and if the agencies are not satisfied with explanations to the acquisition of such wealth, the person shall be charged to court.

Upon conviction, the person shall forfeit the entire proceeds from corruption and be sentenced to half the prison term attached to the sum of the money or its equivalent.

It also resolved that asset declaration form submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau should be made accessible to the general public. Such declaration of assets by public office holders should be before and after assumption of office.

The proposal that a special account be opened and designated as Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) into which all recovered proceeds of corruption shall be paid into was adopted.

Conference also agreed to transfer the responsibility for ensuring compliance, on the FOI Act from the office of the Attorney General to the National Human Rights Commission.

It accepted the proposal for the establishment of a National Council of Traditional Rulers (NCTR).


SIGNED


AKPANDEM JAMES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION