From PETRUS OBI, Enugu

Concerned Igbo leaders of thought yesterday in Enugu said the proposed National Dialogue will not be needful if the delegates are not selected along the line of ethnic nationalities.

Secretary of the group, Professor Elochukwu Amucheazi, who briefed newsmen at the end of their meeting in Enugu said the Igbo nation would not accept such idea where delegates are picked based on senatorial zones.
“In order words, Ndigbo have rejected the recommendation of PAC. If this is a conference of all nationalities, in order words all ethnic nationalities should be represented. What we are saying is that if we are using the geo political zones, we must make sure that all ethnic units are represented.

“Again, it is not delegates through adult suffrage by individuals on their own merit but that the ethnic nationalities will have a way of nominating people to it. So, we are dealing with nationalities and this is an issue that seem to be misunderstood.

“So, the selection of the delegates must be on ethnic nationalities and not based on senatorial zones and that the new constitution should not pass through the National Assembly. They seem to be thinking of the amendment of the constitution and we met to see how to inform the president that this is not in order because we are thinking of an entirely new constitution.

“What we are saying is that we must have a way of informing the president and Nigerians that the recommendation is not in order and in trying to do this, you can see this is the meeting of Concerned Igbo Leaders of Thought.”

Prof. Azi also said that the leaders are working towards bringing in Ohanaeze to have a reconciliation in two weeks time “because we want Ndigbo to be united in this. We want this country to survive and we are doing all in our power to make it survive.

We are working out content of the constitution and when we are through with it, we are going to invite all Igbo groups to have a say in it.” Those at the meeting include Dr. Okwy Nwodo, Senator Anyim Ude, Professor Ben Nwabueze, Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, Igwe Aja Nwachukwu, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, Dr Offia Nwali, Evang. Elliot Ukoh among others. 

Source: Sun