By IHEANACHO NWOSU and FRED ITUA

Delegates were yesterday divided over modalities to be adopted in implementing the recommendations of the Conference. Some delegates advocated that the reports should be subjected to a referendum while others believe it is not the duty of the Conference to decide that.

Making his contribution, Senator Musa Adede, representing South-south, said there were issues and items that bordered on policy, which President Goodluck Jonathan should begin to implement immediately, adding that those recommendations that relate to constitutional matters should be forwarded to the National Assembly to make the necessary changes.

On her own, a female delegate, Josephine Anenih, reminded the delegates of President Jonathan’s inaugural speech that peoples’ views must be heard.

She added that the president has given the Conference a task to decide the fate of the Conference final reports.

“I will recommend that we patriotically articulate and gather our people’s thoughts. Having done that, I do not think we should shy away from what we should come up with, as a team that will draft a constitution, which we will also present to the president to do the needful,” Anenih said.

Adekanbi Ayodele, representing persons with disabilities, said the Conference was put in place to dialogue and find solutions to Nigeria’s problems, adding that it will be a waste of time if the outcome was not taken to Nigerians through a referendum.

He said if the report was taken to the National Assembly, “they may remove certain aspects that affect them or the governors, who often control lawmakers.”

Similarly, Mrs. Olusola Obada said all matters of policy should be collated and sent to the president while constitutional matters, which are ongoing issues should be forwarded to Nigerians for a referendum.

Mr. Isaac Igbure voted for a referendum saying, “the National Conference is bigger than the National Assembly.”

Meanwhile, Kano State delegate, Professor Auwalu Yadudu shocked his fellow delegates when he accused them of suffering from delusion in their contributions.

While contributing on how the final reports should be treated, he cautioned delegates to be careful on their call for a referendum.


Source: Sun