Good morning readers. We are here again at the National Judicial Institute, venue of the National Conference. As promised, we are here to bring you updates on what happens right inside the hallowed chamber.
19.19
We thank our readers who kept faith with us throughout the week and promise to bring new innovations to our updates next week. Plenary resumes Monday 7th April 2014. Thank you for reading.
19.06
The House failed to rule on the issue because further discussion could have made the Conference exceed it fixed sitting time. The day’s sitting was, however brought to an end at 6.05, five minutes longer than the normal adjournment time.
The House failed to rule on the issue because further discussion could have made the Conference exceed it fixed sitting time. The day’s sitting was, however brought to an end at 6.05, five minutes longer than the normal adjournment time.
19.05
Delegates were talking about their eating arrangement. There was an earlier prayer to stop the central lunch served to delegates but others argued that the current arrangement be sustained. Those who voted against the stoppage of the central lunch arrangement said it afforded delegates the opportunity to interact with each other and agree on issues even before getting to the floor of the Conference.
Delegates were talking about their eating arrangement. There was an earlier prayer to stop the central lunch served to delegates but others argued that the current arrangement be sustained. Those who voted against the stoppage of the central lunch arrangement said it afforded delegates the opportunity to interact with each other and agree on issues even before getting to the floor of the Conference.
19.04
Delegates unanimously agreed that a lot of them in the hall were and are responsible for the nation’s woes.
Delegates unanimously agreed that a lot of them in the hall were and are responsible for the nation’s woes.
19.02
Corruption is being blamed for everything that is wrong in the country and delegates are challenging themselves and the Federal Government to fight it. It was funny to hear a delegate say that Nigeria is so corrupt that the children that are born imbibe the corruption virus right from infancy. It was laughable but very sad.
Corruption is being blamed for everything that is wrong in the country and delegates are challenging themselves and the Federal Government to fight it. It was funny to hear a delegate say that Nigeria is so corrupt that the children that are born imbibe the corruption virus right from infancy. It was laughable but very sad.
19.02
Another delegate said that Nigeria is so corrupt that our children grow up being corrupt right from their infancy.
He said, “We must be decisive in the fight against corruption. No nation can survive without educated and skilled youths. We are bringing out children from the universities who are not able to read or write.”
19.00
Gambo Jimetta, blamed corruption, eye-service and insincerity were the bane of the country.
Gambo Jimetta, blamed corruption, eye-service and insincerity were the bane of the country.
18.59
Jijiwa representing BON had argued, “No democracy can survive without a vibrant media and called for the strengthening of the institutions of the mass media. Those, who seek to exhume the remains of their founding fathers, should be careful. Those, who want to take me back to Kaduna, the regional headquarters should think twice.”
He, however, urged young people to wait for their time to come because their fathers and mother were still in the game, saying, “We have to wait for them go.”
18.58
Munzali Jibril and Abubakar Jijiwa, among others said Nigeria must be re-launched and solutions found to its problems. They listed impunity, policy inconsistency, insecurity, democracy without democrats and youth unemployment. Jibril particularly argued that a typical politician in Nigeria wants to perpetuate himself in power so as to continue to steal national funds.
Munzali Jibril and Abubakar Jijiwa, among others said Nigeria must be re-launched and solutions found to its problems. They listed impunity, policy inconsistency, insecurity, democracy without democrats and youth unemployment. Jibril particularly argued that a typical politician in Nigeria wants to perpetuate himself in power so as to continue to steal national funds.
18.57
More delegates route for the diversification of the nation’s economy and the re-working of the restructuring of the country away from the building blocks of the colonialists. They claim that minorities in Nigeria should be protected. A delegate called for a Clause to be inserted.
More delegates route for the diversification of the nation’s economy and the re-working of the restructuring of the country away from the building blocks of the colonialists. They claim that minorities in Nigeria should be protected. A delegate called for a Clause to be inserted.
18.57
An unnamed delegate said Nigeria has no national ideology, and called for the evolution of a national ideology that would drive development and national cohesion. He said where religion is used as a state policy; the people are poor and backward. He said, “We are living in a refugee camp where those who manage the camp are themselves refugees.”
17.45
Elder Bulus Dareng says, “We can’t move forward in this country where the untouchable are never touched…
Elder Bulus Dareng says, “We can’t move forward in this country where the untouchable are never touched…
17.44
Dr. Fatimoh Adamu identifies the disconnection between rulers & followers as the challenge Nigeria is facing.
Dr. Fatimoh Adamu identifies the disconnection between rulers & followers as the challenge Nigeria is facing.
17.38
Prof. U. M Ivowi, representing Nigerian Academy of Education, was arguing that education is one of the solutions to the nation’s problems. He said most of those who are well placed today, got government scholarships and became the best today. He said, “After they become something, they now train their children and abandon the children of the poor”.
He said 10 million Nigerian children out of school and called on government to change all the Almajiri schools back to normal schools, saying that no child of the elite goes to the tailor-made almajiri schools.
“We have many children in the North who are not in school. In civilized societies children are the property of the state, it is wrong for parents to keep their children from away schools. We are postponing the evil day when we do not take care of our children today.”
He suggested that two major issues be tackled: education for the poor, employment and welfare packages the unemployed and senior citizens.
17.34
Florence Ita-Giwa said she was married to a journalist who was killed because of the highhandedness of Nigerian leaders. “We are almost running a one party state, where the opposition party is behaving as if it’s fighting warfare.”
She accused political parties that have refused to participate in national development.
On the representation of women in national affairs, Ita-Giwa said, “We see elder statesmen with their walking sticks, where are the women with their walking sticks.”
17.31
Florence Ita-Giwa is arguing that the Conference belonged to Nigerians and called for the re-launch of Nigeria. She said that what is wrong with Nigeria is caused by politicians.
Florence Ita-Giwa is arguing that the Conference belonged to Nigerians and called for the re-launch of Nigeria. She said that what is wrong with Nigeria is caused by politicians.
17.30
A delegate is blaming the woes of the country on the fact that a few people were controlling the resources of Nigeria and would not allow the resources to trickle down to the poor and the needy.
A delegate is blaming the woes of the country on the fact that a few people were controlling the resources of Nigeria and would not allow the resources to trickle down to the poor and the needy.
17.29
Musa Shehu said Nigerian governors steal so much money and go to Dubai and build hotels. He said that Nigerians should insist that such governors should repatriate those resources and re invest them in the country.
Musa Shehu said Nigerian governors steal so much money and go to Dubai and build hotels. He said that Nigerians should insist that such governors should repatriate those resources and re invest them in the country.
17.28
Another delegate, Musa Shehu accused some of the delegates of stealing money from the government and when they retire, set up transport companies. He called for the setting up of Transport Bank.
He said that parents who write examinations for their children should be executed. Those who over declare their ages and remain in the job for over 60 years should be executed. He also said youths go to the university and join cult groups and can’t defend their degrees.
17.26
More and more delegates said Nigeria ran a petrol station economy but that government should diversify create jobs through a systematic industrialization process and investment in agriculture.
17.24
Kashim Ibrahim from Borno State spoke about the pathetic security situation in the North-East zone.
He said about 30,000 lives have been lost, 3 million persons are displaced, 3,000 houses burnt, 3, 000 churches and mosques burnt in the North-East. Poverty, joblessness and ignorance were identified as causes of the crisis.
The trouble-makers are boys between 14 to 19 years who have no skills and education. He said, “We have to create reconstruction fund of N300 billion for the rebuilding of the affected areas.”
17.23
Cletus Illomuanya, a traditional ruler from Imo State, calls for a unity of purpose, transparency in addressing the issues brought before the Conference.
Cletus Illomuanya, a traditional ruler from Imo State, calls for a unity of purpose, transparency in addressing the issues brought before the Conference.
17.22
A representative of Market women Association called on government to check incessant importation of goods in the country but to instead encourage local production of goods and services.
A representative of Market women Association called on government to check incessant importation of goods in the country but to instead encourage local production of goods and services.
17.22
Delegates call for the creation of employment task funds in the country, and new employment models that will encourage transmission of knowledge from the older generation to the younger ones. They opined that this model will drastically bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
Delegates call for the creation of employment task funds in the country, and new employment models that will encourage transmission of knowledge from the older generation to the younger ones. They opined that this model will drastically bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
17.16
Delegates all agree that corruption, insecurity, non-compliance with the laws were major problems of Nigeria. “History will mock us for a lost opportunity and the world will laugh at us.” More delegates support the need to restructure the country but more importantly, they call for a patriotic leadership and followership.
17.15
A member from Imo State, Nwosu Iheme said the Conference should not be concerned with getting a better structure of the country and entrenching equity and fair play, saying some of the agenda set by some delegates were outside the terms of reference given by President Goodluck Jonathan.
A member from Imo State, Nwosu Iheme said the Conference should not be concerned with getting a better structure of the country and entrenching equity and fair play, saying some of the agenda set by some delegates were outside the terms of reference given by President Goodluck Jonathan.
17.15
Isaac Ikorie of the Nigeria Giuld of Editors was arguing that the use of the word: WAZOBIA which makes it look as if Nigeria is built on three ethnic groups was wrong and should be discontinued. They also spoke about changing the mindset of Nigerians in order to build a strong country.
Isaac Ikorie of the Nigeria Giuld of Editors was arguing that the use of the word: WAZOBIA which makes it look as if Nigeria is built on three ethnic groups was wrong and should be discontinued. They also spoke about changing the mindset of Nigerians in order to build a strong country.
17.12
Some delegates supported the motion and the Vice Chairman, who is on the chair said the issues of stopping the feeding of delegates and the executive session were noted and would be given the needed attention.
17.11
Another member had argued he earlier moved a motion for the Conference to have an executive sessions and it was unanimously turned down. He said the Conference will continue to be embarrassed as long as the press is allowed to remain in the chamber when sensitive issues are being discussed.
He said, “I knew that we will be embarrassed by the press. Even in the court, there are times we should have had an executive session and discuss some issues that should not be opened to the press.”
17.09
National Chairman of Labour Party, Dan Nwuanyawu was on the floor arguing that delegates should not create an impression that they came to the Conference for food. He said that delegates should show high level of seriousness. He referred to an earlier Point of Order in which a member called for the lunch given to delegates to be stopped and instead the money given to the delegates to buy their choices of food.
National Chairman of Labour Party, Dan Nwuanyawu was on the floor arguing that delegates should not create an impression that they came to the Conference for food. He said that delegates should show high level of seriousness. He referred to an earlier Point of Order in which a member called for the lunch given to delegates to be stopped and instead the money given to the delegates to buy their choices of food.
17.06
The evening plenary has just started and delegates are back to their seats.
The evening plenary has just started and delegates are back to their seats.
14.04
Conference ends morning session, proceeds on break. It resumes by 4pm to continue with the debate on President Goodluck Jonathan’s address.
Conference ends morning session, proceeds on break. It resumes by 4pm to continue with the debate on President Goodluck Jonathan’s address.
14.03
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari: after over 50 years of Nigerian independence, Nigeria is not where it should be and where it can be. Referring to the delegates, the elder statesman says “Nigeria has added value to us. We should add value to Nigeria.”
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari: after over 50 years of Nigerian independence, Nigeria is not where it should be and where it can be. Referring to the delegates, the elder statesman says “Nigeria has added value to us. We should add value to Nigeria.”
13.59
Prof. Jerry Gana calls on delegates to identify the impediments against the Nigerian state and propose ways to remove them. He said the president’s speech presents “the picture of the kind of Nigeria we have been yearning for.
Prof. Jerry Gana calls on delegates to identify the impediments against the Nigerian state and propose ways to remove them. He said the president’s speech presents “the picture of the kind of Nigeria we have been yearning for.
13.58
Prof. Jerry Gana advocates creativity in tackling Nigeria’s challenges.
Prof. Jerry Gana advocates creativity in tackling Nigeria’s challenges.
13.57
Mrs. Binta Massi Garba asks the older generation to take a bow and play an advisory role to the younger generation.
Mrs. Binta Massi Garba asks the older generation to take a bow and play an advisory role to the younger generation.
13.50
Usman Farouk, a former military governor of Sokoto State criticizes those blaming the military for the challenges of the country
Usman Farouk, a former military governor of Sokoto State criticizes those blaming the military for the challenges of the country
13.50
Prof. (Mrs) Titilola Filani says there is need to restructure the form of government and make it more accountable to people.
Prof. (Mrs) Titilola Filani says there is need to restructure the form of government and make it more accountable to people.
13.42
“when power is devolved to the states and local government, the people will be the winners.” – Prof. (Mrs) Titilola Filani
“when power is devolved to the states and local government, the people will be the winners.” – Prof. (Mrs) Titilola Filani
13.20
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai calls for national planning and warns that if nothing is done quickly, “we are living on a time bomb.”
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai calls for national planning and warns that if nothing is done quickly, “we are living on a time bomb.”
13.20
A delegate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Charles Ibiang asked to know how many of nation’s elites were good Christians and Muslims.
A delegate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Charles Ibiang asked to know how many of nation’s elites were good Christians and Muslims.
13.19
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai calls for the diversification of the nation’s economy which depends mainly on oil.
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai calls for the diversification of the nation’s economy which depends mainly on oil.
13.19
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai says “We have to make education stronger and stronger,”
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai says “We have to make education stronger and stronger,”
13.18
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai calls for the education of the youths, disabled and the girl-child.
Prof. Rukayat Ahmed Rufai calls for the education of the youths, disabled and the girl-child.
13.18
Engineer Ebele Okeke also makes case for the inclusion of those living with disability in the cabinet.
Engineer Ebele Okeke also makes case for the inclusion of those living with disability in the cabinet.
13.17
Another delegate representing the Christian faith, Professor Andrew Haruna, supported Mr. Hanga’s proposal. While commending President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Haruna said he has changed the president’s name to Malam Jamilu Haruna, which he said means Good-Luck.
Another delegate representing the Christian faith, Professor Andrew Haruna, supported Mr. Hanga’s proposal. While commending President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Haruna said he has changed the president’s name to Malam Jamilu Haruna, which he said means Good-Luck.
13.14
A delegate representing the Islamic faith, Sani Hanga surprised conference when he said government should stop sponsoring pilgrimages, religious public holidays, removal of religious insignia from public places etc., ‘if this will make this country move forward.’
A delegate representing the Islamic faith, Sani Hanga surprised conference when he said government should stop sponsoring pilgrimages, religious public holidays, removal of religious insignia from public places etc., ‘if this will make this country move forward.’
13.10
Delegate Gbadebo appealed to the conference to invite the Minister of Education and the President of ASUP to come before it so that the issues of the strike would be resolved.
Delegate Gbadebo appealed to the conference to invite the Minister of Education and the President of ASUP to come before it so that the issues of the strike would be resolved.
13.08
Yinka Gbadebo expresses disappointment that none of the delegates since the conference began, has discussed anything that has bearing on Nigerian students.
Yinka Gbadebo expresses disappointment that none of the delegates since the conference began, has discussed anything that has bearing on Nigerian students.
13.05
Yinka Gbadebo, a delegate and President of NANS said the delegates are sitting in the chamber comfortably and do not remember that some students are at home because of strike.
Yinka Gbadebo, a delegate and President of NANS said the delegates are sitting in the chamber comfortably and do not remember that some students are at home because of strike.
11.21
Ben Dontoye believes that adoption of capital punishment against corruption is the only way to deter corruption tycoons.
Ben Dontoye believes that adoption of capital punishment against corruption is the only way to deter corruption tycoons.
11.21
For Nigeria to succeed in fighting corruption, there’s need to reorganize the anti-corruption agencies.
For Nigeria to succeed in fighting corruption, there’s need to reorganize the anti-corruption agencies.
11.20
We must be serious about fighting corruption. There’s need for diligent prosecution. -Magayi Dambatta
We must be serious about fighting corruption. There’s need for diligent prosecution. -Magayi Dambatta
11.20
Delegate suggested that those who stole public funds should be made to return them without being prosecuted.
Delegate suggested that those who stole public funds should be made to return them without being prosecuted.
11.19
Abubakar Chika Adamu observed that Nigerians have moved from mere stealing to looting and from looting to mass looting.
Abubakar Chika Adamu observed that Nigerians have moved from mere stealing to looting and from looting to mass looting.
11.19
We here must do what we ought to do and leave the President to do what he has to do.- Abubakar Chika Adamu
We here must do what we ought to do and leave the President to do what he has to do.- Abubakar Chika Adamu
11.18
Abubakar Chika Adamu from Niger State: Security remains our greatest challenge. We must stop playing politics with it.
Abubakar Chika Adamu from Niger State: Security remains our greatest challenge. We must stop playing politics with it.
11.18
Bunu: Delegates should not fail to negotiate and should not negotiate out of fear since Nigeria belongs to everyone.
Bunu: Delegates should not fail to negotiate and should not negotiate out of fear since Nigeria belongs to everyone.
11.18
Ibrahim Bunu described the President’s speech as stimulating, comprehensive and forthright.
Ibrahim Bunu described the President’s speech as stimulating, comprehensive and forthright.
11.17
At the end of, any Nigerian living anywhere in Nigeria should have equal rights of citizenship.
At the end of, any Nigerian living anywhere in Nigeria should have equal rights of citizenship.
11.08
“At creation, Nigeria came with a promise; it’s that promise that moved Nigeria in the right direction”. -Dalhatu Bashir
“At creation, Nigeria came with a promise; it’s that promise that moved Nigeria in the right direction”. -Dalhatu Bashir
11.04
Chief Edwin Clark pleaded with delegates to give the issue of ethnic minority & majority priority during discussions.
Chief Edwin Clark pleaded with delegates to give the issue of ethnic minority & majority priority during discussions.
11.04
Femi Falana advocates political justice, social justice and environmental justice.
Femi Falana advocates political justice, social justice and environmental justice.
11.04
“Corruption has endangered the corporate existence of Nigeria” -Femi Falana, SAN.
“Corruption has endangered the corporate existence of Nigeria” -Femi Falana, SAN.
11.03
“We are poor in the midst of plenty while a microscopic minority is rich and smiling to the bank”. -Femi Falana, SAN
“We are poor in the midst of plenty while a microscopic minority is rich and smiling to the bank”. -Femi Falana, SAN
11.02
“Regional government had served as a tonic for development of zones across the country until murdered by the military”. – Olu Falae
“Regional government had served as a tonic for development of zones across the country until murdered by the military”. – Olu Falae
10.57
“To solve the issue of ethnic minority & majority, we must realize that no tribe is greater than the other”. – Edwin Clark
“To solve the issue of ethnic minority & majority, we must realize that no tribe is greater than the other”. – Edwin Clark
10.56
Regional government had served as a tonic for development of zones across the country until murdered by the military.
Regional government had served as a tonic for development of zones across the country until murdered by the military.
10.53
Nigeria’s problem started when the military murdered regional government in 1966. -Chief Olu Falae
Nigeria’s problem started when the military murdered regional government in 1966. -Chief Olu Falae
10.52
On the issue of insecurity, some delegates suggested that, economic development with the practical consequence of job creation will check the issue of insecurity.
On the issue of insecurity, some delegates suggested that, economic development with the practical consequence of job creation will check the issue of insecurity.
10.50
Some of the speakers, yesterday, suggested that corrupt officers, especially those in public service, should face death sentence.
Some of the speakers, yesterday, suggested that corrupt officers, especially those in public service, should face death sentence.
10.48
Issues were mainly focused on the minority & majority question. Delegates examined crucial issues affecting mostly the northern minorities.
Issues were mainly focused on the minority & majority question. Delegates examined crucial issues affecting mostly the northern minorities.
10.43
Opinions and counter-opinions flowed as delegates deliberated on pertinent issues.
Opinions and counter-opinions flowed as delegates deliberated on pertinent issues.
10.43
On Wednesday, focus shifted from issues raised in President’s speech to matters central to confab and what to make of them.
On Wednesday, focus shifted from issues raised in President’s speech to matters central to confab and what to make of them.
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