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.
17.29
Nicholas Duru Nkemdeme commends Jonathan for affording Nigerians the opportunity to be involved in nation building.
Nicholas Duru Nkemdeme commends Jonathan for affording Nigerians the opportunity to be involved in nation building.
17.29
“Are we ready to forget the past and move ahead?” -Nicholas Nkemdeme.
“Are we ready to forget the past and move ahead?” -Nicholas Nkemdeme.
17.29
Delegates enjoined to think and chart a new way forward for the Nigerian nation.
Delegates enjoined to think and chart a new way forward for the Nigerian nation.
17.26
Nigeria’s challenges identified as: indiscipline, orientation, corruption, and failure to implement noble ideals.
Nigeria’s challenges identified as: indiscipline, orientation, corruption, and failure to implement noble ideals.
17.26
Conference Secretariat appealed upon to create separate committee for the Nigerian Police.
Conference Secretariat appealed upon to create separate committee for the Nigerian Police.
17.25
Ken Nnamani believes we can achieve the goals in President’s speech by focusing on the future rather than the past.
Ken Nnamani believes we can achieve the goals in President’s speech by focusing on the future rather than the past.
17.25
Ken Nnamani: The basis for building a modern democratic state is citizenship and the death of state of origin/indigene
Ken Nnamani: The basis for building a modern democratic state is citizenship and the death of state of origin/indigene
17.24
Delegate says constitution is too cumbersome; it’s like an encyclopedia; it gives too much power to the fed. govt.
Delegate says constitution is too cumbersome; it’s like an encyclopedia; it gives too much power to the fed. govt.
16.45
Yinka Odumaki said it is unfortunate that Nigerians are sending their children to countries like Ghana, sometimes to fake Universities. He said the only way out for the country is to observe true federalism.
Yinka Odumaki said it is unfortunate that Nigerians are sending their children to countries like Ghana, sometimes to fake Universities. He said the only way out for the country is to observe true federalism.
16.44
Peter Odili, a delegate from Rivers state said an ailment not correctly diagnosed cannot be treated. He said Nigeria started on a wrong footing because no Nigerian was consulted in 1914.
He appealed to delegates to place Justice on the table when they dissolve into committees. He advised everyone to listen to each other and respond fairly.
“We must factor the interest of the smallest and the strongest so that we will get to where we are destined to” he said.
Peter Odili, a delegate from Rivers state said an ailment not correctly diagnosed cannot be treated. He said Nigeria started on a wrong footing because no Nigerian was consulted in 1914.
He appealed to delegates to place Justice on the table when they dissolve into committees. He advised everyone to listen to each other and respond fairly.
“We must factor the interest of the smallest and the strongest so that we will get to where we are destined to” he said.
16.43
Yakubu Ochefo who represents the historical society of Nigeria, said no nation makes progress without having a sense of its history. He posits that Nigerian youth have been turned into slaves in their own country.
Yakubu Ochefo who represents the historical society of Nigeria, said no nation makes progress without having a sense of its history. He posits that Nigerian youth have been turned into slaves in their own country.
16.31
Sylvanus Ebong, from EDO state said leaders in the 60s did very well. He said if oil is taken away as a topic at the conference and replaced it with Agriculture, he was sure delegates will arrive at a consensus on any matter. He said it is time Agriculture is given its rightful place.
Sylvanus Ebong, from EDO state said leaders in the 60s did very well. He said if oil is taken away as a topic at the conference and replaced it with Agriculture, he was sure delegates will arrive at a consensus on any matter. He said it is time Agriculture is given its rightful place.
16.30
Femi Obayori said he is a representative of ethnic minorities from the South West, though he is from Kogi state. He said the allocation of resources determine the level of economic emancipation of any country. He said resources are allocated along ethnic or class lines in Nigeria. That every body reserve the right to self determination and that ethnic minorities must be allowed to decide where they want to be.
He said Nigeria should be structured based on ethnic structure and also revert back to the parliamentary system of government
Femi Obayori said he is a representative of ethnic minorities from the South West, though he is from Kogi state. He said the allocation of resources determine the level of economic emancipation of any country. He said resources are allocated along ethnic or class lines in Nigeria. That every body reserve the right to self determination and that ethnic minorities must be allowed to decide where they want to be.
He said Nigeria should be structured based on ethnic structure and also revert back to the parliamentary system of government
16.15
Delegates are back from lunch break and continue discussion on the president’s inauguration speech.
A delegate from the Diaspora who lives in Singapore and represents Nigerians in Asia at the confab, Jonathan Obaje said Singapore is highly developed despite not having a single mineral resource. He said, even drinking water is imported in Singapore, but it has surmounted all odds to become a developed country.
Delegates are back from lunch break and continue discussion on the president’s inauguration speech.
A delegate from the Diaspora who lives in Singapore and represents Nigerians in Asia at the confab, Jonathan Obaje said Singapore is highly developed despite not having a single mineral resource. He said, even drinking water is imported in Singapore, but it has surmounted all odds to become a developed country.
14.13
Before adjourning for lunch,chairman announced that Alfred Diette Spiff, a delegate to the conference lost his son last week. He offered condolences on behalf of the confab.
Plenary therefore resumes by 4:00 P.M.
Before adjourning for lunch,chairman announced that Alfred Diette Spiff, a delegate to the conference lost his son last week. He offered condolences on behalf of the confab.
Plenary therefore resumes by 4:00 P.M.
14.11
Nduka Obaigbena, said he is very proud to be a Nigerian. He added that many have spoken about how great other countries are, and advised them to relocate there. He however said Nigerians are great.
He said life may be difficult in Maiduguri, just as it is in the South part of Chicago or part of China. “We will overcome these challenges”. He said there is the need to deal with the structure of the country and look at certain provisions of the constitution.
Nduka Obaigbena, said he is very proud to be a Nigerian. He added that many have spoken about how great other countries are, and advised them to relocate there. He however said Nigerians are great.
He said life may be difficult in Maiduguri, just as it is in the South part of Chicago or part of China. “We will overcome these challenges”. He said there is the need to deal with the structure of the country and look at certain provisions of the constitution.
14.07
Olusola Obada, said the constitution did not make provisions for roles of deputy Governors in Nigeria, saying it only allow governors to assign duties to their deputies at their discretion.
She also said the country is blessed with a lot of resources, that Cocoa contributes about 30% of the country’s GDP, saying cash crops deserves a good look from delegates.
She urged delegates to emulate the armed forces of Nigeria in terms of their cooperation and unity.
Olusola Obada, said the constitution did not make provisions for roles of deputy Governors in Nigeria, saying it only allow governors to assign duties to their deputies at their discretion.
She also said the country is blessed with a lot of resources, that Cocoa contributes about 30% of the country’s GDP, saying cash crops deserves a good look from delegates.
She urged delegates to emulate the armed forces of Nigeria in terms of their cooperation and unity.
14.04
Tony Nyiam said president Goodluck Jonathan is a president of Nigerian destiny. He said the conference began in anger, bitterness and mistrust. He said it is made up of two opposing camps of those who want things to remain the same and those who want change. He said in spite of that, everyone should address one another with respect.
Tony Nyiam said president Goodluck Jonathan is a president of Nigerian destiny. He said the conference began in anger, bitterness and mistrust. He said it is made up of two opposing camps of those who want things to remain the same and those who want change. He said in spite of that, everyone should address one another with respect.
13.32
Jim Nwobodo, said Nigeria is the only country that practices the presidential system like the Americans. He said the merits of the system, far, out weight the demerits. He said religious difference is not the issue in Nigeria, because a creation of those who want to rule. Aligning with religious tolerance, he said the late Rimi was his best man during his wedding.
He said delegates should show the way to a new Nigeria by all acting as one. He also said, he sees the hope of tomorrow in the youth of today. He urged the delegates to replicate what the youth had done for the country. He gave example with the Olympics at Atlanta. He also advocated for employment opportunities for the youth.
Jim Nwobodo, said Nigeria is the only country that practices the presidential system like the Americans. He said the merits of the system, far, out weight the demerits. He said religious difference is not the issue in Nigeria, because a creation of those who want to rule. Aligning with religious tolerance, he said the late Rimi was his best man during his wedding.
He said delegates should show the way to a new Nigeria by all acting as one. He also said, he sees the hope of tomorrow in the youth of today. He urged the delegates to replicate what the youth had done for the country. He gave example with the Olympics at Atlanta. He also advocated for employment opportunities for the youth.
13.19
Frank Nweke said Nigeria cannot develop by accident. He said,the great countries Nigeria looks up to weere built by visionaries who were disciplined and continued to make progress on the same premise.
He said great leaders know about the laws of Karma, knowing that every action has a reaction. “The world is not waiting for Nigeria”. He said.
Frank Nweke said Nigeria cannot develop by accident. He said,the great countries Nigeria looks up to weere built by visionaries who were disciplined and continued to make progress on the same premise.
He said great leaders know about the laws of Karma, knowing that every action has a reaction. “The world is not waiting for Nigeria”. He said.
13.09
Dan Nwanyanwu of the Labour Party said Nigerians are the cause of their problems because of persistent recourse to religion and ethnicity. He pointed out that Nigerians pretend to one another as if everything is all right. He said, there is no love among Nigerians.
In his words, “between 1983-1985 a Nigerian was adjourned to be the best surgeon and another Nigerian once solved a problem for NASA. Such Nigerians will not come back to the country because they risk either being kidnapped or killed”.
He said Nigerians have chased away their best brains and the confab must put a halt to that, and that the country now relies on foreign anti corruption agencies to solve economic crimes “it is only in Nigeria that someone will sell N2bn property without paying a dime to government. In China tax evasion attracts death penalty. We should implement that in this country” he concluded.
Dan Nwanyanwu of the Labour Party said Nigerians are the cause of their problems because of persistent recourse to religion and ethnicity. He pointed out that Nigerians pretend to one another as if everything is all right. He said, there is no love among Nigerians.
In his words, “between 1983-1985 a Nigerian was adjourned to be the best surgeon and another Nigerian once solved a problem for NASA. Such Nigerians will not come back to the country because they risk either being kidnapped or killed”.
He said Nigerians have chased away their best brains and the confab must put a halt to that, and that the country now relies on foreign anti corruption agencies to solve economic crimes “it is only in Nigeria that someone will sell N2bn property without paying a dime to government. In China tax evasion attracts death penalty. We should implement that in this country” he concluded.
12.47
Ezenwanne Nwangwu said the confab is about political, economic and electoral justice. According to him “what has defied the Nigerian ruling elite is the ability to define a modern state”. He said there is no reason for the constitution to place so much emphasis on age and reduce educational qualification to attaining public office.
He said excellent speeches do not build a nation, but hard work. He however said he had been asked to move for resource control. He concluded by saying that Nigeria is viewed internationally as made up of common criminals. He said the confab will give the country a new DNA.
He said excellent speeches do not build a nation, but hard work. He however said he had been asked to move for resource control. He concluded by saying that Nigeria is viewed internationally as made up of common criminals. He said the confab will give the country a new DNA.
12.43
Ike Nwachukwu urged delegates to set aside prejudice and face the task of redirecting Nigeria back to the right track. He said they should work towards building a new Nigeria where no one will be oppressed. He also said it is not true the assertion made by some delegates that the military is tribalised.
Ike Nwachukwu urged delegates to set aside prejudice and face the task of redirecting Nigeria back to the right track. He said they should work towards building a new Nigeria where no one will be oppressed. He also said it is not true the assertion made by some delegates that the military is tribalised.
12.38
Idongiset Nkanga said the president was not just talking to the delegates alone, but the entire country. He said the greatest religion in Nigeria today is money, materialism and greed. “when people loot the treasury and build churches and Mosques with it and you pray for them, you are only encouraging them to do more” he said. He concluded by saying he is happy that the conference has so many intellectuals, he however said he hoped the conference will not provide theoretical solutions to practical problems.
Idongiset Nkanga said the president was not just talking to the delegates alone, but the entire country. He said the greatest religion in Nigeria today is money, materialism and greed. “when people loot the treasury and build churches and Mosques with it and you pray for them, you are only encouraging them to do more” he said. He concluded by saying he is happy that the conference has so many intellectuals, he however said he hoped the conference will not provide theoretical solutions to practical problems.
12.16
Bob Njemanze from Imo state, surprised delegates when he said, “though most speakers have applauded the president’s speech, I cannot follow the same path because what the president did is the people’s entitlement”.
He said great speeches have always been presented and his applause will rather go to the speech writers. He accused the chairman of the conference of giving undue attention to the Lamido Adamawa.
Bob Njemanze from Imo state, surprised delegates when he said, “though most speakers have applauded the president’s speech, I cannot follow the same path because what the president did is the people’s entitlement”.
He said great speeches have always been presented and his applause will rather go to the speech writers. He accused the chairman of the conference of giving undue attention to the Lamido Adamawa.
12.09
Ghali Na Abba said the quality of leadership in Nigeria is going down by the day. He said “the country needs strong leadership that is courageous and equitable. The system of electing leaders is gradually being bastardized and internal democracy is being eroded, especially by the governors”. He said only internal democracy will guarantee that the best emerge as leaders.
He urged the confab to empower the people to ensure the existence of internal democracy. He said the situation now is such that when governors are leaving, they bring in their business partners or children to succeed them. He said the conference must do something about that.
Ghali Na Abba said the quality of leadership in Nigeria is going down by the day. He said “the country needs strong leadership that is courageous and equitable. The system of electing leaders is gradually being bastardized and internal democracy is being eroded, especially by the governors”. He said only internal democracy will guarantee that the best emerge as leaders.
He urged the confab to empower the people to ensure the existence of internal democracy. He said the situation now is such that when governors are leaving, they bring in their business partners or children to succeed them. He said the conference must do something about that.
12.05
Barkindo Mustapha (Lamido Adamawa) in his speech, aligned with the speeches of other delegates who spoke on the president’s speech. He said the president advised delegates to be moderate and magnanimous on their contributions.
He said delegates should follow the path of the president and not those of the countries of the west who he said, has no permanent friends, but permanent interest.
He also said delegates should not be like Ayo Adebanjo “who at the age of 86 is still ranting”.
According to him, states should have 100% control of the land and traditional rulers should not be given constitutional roles, instead, a national council of traditional rulers with at least three traditional rulers from each states as members should be set-up.
Barkindo Mustapha (Lamido Adamawa) in his speech, aligned with the speeches of other delegates who spoke on the president’s speech. He said the president advised delegates to be moderate and magnanimous on their contributions.
He said delegates should follow the path of the president and not those of the countries of the west who he said, has no permanent friends, but permanent interest.
He also said delegates should not be like Ayo Adebanjo “who at the age of 86 is still ranting”.
According to him, states should have 100% control of the land and traditional rulers should not be given constitutional roles, instead, a national council of traditional rulers with at least three traditional rulers from each states as members should be set-up.
11.56
Binta Ibrahim, a former Minister of state for Education lamented the dwindling level of education, especially in the north-east which has the lowest enrollment figure. The situation, she said, is getting worse with insurgency in the region. Binta pointed out that both parents and students now live in fear. She said there are over ten million children out of school, saying this requires urgent commitment.
On Federalism she said it is a product of British colonial rule which denies federating units of requisite power and functions.
Binta Ibrahim, a former Minister of state for Education lamented the dwindling level of education, especially in the north-east which has the lowest enrollment figure. The situation, she said, is getting worse with insurgency in the region. Binta pointed out that both parents and students now live in fear. She said there are over ten million children out of school, saying this requires urgent commitment.
On Federalism she said it is a product of British colonial rule which denies federating units of requisite power and functions.
11.50
Aliyu Musa of TUC said corruption is the prime enemy of good governance. In his words, “the president should show his commitment to fighting corruption by inaugurating the national council on procurement”.
He said lack of the council allows top government officials to commit all sorts of crimes. He said 90% of corruption occurs in public procurement, simply because the Act relating to it has not been fully implemented.
He concluded by saying that an institute saddled with that responsibility, the BPP, have been consistently ignored.
Aliyu Musa of TUC said corruption is the prime enemy of good governance. In his words, “the president should show his commitment to fighting corruption by inaugurating the national council on procurement”.
He said lack of the council allows top government officials to commit all sorts of crimes. He said 90% of corruption occurs in public procurement, simply because the Act relating to it has not been fully implemented.
He concluded by saying that an institute saddled with that responsibility, the BPP, have been consistently ignored.
11.41
Junaidu Mohammed pointed out that delegates are privileged to be selected to be part of the confab. Speaking on the lapses of the president’s inaugural speech, he said the president didn’t speak on insecurity which in his words “afflicts the country now”.
Mr. Junaidu went on to say that it was wrong for a delegate to allege that a particular region had been short changed. He said Nigeria cannot be over and above international law.
Junaidu Mohammed pointed out that delegates are privileged to be selected to be part of the confab. Speaking on the lapses of the president’s inaugural speech, he said the president didn’t speak on insecurity which in his words “afflicts the country now”.
Mr. Junaidu went on to say that it was wrong for a delegate to allege that a particular region had been short changed. He said Nigeria cannot be over and above international law.
11.21
Alex Bwala, a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army said that the president must have been courageous to have assembled the delegates, given the bottled-up anger among Nigerians and allowing them to speak in honesty and arrive at a decision.
He said the confab had “lions, chicken and goats”. At this point, a delegate, Fati Ibrahim raised a point of order on order accusing Mr. Bwala of using bad language. Other delegates however shut her down, while the chairman urged the speaker not to use those words again. Bwala however defended himself saying that he used those words metaphorically.
He said there is no justice, equity and fairness in the land, otherwise, the confab would not have been called. He proposed that the confab should bring ways of bringing back Justice, fairness and equity to the country.
He concluded by aligning himself with the position of previous speakers on census, role of traditional rulers and the emancipation of ethnic minorities.
Alex Bwala, a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army said that the president must have been courageous to have assembled the delegates, given the bottled-up anger among Nigerians and allowing them to speak in honesty and arrive at a decision.
He said the confab had “lions, chicken and goats”. At this point, a delegate, Fati Ibrahim raised a point of order on order accusing Mr. Bwala of using bad language. Other delegates however shut her down, while the chairman urged the speaker not to use those words again. Bwala however defended himself saying that he used those words metaphorically.
He said there is no justice, equity and fairness in the land, otherwise, the confab would not have been called. He proposed that the confab should bring ways of bringing back Justice, fairness and equity to the country.
He concluded by aligning himself with the position of previous speakers on census, role of traditional rulers and the emancipation of ethnic minorities.
11.11
11.11
Fati Monguno urged the delegates to reflect seriously on how best to solve the insecurity challenges in the north-east. He called on security agencies to cut down on the seeming rivalry between them and work in unison to solve the security problem in the land.
Fati Monguno urged the delegates to reflect seriously on how best to solve the insecurity challenges in the north-east. He called on security agencies to cut down on the seeming rivalry between them and work in unison to solve the security problem in the land.
11.08
Moses Ngbale, another delegate from Adamawa state is of the opinion that the National Conference is an opportunity for elders to reflect on where they have fallen and make amends, and on the other hand, an opportunity for the youth to learn from the elders. According to him, “confab is in place because mistakes have been made in the past. Nigeria is full of impurities and the best way to remove them is through objective contributions by delegates”.
Moses Ngbale, another delegate from Adamawa state is of the opinion that the National Conference is an opportunity for elders to reflect on where they have fallen and make amends, and on the other hand, an opportunity for the youth to learn from the elders. According to him, “confab is in place because mistakes have been made in the past. Nigeria is full of impurities and the best way to remove them is through objective contributions by delegates”.
11.02
Kashim Njidda who represents Chamba community in Adamawa state; covering parts of Taraba, Togo and Cameroon said that his people have no desire to migrate anywhere. According to him, “Nigeria is endowed with lots of Agricultural potential which still remains untapped”. He outline measures he believed will increase the agricultural value chain in the country which will help create an enabling environment for a prosperous nation.
Kashim Njidda who represents Chamba community in Adamawa state; covering parts of Taraba, Togo and Cameroon said that his people have no desire to migrate anywhere. According to him, “Nigeria is endowed with lots of Agricultural potential which still remains untapped”. He outline measures he believed will increase the agricultural value chain in the country which will help create an enabling environment for a prosperous nation.
10.56
Tunde Bakare raised a point of order on Order 2, rule 3. He said the rule allows for only English language to be used when speaking. He said where delegates used any other language, he should explain to delegates what he said.
Tunde Bakare raised a point of order on Order 2, rule 3. He said the rule allows for only English language to be used when speaking. He said where delegates used any other language, he should explain to delegates what he said.
10.54
Ibrahim Bunu, an elder state man, and delegate spoke on insecurity in the north-east, especially in Borno state. He said, he had a document which elders from Borno and Yobe states read to the media earlier. He offered to read it out, but Delegates advised that he should just make copies available to the them.
Delegates will now continue their three minutes comments on the president’s inauguration speech.
Ibrahim Bunu, an elder state man, and delegate spoke on insecurity in the north-east, especially in Borno state. He said, he had a document which elders from Borno and Yobe states read to the media earlier. He offered to read it out, but Delegates advised that he should just make copies available to the them.
Delegates will now continue their three minutes comments on the president’s inauguration speech.
10.31
Dan Nwanyanwu of Labour Party moved the motion for the adoption of the votes and proceedings of 7th April, 2014. The motion was seconded by Saidu Kumo.
Dan Nwanyanwu of Labour Party moved the motion for the adoption of the votes and proceedings of 7th April, 2014. The motion was seconded by Saidu Kumo.
10.29
Delegates are now reading and adopting the votes and proceedings of yesterday.
Delegates are now reading and adopting the votes and proceedings of yesterday.
10.29
A delegate agreed with the N4,000 charge per plate of food. He advised the secretariat to revert back to Jevinik restaurant who will offer better food at N2000.
A delegate agreed with the N4,000 charge per plate of food. He advised the secretariat to revert back to Jevinik restaurant who will offer better food at N2000.
10.25
House in session.
A delegate just said he read a story on page three of the Guardian which states that the lunch they take is N60,000 per head. “this is scandalous and I don’t want to be associated with that” he said. The Deputy chairman Akinyemi said though the secretary is not yet around, but to his knowledge Transcorp is charging them only N4,000 per plate. He added that they are trying to have the amount increased.
House in session.
A delegate just said he read a story on page three of the Guardian which states that the lunch they take is N60,000 per head. “this is scandalous and I don’t want to be associated with that” he said. The Deputy chairman Akinyemi said though the secretary is not yet around, but to his knowledge Transcorp is charging them only N4,000 per plate. He added that they are trying to have the amount increased.
No comments:
Post a Comment