The Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang had on Monday cautioned the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference led by Senator Femi Okurounmun to ensure that the outcome of the conference reflect the wishes and aspiration of the Nigerian people.Jang, while speaking with members of the committee who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Jos, said it was important the outcome of the national dialogue is left open, and not for lawmakers alone to deliberate on the future of the country.
President Goodluck had in his own position affirmed that the outcome of the national dialogue would be sent to the National Assembly for further debate and ratification.
Jang affirmed that it was unfortunate that past national conferences never helped the country in the right direction as the outcome had little or no effect on Nigerians.
He said, “The National Assembly should not have the final say on the document that will be produced at the end of the conference, but let it be one that will fulfil the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians.
“Members of the National Assembly should not feel that the national conference is taking over their job and I am also saying that the outcome of the conference should not be the subject of final ratification by them”
The governor lamented over power concentration at the centre, advocating for a better devolution of power to enable the states perform well.
In one of the presentations at the interactive session, the National Leader of Middle Belt Forum, Prof Jerry Gana, was of the opinion that the conference should be shifted till after the 2015 elections for a better deliberation and discussion.
He commended the federal government’s effort and initiative, but however said, “With reference to timing of the conference, middle belt has two proposals: if the ongoing preparations can be concluded by December or January this year, the conference can sit for six months from February to July 2014 and submit its report in August. However, in view of preparations for the national election early 2015, it may be wiser to convene the conference after 2015 elections. As such, preparations for the conference could be perfected in 2014, but the actual convene for February/March 2015 and allowed to sit for the rest of the year 2015.
“With reference to the mode of representation, middle belt is also proposing a basket of selection or election criteria, namely, each ethnic nationality should be represented at the conference to ensure equity, social justice and self-determination.
“People should be allowed to elect the participants, government should not select delegates for the people; it should be purely a people-oriented programme if it must achieve its desired result.”