As the members of the National Conference get set to reconvene to finalise their sittings, a delegate from the North Central Forum, John Dara, has explained that the issue of derivation has been settled, but that the Conference only chose to let the President determine the percentage before presenting the report for referendum.
The confab delegate expressed optimism that the report would not go the way of the previous one, as it would be implemented for the overall development of the entire country.
Mr John also denied the insinuation that the Conference could not resolve the issue of derivation. He explained that out of the 20 committees saddled with various responsibilities, 19 were successful without any crisis and that the remaining one committee on devolution of powers was left with the issue of derivation.
He stressed that the issue of derivation had been resolved but not in the way it was initially planned, adding that it was agreed in principle to allocate more resources to the oil producing states but the percentage could not be agreed upon.
The Conference delegate noted that the Conference had left the issue of percentage for the President to decide, after which the report would go through referendum, for the entire country to decide whether to accept or not.
While comparing the present confab with the similar ones held in the past, he gave assurances that this would not go the way of the previous ones that were dumped, stating that “President Jonathan is determined to ensure its implementation”.
He added that the conference was full of dedicated and patriotic Nigerians who insist on the unity and oneness of the country.
