A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo on Thursday advocated for the use of a referendum to legitimise the recommendations that will be received at the National Conference billed to begin on Monday, March 17, 2014.
Speaking as a guest during Sunrise Daily, Channels Television’s award-winning breakfast show, the legal practitioner reiterated the importance of convening the National Conference, noting that if legitimate claims and ideas are brought to the table, Nigeria will be a better country than it is now.
He also warned that “no matter the pessimism we have that at the end of the day, the recommendations might not be enforced, it is still important that we talk” insisting that “in talking, we will make progress”.
He further noted that “if the conference takes place and people come to ventilate legitimate aspiration and grievances, definitely the nation will be better off for it”.
He alleged that “vested interests” who are enjoying the status quo will fight hard to ensure that change does not occur, warning that “we are not going to sit down and fold our arms without giving them a fight”
He accused the National Assembly of having “so many vested interests” and called for an “uprising amongst the people” for change to take place.
Mr Onigbanjo was also of the opinion that “the best way to legitimise the recommendations of the conference, is to have a referendum” which will be conducted by the federal government.
He commended the government for earmarking a good amount of money for the delegates of the conference adding that “if we want to get good governance, it is a small price to pay to improve things in our nation.
“People are stealing far greater sums for worthless causes” he said, insisting that amount earmarked is “pittance compared to the missing $20 billion and subsidy on kerosene”.
Despite the challenges faced before the commencement of the conference, he expressed optimism that they will be over, but was quick to add that “it is not going to be easy; it is not going to be a piece of cake”.
He also warned that the real problem the conference organisers might face is validating the recommendations that will obtained during the event.
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