Delegate Expecting ‘Fireworks’ As National Conference Proceeds To Plenary

A delegate at the National Conference, Goddy Uwazurike, on Friday said fireworks are to be expected as the National Conference proceeds to the plenary session on Monday, after about 3 weeks of different committees deliberating on issues concerning various aspects that make up the nation.

Appearing as a guest on Sunrise Daily, Uwazurike disclosed that all Conference committees are to submit the outcome of their work latest Sunday night, so the plenary could commence on Monday morning, 10am. “So from Monday, those who lost out at committee level, those who want to sustain a certain position, or those who want to say – look, no changes – they have a chance,” he said.

The delegate further explained that issues concerning a new constitution and creation of states would also be addressed during the forthcoming plenary sessions.

On recommendations that an additional state be created in the South-East region, Uwazurike, said that the current status of the Nigerian Constitution makes it “extremely difficult to create a state”, noting that the Conference was not in the position to create states.

“The Confab is only an avenue to make requests known”, he said and urged delegates to make their cases in the public domain. He also said that all recommendations and requests would be passed on to the President, who set up the Conference.

“The whole aim is this, if we are going to have a brand new constitution, or if we are just going to amend, they (request for new states) can come in block as part of the new constitution. Just as the 1999 Constitution listed states, this one will also list states.”

He noted that the creation of additional states would be easier if a new constitution is made but “as the constitution is today, it is extremely difficult to create a state.”

On reports that the delegates in the committee on security were in disagreement, Uwazurike stressed the importance of compromise and understanding, maintaining that those who were used to issuing orders were finding it difficult to submit to others.

He mentioned the case of a prominent delegate from Kano, who asked a female delegate from Bayelsa to shut up, while boasting of himself.

Despite the position of some Northern delegates that no changes must be made in critical issues concerning the nation, Uwazurike stated that changes must be made.

“State creation – one more for the South East, rotation of powers, local government should no longer be basis of sharing formula, there must be proper application of the human rights sections, freedom of religion, freedom of information, right of residence, devolution of powers which will reduce the powers of the President and increase those of the states” are some of the changes the delegate advocated.