In a bid to avoid a confrontation that may mar the ongoing national conference in Nigeria, the chairman of the conference has adjourned voting on the recommendations proposed by the Committee on Devolution of Powers.

The Tuesday adjournment came after a motion by delegates asking for more time to allow leaders of the six zones meet and reach a consensus on the contentious issues in the report.

During Monday’s session, delegates had disagreement over the derivation principle.

While most of the delegates from the north approved the recommendation of the committee to have the derivation retained at the present 13 per cent, most delegates from the south-south and southeast said derivation should be increased from the present 13 per cent to between 21.5 and 50 per cent.

Tuesday’s disagreement was expected after Monday’s session ended without the delegates reaching a consensus on the recommendations of the committee.

With the way delegates spoke on the issues contained in the report of the Committee on Devolution of Power on Monday, the plenary on Tuesday appeared set to be confrontational.

But more delegates were allowed to speak on the report. After they had deliberated over it, a short break was declared. The time allowed delegates to consult on the expected vote.

When they returned, ballots boxes were set up to show that decisions may be taken differently.

The situation took another turn after one of the delegates raised a motion, saying leaders of the six geo-political zones have been meeting to reach a consensus on the report of the committee.

It was difficult to reach a consensus, a situation that led to the adjournment of the session for the consideration for the report on Wednesday.

Most delegates are confident that an amicable decision would be presented when the delegate resume again for plenary.