The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), yesterday threw its weight behind the proposed national conference, saying “by its very nature, democracy benefits immensely from popular debate, sound discussion, mutual dialogue and profound analysis of issues, principles and policies.”

The forum, whose memo was presented to the National Conference Advisory Committee sitting in Jos, Plateau State by its chairman, Professor Jerry Gana, was however, of the view that the proposed conference should be allowed to debate, discuss and analyse all issues with the objective of reaching a consensus on how best to order the affairs of the country, “so as to ensure and re-enforce the unity, cohesion, stability, security, peace, social harmony, progress and development of our federation.”

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), yesterday threw its weight behind the proposed national conference, saying “by its very nature, democracy benefits immensely from popular debate, sound discussion, mutual dialogue and profound analysis of issues, principles and policies.”

The forum, whose memo was presented to the National Conference Advisory Committee sitting in Jos, Plateau State by its chairman, Professor Jerry Gana, was however, of the view that the proposed conference should be allowed to debate, discuss and analyse all issues with the objective of reaching a consensus on how best to order the affairs of the country, “so as to ensure and re-enforce the unity, cohesion, stability, security, peace, social harmony, progress and development of our federation.”

Gana said: “We genuinely hope that the conference will not be a gathering to discuss how best to dissolve our federation, but a patriotic platform to finding durable and effective solutions to our problems of nation building.

“The good people of the Middle Belt have sacrificed much to keep Nigeria together; we have paid the price of unity with the precious lives of our compatriots. Therefore, we are resolute to come to the national conference to find the best ways to ensure the unity, stability and progress of Nigeria.”
In its recommendation, the forum drew attention to; fundamental resolution to live together in peace as one nation, fiscal federalism, revenue allocation/resource control, citizenship rights/protection of minority rights, recognition of indigenes, creation of states, fight against corruption, structure and funding of local governments, management of national economy, devolution of powers among others issues.

On the structure of the conference, Gana suggested the structure of a people’s parliament, with chairman and deputy chairman, who should moderate its proceedings, with delegates organised into appropriate committees.

“Each ethnic nationality should be represented at the conference to ensure equity, social justice and self-determination; each state should select/elect three delegates from each of the senatorial district; and conference could sit for six months.”

Coalition of civil society in Plateau State, led by Mr. Peter Gad Shamaki, also presented memo, among others groups.
Chairman of the committee, Dr. Femi Okurounmu, who led other members of the committee, including. Senator Timothy Adudu and Dr Akilu Ndabawa, had earlier paid courtesy call on Governor Jonah Jang and the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, before setting agenda for the day at the Eliel Centre, venue of the event.

In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), yesterday set up an advisory committee that would guide her in presenting her position at the conference.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the inauguration of the committee, CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said the conference came at the ripe time, as Nigeria was in dire need of such conference in order to pacify many of her problems and challenges.

According to him, “The president has taken a bold step to announce a National Dialogue that would involve every part of the country, CAN is prepared and is in support of the dialogue. It is an important and challenging time, no nation grows without challenges.”
Oritsejafor explained that: “I get troubled about the way some people reason in this country, so many people have clamoured for this and Mr. President took a bold step to announce the Committee and people turned around to criticise it, why?”

On why the conference has become sacrosanct, the CAN president observed that “where we are now in Nigeria is so critical that we need to talk. Let every tribe, ethnic group put their cards on the table, we need to talk to know each other mind, it is an incredible opportunity for us to talk as a nation and we need to seize this opportunity.”

Oritsejafor also deplored agitation and the clamour by some groups that there should be ‘no-go areas’ within the terms of reference when the conference finally begins.
He argued that putting such a provision would be tantamount to the very aspirations that brought about the idea for the conference.
“It don’t know what they mean by no go areas, a discussion is a discussion and if people want to discuss, they should be allowed to talk. We should be free to discuss,” he said.

Members of the committee includes, Prof. Emele Uka as chairman, Dr. Kate Okpareke, Etimbuk Sunday, Mr. John Achimugu, Chief Chukwuma Igwe and Mr. Albert Uko as secretary.

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Jos Session of National Conference: Middle-belt raises important points for discussion