Proposed National Conference to have 492 delegates - FG

President Goodluck Jonathan

The Federal has on Thursday in Abuja released the modalities for the proposed National Conference. The conference will have 492 delegates in total with representation from professional bodies, civil society, interest groups, traditional rulers and others .

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim  Pius Anyim,  said the conference, which would hold in the Federal Capital Territory ,would last for  three months.

 Anyim  said that  the conference would advise the government on the legal framework,  procedures and options for integrating  its decisions and outcomes into the 1999 Constitution and  other laws of the country.

According to the statement, the  nomination of  the delegates would commence on January 30, 2014  (yesterday)  and end on February 20, 2014 which can either be through email or via post.

The SGF  said, “You will  recall that the President(Dr. Goodluck Jonathan)  once  stressed that ‘sitting down to talk is one right step in calming down tension  and channelling our grievances, misgivings and suggestions into a more positive use for the good of our country."

“This national  conference  will strengthen our union and address issues that are often on the front burner, but too frequently ignored.

The following stakeholders will have delegates in the conference: Elder Statemen (37), Retired Military Personnel (18), Traditional Rulers (13), Retired Civil Servants (6), Labour Union (24), Organised Private Sector (8), Youths (18), Women groups (24), Political Parties (10), Muslim Leaders (6), Christian Leaders (6), Civil Society (24), Nigerians in Diaspora (8) and People Living with Disability (6).

Others are Journalists (8), Socio political/Cultural and Ethnic group (90), Professional bodies (13), National Academies (5), Judiciary (6), Former political office holders (24), Federal government (20), State government and FCT (109) and  Former LGA chairmen. 

President will nominate a total of 46 delegates coming from the Judiciary, Elder Statemen, The chairman, Deputy chair and Secretary of the Conference.

The state governors and FCT will nominate a total of 109 delegates, with 3 delegates from each state and one from the Federal Capital Territory.

Each of the nominees from the respective groups must reflect geopolitical and gender balance.

According to the statement, the list of nominees is to be submitted either online to www.osgf.gov.ng or in hard copy to the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties Office), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase I, 3rd Floor, Central Business District, Abuja between January 30, 2014  and February 20, 2014.

See the detailed proposed list: