Vox Pop
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MIXED reactions have trailed the proposed national conference by President Goodluck Jonathan. Many Nigerians feel that the proposed conference will solve all the knotty issues in the country, while others believe that it’s a waste of time and resources. Below are what some Nigerians said on the issue.
Christopher Okoro, Politician: It is a good development for Nigeria and I congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesman-like approach to solving national issues. There is no doubt that the national conference is going to solve many of the knotty issues that have been raised over the years regarding our relationship as a nation and the course we want the country to take.
Basil Okagu, Public Servant: I believe that the conference is going to do well for this country. It will examine all the issues concerning our existence as a nation and also help us to redefine the federal nature of our country’s existence. I know that the committee is going to do will constitute a very major plank in the effort to build one and indivisible entity.
Divine Ogochukwu, Accountant: It is a good development but for the outcome of the national conference to become law, it must surely pass through the National Assembly. Whether we like it or not, although majority of Nigerians do not trust the members of the National Assembly, they are mandated by the constitution to pass the decisions into laws unless we will go for a referendum.
Titus Ugwoke, Adinistrator: The National conference is what we need now in Nigeria. But I don’t see the need if the conclusion of the conference is going to be ratified by the National Assembly because it would amount to a waste of people’s money and time. The National Assembly should start the talk on the unity of the country instead of the national conference since the National Assembly would have the final say.
Johnson Dieke, Graduate: I believe that the national conference, if it happens, will not be an event or occasion in Nigeria, but will be the beginning of a new process in the country. But from look of things, it is obvious that the northerners are afraid of the aftermath of the conference.
Charles Ezugwu, Banker: It a good idea but the way President Goodluck Jonathan is going about it is what I don’t like. To me, a conference whose outcome shall be submitted to the National Assembly for approval is not worth holding. What Nigerians want is a national conference that would encourage true fiscal federalism.
Compiled by Anayo Ezugwu
— Oct. 28, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT
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