National Conference calls for memoranda from public

The decision was taken after conference chairman Idris Kutigi asked whether they should invite memoranda from the public.
Some delegates were of the opinion that much time would be wasted in seeking memoranda in view of the deadline given the conference to conduct its deliberations. But others said the conference was not in a better position to speak for the generality of Nigerians.
Alhaji Bello Mohammed argued against receiving memoranda from the public, stressing that the Presidential Advisory Committee that preceded the conference had already toured all areas of the country to gather opinions.
But this was countered by Kunle Olajide who said the memoranda collected by the advisory committee were tailored towards the organisation of the conference.
“I don’t think it would be right not to collect memoranda from the public. We need to know what the people are saying,” he said.
Those who supported the call for memoranda include Dr. Adaeze Nwouzo, Dozie Ike and Felicia Sani, who said the advisory committee did not seek inputs regarding the conference but on the modalities for it. Also speaking in support of the call for memoranda, Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi said inputs from the public would make deliberations by the delegates more democratic and rich.
His position was supported by Mosunmola Umoru, Ekaette Judith Umoh, Sani Zorro, Nnimo Bassey, Esther Gonda and Olawale Osun, among others. However, Josephine Anenih, in her contribution said calling for memoranda would delay the conference in its assignment, suggesting that delegates should rather use the weekends to visit their constituencies and source for opinions on several issues.