By: Olusegun Lawrence The contentious issue of voting pattern has finally been resolved at the National Conference. Delegates on resumption of plenary on Monday agreed on 70 percent voting method on any issue that they could not reach a consensus.
The Group of 50 Elders set up last week by the chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, had recommended the 70 percent voting pattern that was adopted at plenary.
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Vice Chairman of the conference read out the recommendation of the group.
Consequently, Iyorchia Ayu moved the motion for adoption and was seconded by former Governor Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State.
Also, the issue of appointment of committees’ chairmen and deputies that was deferred last week was resolved in favour of those who canvassed that the committees be allowed to choose their chairmen and deputies.
According to the draft rule, the conference chairman is empowered to appoint chairmen and deputies for the standing committees that would be constituted.
The conference therefore, adopted the National Conference Procedure Rules 2014, sequel to a request for adoption put forward by the chairman, Justice Kitigi.
Meanwhile, the delegates also adopted the work plan, composition and structure of Committees as proposed by the secretariat.
However, some delegates were of the view that the leadership should approach the Presidency for more money.
The Vice Chairman, Prof Akinyemi, had informed members that the standing committees are pegged at 20 due to lack of space, saying “We might approach the Presidency for more money to rent more committee rooms”.
The Chairman, Justice Kutigi, did not however, comment on the need to request for more money, saying that the conference will for now make do with the 20 committee rooms that are available at the venue, National Judicial Institute.
