By: Sunday Oyewole
Federal Government on Tuesday night named the leader of the Patriots, Prof Ben Nwabueze and an activist, Tony Uranta as members of the Advisory Committee on the proposed national dialogue.
The body is headed by a fourth Republic senator, Femi Okurounmu, with Dr Akilu Indabawa as Secretary.
The list comprises of 13 eminent Nigerians. Others are a former FCT Senator, Khairat Gwadabe; Prof. Funke Adebayo, Dr. (Mrs) Mairo Ahmed Amshi, Prof George Obiozom, Timothy Adudua; Tony Nyiam, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, Dauda Birma and Buhari Bello.
According to a statement from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, the Committee will be inaugurated by the President at the State House on Monday, 7th October, 2013 by 10 am.
The terms of reference of the committee include: to consult expeditiously with all relevant stakeholders with a view to drawing up a feasible agenda for the proposed national dialogue/conference, to make recommendations to government on structure and modalities for the proposed national dialogue/conference, to make recommendations to government on how representation of various interest groups at the national dialogue/conference will be determined and to advise on a timeframe for the national dialogue/conference.
Also, it is to advise government on a legal framework for the national dialogue/conference, to advise government on legal procedures and options for integrating decisions and outcomes of the national dialogue/ conference into the constitution and laws of the nation and to advise Government on any other matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference
President had in his 53rd Independence anniversary broadcast announced his resolve to convoke a national dialogue in line with the demand of well-meaning Nigerians.
He had said, “Our Administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a national dialogue on the future of our beloved country.
“When there are issues that constantly stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.
“In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an advisory committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a national dialogue or conference.
“The committee will also design a framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process”.
