The crisis that has afflicted the National Conference worsened yesterday, necessitating its hurried adjournment till next week Monday, March 31. This was due to the inability of the 50 wise men drawn from each geo-political zone set up to midwife possible solution to the knotty issue of voting pattern to submit its report to resolve the problem.

Yesterday morning, chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, had to hurriedly call for adjournment of the sitting till 4pm to allow the wise men come up with amicable solution when the issue was about to be raised, and in order to avoid heated argument.

Members of the Consensus Group include: Chief Olu Falae, Dr. Kunle Olajide, General Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, Chief Peter Odili, Edwin K, Clark, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Prof. Jibril Aminu, Prof. Jerry Gana, Alhaji Adamu Waziri and Mallam Tanko Yakassai

Others are, Senator Ibrahim Idah, General A.B. Mamman, A.K. Horsfall, Chief Josephine Anenih, Issa Aremu, Ms. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, Hajiya Bola Shagaya, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Amb. Vincent Okobi, Amb. (Prof.) Lawrence Ekpebu, OFR, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, Prof. Iyorchia Ayu, Obong Victor Attah , Senator Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, CFR, His Excellency, Adamu Aliero, Atedo Peterside, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, and Prof. Isa B. Mohammed.

Equally part of the group are Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, H.E. Ken Nnamani, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Alhaji Sule Yahya Hamma, Dr. Abubakar Saddique Mohammed, Chief Olusola Akanmode,HRH, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, Emir of Gummi, Mr. Ledum Mitee, Mr. Fola Adeola, Senator Mimibariya Amange,Rt. Hon. Anayo Nebe, Raymond Dokpesi, Benjamin Elue, General Alani Akinrenade, Nduka Obaigbena and Justice Mamman Nasir.

At the afternoon session when the wise men were called to come and give their report, two minutes was allotted to each member of the group, but the delegates argued that for them to speak, it would take time and since it was obvious that they have not yet concluded consultation on the voting pattern, it was however resolved that more time be given to the committee to do a thorough job on the matter.

Feelers from the wise men revealed that, the committee believed that the 75 per cent or consensus would be unacceptable, therefore, they are now proposing for 70 per cent.

Although, it has not yet tabled before the conference, but some of the delegates who were privy to the recommendation expressed pessimism, that majority of the delegates would not accept this, insisting that anything short of two third majority would be unacceptable.

When the conference resumed in the afternoon, Justice Kutigi announced that the meeting with the selected delegates would continue since it was necessary to exhaustively discuss the issue.

According to him, “the meeting had made tremendous progress before going on break, which was why it was decided that it should continue for other outstanding issues to be resolved before returning to plenary on Monday.”

In furtherance of the delegates’ protest over the poor quality of food, the delegates yesterday boycotted the food provided, not even going near the dining hall.

The food provided was however eaten by the security, drivers and aides to the delegates and even those who provided the food so that it would not be a waste of resources.

•Adapted from a National Mirror report. Photo shows the conference in session.

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