The FG today announced the modalities for the proposed but controversial National Dialogue, which it said would now be known as “The National Conference” and feature 492 delegates.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, said that all Socio-Political and Nationality Groups in the country have been given 15 slots from each Geo-Political zone just as five political parties will get 2 slots each in the proposed National Conference.
The slots are limited to the political parties that have representation in the National Assembly, which are the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the Accord Party and the Labour Party.
Giving a breakdown of the composition of delegates, he said they would be as follows:
Federal Government of Nigeria (20) and 6 must be women
Nigeria Labour Congress (12) Trade Union Congress (12)
Civil Society Organisations (24)
Military (6)1 per Geo-Political Zone Police
State Security and NIA (6) 1 per Geo-Political zone
National Council for Women Society (NCWS) – (12) 2 per Geo-political zonel
Market Women Associations (6)—1 per Geo-Political zone
FIDA, NAWOJ, WINBIZ—(6) —1 per organization
Elder Statesmen –(37) — 1 per State and FCT NECA —(2) MAN—(2) NACCIMA (2)
NESG (2) NUJ –(2) Nigerian Guild of Editors (2) Newspapers Proprietors Association (2)
People Living with Disabilities (6) 1 per Geo-Political zone
Christian Leaders (6) Muslim Leaders (6) Traditional Rulers (13) 2 per zone + 1 from FCT )
Retired Civil Servants (6) 1 per zone
National Youth Council of Nigeria (6)
NANS (6) Other (Outsatnding Youths and Role Models) (6)
Nigerians in Diaspora (Europe,America Africa, Asia and Middle East) (6) 2 per location
Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (2) Socio –Political/Cultural and Ethnic Nationality Groups (90) 15 per Geo-Political zone,nomination should reflect Ethnic and Religious Diversities.
Professional Bodies : (13) NBA,NSE,CIB,NMA,NIM,NIA,ICAN, ANAN,NIPR,AAPN,NIESV,
Nigerian Environmental Society (1 per organization)
National Academy: (5) Academy of Science Academy of Engineering Academy of Education Academy of Letters Academy of Social Sciences (1 per Academy)
Judiciary (6) person not currently serving on the Bench
Former Political Office Holders: Former Governors (6) Senators Forum (6) House of Reps. Forum (6) Association of Former Speakers(6) State Government and FCT (109) 3per State and 1 for FCT based on Senatorial District at least one of whom shall be a woman .
Former LGA Chairmen (6) 1 per Geo-Political zone Chairmen ,Deputy Chair and Secretary (3) Geo-Political spread to be observed .
Nomination of these delegates shall be done by the stakeholders of such group.
