On Thursday, Hon
Justice Idris Kutigi, Chairman, National Conference handed over the official report of National
Conference to President Goodluck Jonathan, during the closing ceremony of the
event. Hon Kutigi followed the handover with a long speech that enlisted in
summary what the Confab achieved. "Yet, Mr. President, here we are five months
later at a ceremony to mark the successful execution of our mandate." read the speech below:
3. It is not that we lasted this long that is newsworthy;
but that we overcame all the obstacles in our way.
4. Mr. President, when 494 Nigerians are assembled to
address the fears, disappointments, aspirations and hopes which have
accumulated over one hundred years, it is only to be expected that the debates
would be robust; and indeed the debates were robust. It was only to be expected
that tempers would fly; and tempers did fly.
5. Mr. President, we did not try to ignore or bury our
differences. We addressed these differences while respecting the dignity of
those holding these differences and sought to construct solutions which would
become building blocks for a just and stable nation.
6. Mr. President, we approved over 600 resolutions; some
dealing with issues of law, issues of policy and issues of constitutional
amendments. These resolutions did not deal with frivolous or inconsequential
issues. We showed courage in tackling substantial and fundamental issues.
7. Mr. President, time will not permit me to list all the
critical and fundamental resolutions adopted. But let me emphasize this: all
our resolutions were adopted by consensus. Not once did we have to vote or come
to a division. This is a message that we wish the world to hear loud and clear.
Nigerians are capable of not only discussing their differences but are also
capable to coming up with solutions to these difficulties.
8. Mr. President, the magnitude of what we have done is
reflected in our Report and Annexures of 22 volumes of approximately 10,335
(ten thousand, three hundred and thirty-five) pages. Mr. President, the
official Report of the 2014 National Conference was also adopted unanimously.
9. In the post-independence history of Nigeria, there have
been four Conferences, including this 2014 National Conference. However, Mr.
President, our own task has been the most arduous. The following statistics
graphically illustrates this. The 1978 Constituent Assembly had a membership of
230 people and met for 9 months. The 1995 National Constitutional Conference
had a membership of 371 people and met for twelve (12) months. The 2005
National Political Reform Conference was made up of 400 delegates and met for 5
months. We are 494 in membership and you made us do all this work in 4½ months.
10. Lasting Impression:
On behalf of the
delegates to the 2014 National Conference, I thank you for your courage in
summoning this Conference. We have finally laid to rest the apprehension that a
National Conference will lead to the disintegration of Nigeria. We have held a
National Conference and we are more united today than ever.
11. Let me state here categorically and with the fear of
Almighty Allah in my heart, that not once did you interfere or dictate to us in
the course of this Conference. The only time we tried to consult the President
during the conflict over voting percentages at the very beginning of the
Conference we were told that the issue was for us to resolve. At no time after
that did you meet with us or speak to us.
12. I also wish to thank my fellow members of the Conference
Management and Conference delegates for the vibrant, even if at times
turbulent, cooperation in ensuring a successful Conference.
13. I thank especially the former and present Administrator
of the National Judicial Institute and their staff for their contribution to
the success of this 2014 National Conference. Mr. President, let it be on
record that all these facilities were turned over to us with less than 12hrs
notice.
14. I thank all of you who have responded positively by
accepting our invitation to attend this closing ceremony. Your presence has
added gravitas to this ceremony.
15. At this juncture, I want to convey to the National
Assembly, the greatest respect of all members of the 2014 National Conference.
We accept that the National Assembly has a pivotal role to play in ensuing that
the Conference Report translates into law.
16. Mr. President, please permit me to pay tribute to four
of our delegates who died during the pendency of the Conference. Barrister
Hamma Misau who died on March 27; Dr. Mohammad Jumare who died on May 5;
Professor Dora Akunyili, on June 7; and Professor Mohammad Nur Alkali, on
August 1, 2014. May their souls rest in peace.
17. Finally, Mr. President, let me on behalf of all of us
thank the Secretary to Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, who went
beyond the call of duty in virtually turning over all the facilities of
Government to assist this Conference.
18. And now on behalf of the 2014 National Conference and
the people of Nigeria, I hereby present to your Excellency, President Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 21 Volumes
of the Report of the 2014 National Conference. Here, Mr. President is the Main
Report and on that table are the remaining 19 Volumes of supporting documents.
Hon. Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, GCON,FNIALS,FCIrb,FNJI
(Former Chief Justice of Nigeria)
Chairman, National Conference – 2014
August 21, 2014.
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