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Nigerians Demand Referendum On National Confab Decision
R-L Guest Speaker, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Guest of Honour, Dr Oby Ezekwesili and Representative of the Special Assistant To President Goodluck Jonathan on Documentation, Omolara Woods, at the Port Harcourt World Book Capital on Wednesday
A cross-section of Nigerians of all walks of life have urged the Federal Government to subject the outcome of the ongoing National Conference to a referendum.
A nationwide opinion survey of personalities conducted yesterday indicated that most respondents preferred ratification of conference decisions by referendum rather than the Presidential or National Assembly endorsement.
It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan said while inaugurating the conference that its outcome may be subjected to a referendum.
“If the outcome of the National Conference is to be binding on Nigerians, the people must have a say in the final outcome,’’ said a Sokoto-based lawyer, Mr Ferdinand Okotote.
According to him, such an action would legitimise the decisions of the conference.
Many respondents, however, were of the opinion that asking the National Assembly to ratify the conference decisions would be less expensive and bear no cost to the economy.
“The National Assembly is already an established institution; but conducting a referendum is like conducting a fresh general elections.
“So, conducting a referendum would be more expensive and more cumbersome.
“If we want the outcome of the National Conference to acquire legitimacy and respect, and used as an instrument to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there should be a referendum,’’ a respondent said.
However, Chairman of the Sokoto State chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Steve Nwoke, was of the view that the resolutions of the conference should be submitted to the National Assembly for ratification.
A senior lecturer at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amasoma, Bayelsa State, Mr Ebipado Sapere-Obi, expressed uncertainty about a referendum, “because of the absence of an enabling law for a referendum in Nigeria’’.
The Secretary, Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Abdallah El-Kurebe, expressed support for a referendum.
“Nigerians must have the final say on the outcome, and they can only do so through a referendum,’’ El-Kurebe, said.
Also in support for a referendum was the Chairman, Sokoto State chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Abba Sidi.
He was supported by Chairperson, Rivers chapter, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs Florence Itamunoala who also held the view that the conference deliberations be subjected to a national referendum.
Itamunoala said the referendum would give a large number of Nigerians the opportunity to make their input.
“At least, we can boldly say that the generality of Nigerians have contributed, or made their input to the conference,’’ Itamunoala said.
The National Secretary, Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr Rafiu Salau, also held that the outcome of National Conference should be subjected to a referendum.
He said that a referendum would not be seen as an imposition, but a collective decision and a democratic process.
A Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Mr. Edward Obiokor opined that a referendum was the best option rather than subjecting the outcome of the conference to presidential approval or ratification by the National Assembly.
Obiokor expressed fears that the National Assembly might not vote for a constitutional amendment to pave way for a referendum as its members may fear losing their seats.
“Nigerians have been advocating for the parliamentary system of government because it appears better and cheaper compared to the present presidential system.
“But for the country to move forward, our legislators should put aside their personal interests and allow for a constitutional amendment that will pave way for a referendum,” he said.
He urged the National Assembly to go ahead with the constitutional amendment process, saying it is only then that the ongoing national conference would have meaning and possibly change the fortune of the country for the better.
Director-General, Center for Research, Information Management and Media Development, Lagos, Dr. Raphael James also expressed the view that the conference resolutions be ratified by the National Assembly.
But a Benin-based legal practitioner, Mr Chris Ighoja, said that adoption of a referendum was the best option, adding: “the National Assembly makes laws, and the people make constitution’’.
Deputy Registrar, Information, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Williams Wodi appealed to the leadership of the nation to subject the outcome of the conference to referendum.
“Every Nigerian entered the Nigerian federation as an individual and not as a group; and as such, power ought not to be left in the hands of a few Nigerians.
Dr Patrick Mbum of the University of Calabar, agreed that the outcome of the conference be subjected to a national referendum.
For Dr Emmanuel Ejere of the University of Uyo, subjecting the outcome of the conference to the National Assembly or the Presidency would amount to making the exercise a jamboree.
He said that the agitation for a national conference was actually a call for a sovereign national conference.
“This also means that whatever is the outcome of the conference shall be subjected to the will of the people and not the Presidency or the National Assembly.’’
A former National Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. John Ndukauba said a referendum would be possible after an amendment of the Nigerian Constitution.
According to him, the constitution as it exists presently, does not provide for a referendum.
He, therefore, advised President Goodluck Jonathan to “deploy his lobbying powers to get the National Assembly to fast-track the constitution amendment process to incorporate referendum’’.
Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara chapter, Rev. Cornelius Fawenu said that the only way the outcome of the conference could be acceptable to the people was to subject it to a referendum.
He said it was proper that Nigerians were given a chance to contribute to the conference by subjecting the outcome to a referendum.
He said that since the delegates to the conference were not elected, decisions by them would not carry any legal weight unless they went through a popular referendum.
And from Enugu State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Anthony Ani, advised the conference delegates from the South-East zone to address issues relating to creation of more states in the area.
Secretary-General, Students Union Government, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, Mr. Angel Nwokorie said government should ensure the implementation of the resolutions.
A community leader in Esit Eket, Akwa Ibom, Chief Ikemesit Ikot, said that the outcome of the conference should be made final, and described it as a step in the right direction.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi