A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Mega Party, Prof. Pat Utomi, on Saturday via a microblogging and social media site, Twitter, indicated his intent to convene an alternative national conference.
He began by writing that, during the week, he had been approached by people who are interested in convening an alternative confab, and that he found it attractive.
“A group of us had done something similar under (the late Gen. Sani) Abacha (administration), convening a dialogue at St. Leos, Ikeja with Fr. (Hassan) Kukah, and others. I will begin consulting,” one of his posts read.
He explained that youth groups, professional bodies and national groups were on his list, and that the emphasis of the conference would be the future, rather than “hurts and mistrust from the past.”
He added that the past would be to educate, but the thrust would be winning the future.
“Emphasis would be on national character, strategy, etc. It is not the age of many in this (ongoing) confab that is the problem; it is the locus and focus of their concerns and the age of some of their ideas.
“Yesterday’s bitterness, and the problems from their previous rivalries may ensure deadlock. It is also too elitist. When will the people count and the future not be beclouded by quarrels over economic rent?” he said.
Prof. Utomi stated that the current types of conference see structure as key to harmony and progress, but that it comes after values that shape national character.
He added that what should be priority are correcting the disposition to impunity, elevating the dignity of the human person and accountable governance.
Copyright PUNCH.
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