Braithwaite, Falana, others call for national conference
BY SODIQ OYELEKE
14
Saturday
Sep 2013
Human right activists, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite and Mr. Femi Falana
(SAN) have called for a Sovereign National Conference to address the
country’s problem.
They spoke at the inaugural annual Tunji Braithwaite Birthday Symposium on Friday in Lagos.
The symposium was organised by the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation to celebrate Braithwaite’s 80th birthday anniversary and to proffer solution to some of the challenges facing the country.
The theme of the event was “The rising threat of instability in Nigeria: Domestic and international response.”
Among other discussants, who moved for a Sovereign National Conference and a platform that would guarantee revolution in the country were political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi; Professor of International Relations and Jurisprudence, University of Lagos, Akin Oyebode; political analyst, Alhaji Galtima Liman; and Mrs. Omoruyi Fatayi-Williams.
According to them, an SNC is the only way forward for Nigeria’s unity and development.
Braithwate described the SNC as a sensible and peaceful resolution for tackling bad governance and corruption, which, he said, was “grave and key” issue affecting the country.
He said, “I implore everybody to join whatever strength you have to ensure the success of the revolution. We will not allow impostors to misrule this country before we institute SNC and revolution. “It is advisable for government to join the national salvation effort because people will no longer be held down.
“What they call constitutional amendment is pretence. It is dominated by the selfish interest of the National Assembly members. Before any election will take place again in this country, we must address the challenge of corruption, unless there will be no country in 2015. The sacking of ministers and lecturers strike did not come as a surprise. It is the beginning of the bad policies which the people are made to consume for many years.
Falana said, “The statement that we have not collapsed or failing is totally false. Our leaders are selfish to the extent that they cannot protect their own interest. What UNESCO said that we are developing is a lie. If you have 10.5 million illiterates children, it shows that we are not developing.
Utomi explained that Nigeria has failed in all index of development.
“Nigeria biggest challenge is ignorance. It does not matter if someone has Ph.D. There are lot of people who have Ph.D and are still ignorant. Growth index shows that Nigeria is one of the worst place to live on earth,” he added.
Prof. Humphrey Asobie of the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who was the keynote speaker at the event, lamented that Nigeria’s poor leadership would be tackled by a new liberation for a national independence.
“The purpose will be to begin the process of planning and strategising for a second struggle for national independence and economic democracy. January 2014, is an appropriate time for the conference.” (PUNCH)
They spoke at the inaugural annual Tunji Braithwaite Birthday Symposium on Friday in Lagos.
The symposium was organised by the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation to celebrate Braithwaite’s 80th birthday anniversary and to proffer solution to some of the challenges facing the country.
The theme of the event was “The rising threat of instability in Nigeria: Domestic and international response.”
Among other discussants, who moved for a Sovereign National Conference and a platform that would guarantee revolution in the country were political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi; Professor of International Relations and Jurisprudence, University of Lagos, Akin Oyebode; political analyst, Alhaji Galtima Liman; and Mrs. Omoruyi Fatayi-Williams.
According to them, an SNC is the only way forward for Nigeria’s unity and development.
Braithwate described the SNC as a sensible and peaceful resolution for tackling bad governance and corruption, which, he said, was “grave and key” issue affecting the country.
He said, “I implore everybody to join whatever strength you have to ensure the success of the revolution. We will not allow impostors to misrule this country before we institute SNC and revolution. “It is advisable for government to join the national salvation effort because people will no longer be held down.
“What they call constitutional amendment is pretence. It is dominated by the selfish interest of the National Assembly members. Before any election will take place again in this country, we must address the challenge of corruption, unless there will be no country in 2015. The sacking of ministers and lecturers strike did not come as a surprise. It is the beginning of the bad policies which the people are made to consume for many years.
Falana said, “The statement that we have not collapsed or failing is totally false. Our leaders are selfish to the extent that they cannot protect their own interest. What UNESCO said that we are developing is a lie. If you have 10.5 million illiterates children, it shows that we are not developing.
Utomi explained that Nigeria has failed in all index of development.
“Nigeria biggest challenge is ignorance. It does not matter if someone has Ph.D. There are lot of people who have Ph.D and are still ignorant. Growth index shows that Nigeria is one of the worst place to live on earth,” he added.
Prof. Humphrey Asobie of the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who was the keynote speaker at the event, lamented that Nigeria’s poor leadership would be tackled by a new liberation for a national independence.
“The purpose will be to begin the process of planning and strategising for a second struggle for national independence and economic democracy. January 2014, is an appropriate time for the conference.” (PUNCH)
Written by NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE
Sodiq Oyeleke is a Media, Human Resources, Project Management and Public Relations Practitioner
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