National Conference: Northern Delegates Dismiss Threat Of Boycott

National Conference delegates from the north under the aegis of Northern Delegates Forum have dismissed threats of walking out or boycotting the on-going conference.

This came following a threat by Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha, to walk out of the conference because of the conduct of some of the delegates.

Spokesman of the Northern Delegates Forum, Ambassador Mamman Yusuf, who spoke to ThisDay yesterday, however said despite the threats, the northern delegates had resolved to fully participate in the conference.

According to him, the forum which is being co-chaired by the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie and the Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum (MDF), Prof. Jerry Gana had never contemplated boycotting or walking out of the conference.

He said the NDF has explicit confidence in its capacity to manage any fall out consequent on any disagreement at the conference.

“At no time was the idea of a walk out or boycott ever contemplated. But you cannot deny the delegates their right to express whatever opinion they want to express.

“The northern delegates forum has resolved that it will fully participate in the conference, build a consensus within an agenda and abide by the general framework and the rules of the conference.

“We have anchored our position on the need for extensive consultation and use the President’s speech as the road map in our deliberations. Where disagreement arises, we will work hard to see that it is resolved in the wider national interest.”

The Lamido of Adamawa had said he was disappointed by the unwholesome attitude of some delegates which according to him, could lead to the break-up of the country.

He went further to say he could boycott the conference, declaring that his kingdom transcends the territorial boundaries of Nigeria and that his people have a place to relocate to if Nigeria disintegrates.