Northern Delegates Dismiss Threats To Boycott Confab

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

A traditional ruler from the region, the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha had earlier in the week caused a stir when he threatened to walk out of the conference because of the conduct of some of the delegates.

The spokesman of the Northern Delegates Forum, Ambassador Mamman Yusuf in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna said despite the threats, the northern delegates had resolved to fully participate in the conference.

He said: “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 said he was disappointed by the unwholesome attitude of some delegates which according to him, could lead to the break-up of the country.

The traditional ruler in expressing his anger shocked delegates at the Conference when he threatened to walk out or 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.