Confab: Youths, Women, others allege marginalization

Delegates to the national conference on Wednesday protested against the composition of the committees released on Tuesday.
Some of them, mostly youths and women kicked against their exclusion from committees they considered very sensitive.
About 18 delegates are representing various youth’s organizations at the conference.
Clifford Abur, a youth delegate lamented that youths are being marginalized despite identifying with the conference.
He cited committees on security, devolution of powers among others as some of the sensitive committees that youths are excluded from.
Abur, noted that since youths have been identified as foot soldiers for the crimes and security breaches around the country, it would be an injustice for them to be denied the opportunity of contributing in such key committees that touch on the future of the country.
Abur, who threatened youth action against the conference, had to later apologize to the chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi.
Also, the women expressed strong reservation against the composition.
Speaking, Rabi Ibrahim, said being lumped in one committee would not serve the best interest of the women and their individual expertise.
Ramatu Bala Usman, who advocated for 35 percent affirmative action in the leadership of the Committees for women, said equity should be observed by the Secretariat.
Hajia Mariam Bubba was against the Chairmanship of some Committees by old politicians, whom she said had headed similar Committees in previous conferences without having anything to show for it.
On her part, Akiyode Afolabi kicked against designation of some as ‘super delegates’ for being placed in their choice Committees.
She also complained about the Chair of Civil Society Committee that was headed by a woman that has never worked in the labour sector before.

Traditional rulers also voiced their grievances of being confined in areas where they can offer useful suggestions.
Oba Aderemi Adedapo said to have lumped all the traditional rulers in one Committee was a disservice to the individual expertise of the monarchs.
According to him, there are several professionals among the traditional rulers and their experience would be useful if spread to other committees.
Femi Falana also complained about the inadequacy in the composition of the committees, citing the exclusion of the youth delegates from fundamental committees.
He also raised the issue of preferential treatment for some heads of delegation in picking their choice of committee.
He said being a head of delegation; he was never accorded such treatment. However, Falana advised that those with genuine concerns about the Committees should formally address it to the Secretariat for necessary correction so that proper committee business would commence by Tuesday.

The Chairman denied Falana’s allegation of preferential treatment. He said the Secretarial worked with list submitted by all the delegates while urging those with complaints to make them available on time for the Secretariat to work before Tuesday.
The Chairman announced that Committee session would commence on Tuesday with 10 Committees holding their sessions in the National Judicial Institute (NJI) venue of the conference and the other 10 holding theirs at Sheraton Hotel and Towers.