FACTS: The Modalities For 2014 National Conference

The federal government of Nigeria today announced the modalities for the proposed but controversial National Dialogue, which it said would now be known as “The National Conference” and feature 492 delegates.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, said that all Socio-Political and Nationality Groups in the country have been given 15 slots from each Geo-Political zone just as five political parties will get 2 slots each in the proposed National Conference.
The slots are limited to the political parties that have representation in the National Assembly, which are the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the Accord Party and the Labour Party.
Giving other details of the National Conference, which will hold in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Anyim said:
“It shall last for 3 months and shall discuss any subject matter, except the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a nation, therefore the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable. The decision at the National Conference shall be by consensus; but where it is not achievable; it shall be by 75% majority. It shall advise the Government on the legal framework, legal procedure and options for integrating the decision and outcomes of the National Conference into the constitution and laws of the country and the Conference shall have a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson of unimpeachable integrity.”
He further stated that January 30- February 20 will be for nomination of delegates, and that the inauguration of the conference will follow soon after the conclusion of the delegates list.
Giving a breakdown of the composition of delegates, he said they would be as follows:
Federation Government of Nigeria (20) and 6 must be women
Nigeria Labour Congress (12)
Trade Union Congress (12)
Civil Society Organisations (24)
Military (6)1 per Geo-Political Zone
Police (6)1 per Geo-Political Zone
State Security and NIA (6) 1 per Geo-Political  zone
National Council for Women Society (NCWS) – (12) 2 per Geo-political zonel
Market Women Associations (6)---1 per Geo-Political zone
FIDA, NAWOJ, WINBIZ---(6) ---1 per organization
Elder Statesmen –(37) --- 1 per State  and FCT
NECA ---(2)
MAN---(2)
NACCIMA (2)
NESG (2)
NUJ –(2)
Nigerian Guild of Editors (2)
Newspapers Proprietors Association  (2)
People Living with Disabilities (6) 1 per Geo-Political zone
Christian Leaders (6)
Muslim Leaders (6)
Source: Sahara Reporters