Kutigi To Delegates: Mind Your Language

The chairman of the ongoing National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, yesterday warned delegates against the use of derogatory language in the proceedings of the conference. Kutigi’s warning came on the heels of a point of order raised by Musa Elayo Abdullahi in respect of a comment by Dr. Haruna Sanusi calling members of the National Assembly “legislooters”.
Elayo therefore called for the withdrawal of the statement, saying delegates should choose their words carefully as derogatory language against members of the National Assembly, who might be the final determinants of the conference’s report, will not augur well.
The chairman upheld the order and called on delegates to mind their language while speaking in the proceedings of the conference.
Earlier, Kutigi had thanked Nigerians and particularly delegates and the media for the support and cooperation extended to his family following the death of his wife, Maryamu, last week.
He observed that both Christians and Muslims were with him throughout the period, from his home to the mosque, to the cemetery and back to the house.
“I was overwhelmed. This is why Nigerians should not fight over religion,” Kutigi said.
Meanwhile, two moves to resolve the outstanding and controversial issues of Land Tenure Act and the establishment of Religious Equity Commission (REC) failed. Also, the issue of states establishing Pilgrims Welfare Boards was left unresolved.
A motion by Chief Mike Ozhekome (SAN) on the need to establish REC, stating the usefulness of such body to the religious harmony in Nigeria and the resuscitation of Pilgrims Welfare Boards at the state level only, was defeated by a voice vote.
Conference deputy chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, had equally announced a decision by some delegates who discussed with him on the need to keep the Land Use Act in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. The move also did not receive approval.
The issues were outstanding when reports of committees on Religion; and Land Tenure and National Boundaries were presented and no consensus was arrived on them.
Akinyemi said that based on yesterday’s development, the issues would still be discussed at another level until an acceptable resolution is found for each of them.