"The National conference is a big joke" - Ebonyi State Governor

 Ebonyi state Governor, Martins Elechi has described the proposed National Dialogue as a huge joke and a distraction for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Addressing the founding fathers of Ebonyi state who wanted to know the modalities of selecting delegates from the state and issues that should form their collective stand during the national dialogue, Elechi said, "The National conference to me is a big joke, waste of time and a distraction to Goodluck Jonathan. I’m sceptical about it. It will not achieve anything.

"The constitution gives the National Assembly the power to makes laws and the referendum cannot over ride the deliberations of the National Assembly.

"The best was the colloquium by former President Obasanjo in 2005. There, all segments of national life talked and reached far-reaching decisions. I wil still consult my people but if at the end they decided to participate, i will not stop anybody but i will distance myself and an on-looker.

"The National Assembly over ruled it due to the third term ambitions of Obasanjo. We should revisit that colloquium and the recommendations reached".

Elechi is a core supporter of President Jonathan and one of the few governors who had initially lauded the idea of the proposed national dialogue.

Source:NAN