Posted by By Samuel Oyadongha on
THE Bayelsa State Elders Consultative Council has thrown its weight behind the South-South delegates' stand on the issue of 25% derivation and true federalism.
YENAGOA - THE Bayelsa State Elders Consultative Council has thrown its weight behind the South-South delegates' stand on the issue of 25% derivation and true federalism.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Elder Zee Debekeme, the group said the fair and reasonable demand for at least 25 per cent derivation revenue sharing principle is in conformity with the aspirations of the Izon elders and entire people of the South-South geopolitical zone.
The Bayelsa Elders Consultative Council described as 'highly inspiring, the unanimous and courageous decision of the South-South delegates who for the first time in constitution making history of this country, spoke with one voice on the vexed issues that are the cornerstone of our corporate future as a people, most especially the generations that are coming behind us."
It also commended the national press over what it described as their effective role as responsible and unbiased umpire by reporting all shades of opinion expressed in and out of the conference centre.
Said the group, 'it is our view that every Nigerian is entitled to his or her own opinion but we should learn to appreciate each others' peculiarities and continue to dialogue until we arrive at a consensus for the overall interest of the nation, without exhibiting traces of master-servant geopolitical relationship."
In order to facilitate a better understanding of the stand-off and what is expected at the concluding phase of the confab, a special meeting of the elders' council has been slated for this weekend in Yenagoa where the leader of the state delegation, Prof Kimse Okoko would brief members of the proceedings at the confab.