31st March, 2014
The ongoing National Conference on Monday adopted 70 percent majority as the voting mode to be used in arriving at decisions at the conference.
This followed a motion by Senator Iyorchia Ayu, representing the former Senators Forum, seconded by former Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah, representing the former Governors’ Forum.
The delegates adopted the resolution at the resumption of plenary in Abuja.
Proceedings at the conference were stalled last week as delegates failed to reach consensus on whether or not to adopt 66 percent or 75 percent majority as the voting mode on decisions taken at the conference.
The particular issue in contention was Order VI Rule 3 of the Procedure Rule, which provides that any decision in the conference shall be decided by at least a three-quarter majority.
The Rule reads: “Any questions proposed for decision in the conference shall be determined by consensus and when this is not achievable, by a three-quarter majority of the delegates present and voting.”
While some delegates wanted the conventional two-third majority to be adopted in arriving at decisions, others wanted the three-quarter majority to be retained.
This necessitated the setting up of the 50-man consensus group by the delegates, to confer with the principal officers, so as to break the deadlock.
Consequently, the conference adjourned plenary on Wednesday, March 27, till Monday, March 31, to enable the consensus group and the principal officers engage in wider consultation on the matter.
At the resumed plenary on Monday, March 31, the Deputy Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, presented the report of the outcome of the consultative meeting to the house.
“The committee met on the 25 and 26 March, 2014. Deliberations during these meetings were cordial. Delegates worked in harmony to develop and put into effective use, the spirit of consensus building with the national interest at heart.
“At the conclusion of deliberations, members reached a decision to amend Order VI Paragrapgh 4, XI paragraph 2 and XII paragraph 4 (e) as follows:
“In the case of failure to reach consensus, the matter shall be decided by majority vote of 70 percent of delegates present and voting.
“That is the recommendation which that committee is bringing to you, distinguished delegates,” he said.
After his presentation, Bolaji then called for discussions, but there was overwhelming call for a motion on the recommendation of the consensus group.
Following the unanimous decision of the delegates, Ayu moved for the adoption of the motion and was seconded by Attah.
“I congratulate the committee for avoiding the impression of a winner and a loser in this matter. I think we are getting to the point where we are making progress,” Bolaji said.
Thereafter, he put the motion to voice vote with the delegates overwhelmingly chorusing “ayes”.
Consequently, the vice-chairman ruled in favour of the motion to adopt 70 per cent majority as the voting mode for the conference.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Adoption of Voting on Conference Procedure Rule was also adopted by the delegates.
It was agreed that the various committees should choose their chairmen and secretaries.
NAN reports that the Draft Rule had proposed that the Chairman of the conference, in consultation with the Vice-chairman and Secretary, should choose the committees’ chairmen and secretaries.