14th May, 2014
An opinion poll conducted by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Polls popularly known as NOIPolls, has revealed that 79 per cent of respondents would like the outcome of the conference to be subjected to a referendum.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the National Conference Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications, Akpandem James.
The statement read that 87 per cent of Nigerians also affirmed their support for the convening of the conference.
It said respondents suggested that the top three key stakeholders who should be part of the conference should be religious leaders (51 per cent), traditional rulers (47 per cent) and civil society organisations (37 per cent).
“The opinion poll was conducted between 10 and 12 February 2014.
“It involved telephone interviews of a random nationwide sample of over 1000 phone-owning Nigerians, aged between 18 years and above, representing the six geopolitical zones in the country.
The statement said that: “The organisation indicated that with a sample of this size, we can say with 95 per cent confidence that the results obtained are statistically precise within a range of plus or minus three per cent.”
The statement further stated that the result of the poll showed that in the North-West region, 35 per cent of Nigerians were aware of the discussions to constitute the National Conference.
Meanwhile, 89 per cent were in support of the Conference and 83 per cent and 90 per cent respectively in North-East were aware and supported the convening of the conference.
In the North-Central, 53 per cent were aware of discussions, while, 85 per cent supported the move for Nigerians to sit together and address their concerns.
In the South-West 49 per cent were aware of discussions and 87 per cent were in support of convening the Conference.
In the South-East, 53 per cent were aware of the flow of discussions and 83 per cent supported the holding of the conference.
In the South, 49 per cent followed the discussions while 86 per cent supported the constitution and inauguration of a national dialogue.
The statement further said that 27 per cent of that segment was of the opinion that the conference would ensure progress and development in the country.
Also, 21 per cent believed it will bring unity while 19 per cent were optimistic that the outcome will bring peace to the country.
However, the 13 per cent opposed to the conference based on the assumption that it would be another waste of money as it would be incapable of addressing the problems of the country,” it stated.