By Sam Egburonu
Assistant Editor, Politics

The closed door meeting chaired by Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba Nnewi, attracted prominent figures from the South-South, Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including Pa Anthony Enahoro, the leader of Pro-National Conference (PRONACO), Chief Olu Falae, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mrs. Sarah Jubril, Chief Olaniyan Ajayi, Rueben Fasoranti, Solomon Asemota, and Chief Ayo Adebanjo of Afenifere among others.

The group, which warned that the third-term plot must be discontinued immediately, also resolved to organise an ethnic nationality-driven Sovereign National Conference next year. Although the communiqué read after the five-hour closed-door meeting, was not specific on the take off of the planned conference, Daily Independent learnt that it would commence early next year.

Addressing the press after the meeting, the General Secretary of ENF, Michael Orabatan, described the planned national conference as “a proper Sovereign National Conference,” and explained that the date of the take-off has not been agreed, although it would certainly commence soon. He said the conference, because of the manner of convocation and organisation would be able to address the multiple socio-political and economic problems of Nigeria, especially the unique problems of ethnic nationalities.

On the planned national census, the group said unless the organisers would recognise and include ethnic nationality and religion in the census data, it would mobilise all ethnic nationalities to boycott it.

They, however, refrained from commenting on the case of Bayelsa State and the fate of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. They said they were still watching the matter and would comment at the appropriate time.