Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) Supports The National Conference

Civilian JTF

Bomb Blast in Kano

Boko Haram leader, Shekau

Press Release by Southern
Kaduna people’s union

The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has expressed strong support for a National Conference to be convened commending President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for taking the bold step to bring Nigerians to a table to discuss the future of the country. The Union observed that the National Conference is a window of hope to all the Ethnic Nationalities in the country to voice their concerns in a manner that will foster a more
united, stable and progressive Nigeria. Noting that with mutual debate, sound discussions and profound analysis of the issues at the table, Nigeria will come out of the conference stronger and better for all. According to a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Union, Comrade Adamu Marshal said “we
have since submitted our memorandum to the Advisory Committee according to the laid down terms of reference.
On the issues to be discussed and agreed at the conference, SOKAPU observed that the type of Federal Structure and its operations must be fashioned to protect and defend the rights of Ethnic and Religious
minorities in the country.
The Conference should discuss and agree on the system of government that is most cost effective, as the current system is too large, wasteful and corrupt. The conference should discuss other options. Other issues include Delineation of constituencies, devolution of powers, ownership and control over natural resources, land tenure and land ownership, taxation, creation of sub national units, state, local government, mayoralties and
municipalities.
The use of Armed Forces and the control of the Nigeria Police, Settler and Indegineship, the Hausanisation and Islamisation of traditional institutions in the Middle Belt, grazing rights and problems of Nomadic Fulanis, Self Determination by communities, creation of courts and hierarchy of courts are amongst other issues that the union will bring to the conference. SOKAPU also suggested that delegates to the conference should be elected and not appointed by government whereas the size of the conference should be on the ethnic nationalities identified.
They also suggested the duration of the conference to last for six months and the National Assembly should enact a law to give legal backing to the conference adding that the outcome should be binding on the government.

Signed:

Comrade Adamu Marshal
Secretary General
SOKAPU