Nigerian Leaders Clash Over Need for National Conference

A significant divergence of opinion on how to best address Nigeria's persistent socio-economic and ethno-religious challenges has surfaced, pitting Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori against elder statesman Femi Okunnu. The debate, which unfolded during the prestigious centenary lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos, centered on the necessity and efficacy of a national conference.

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We need law-backed, periodic confab

Governor Oborevwori, presenting his lecture themed “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a United Nigeria,” championed the institutionalization of a regular, legally sanctioned national dialogue. He envisions this conference not as a reactive measure to crises, but as a structured, recurring feature of governance. Oborevwori stressed the importance of bringing together diverse stakeholders—from government officials and traditional rulers to civil society and marginalized communities—to ensure measurable outcomes in assessing inclusivity, auditing development, and preventing conflicts.

Conversely, Femi Okunnu, a respected figure and former Minister of Works, strongly refuted the governor's proposal. Okunnu argued that Nigeria's core problem lies in the execution of governance, not in the absence of dialogue platforms. He pointed to countries like the United States, which thrive on established constitutional frameworks, and the United Kingdom, which relies on conventions, suggesting that Nigeria already possesses the necessary legal structures. Okunnu characterized the idea of periodic national conferences as an unnecessary drain on resources, advocating instead for good governance and effective leadership.

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Nigeria needs good governance, not confab

Governor Oborevwori clarified his stance, emphasizing that his proposal is not about drafting a new constitution but about creating a legally fortified space for Nigerians to periodically deliberate on national issues. This exchange highlights a fundamental tension in Nigeria's development discourse: whether the path forward lies in refining existing structures through dialogue or in prioritizing the effective implementation of current laws and policies. The differing perspectives underscore the complexity of achieving national cohesion and addressing the nation's multifaceted challenges.

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Describes proposal as waste of time, resources