National Conference committee apologises to Oshiomhole over disruption of presentation

The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue has apologised to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State over the unruly behavior of one its members, Colonel Tony Nyiam (rtd), who led some participants at the conference held in Benin City on Monday to shout down the governor while he was making his presentation.

The Committee in a statement on Tuesday noted that it is committed to hearing different opinions on the proposed conference, adding that such behaviour would not be condoned.

“The Committee wishes to state its unequivocal commitment and that of its members to the principles of democratic discourse. Although, we take special exception to the unruly conduct of one of our members who joined the crowd in shouting down the Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, while he was giving his remarks, the session continued and ended peacefully.

“We want to emphasize that the Committee will listen to all shades of opinions in the areas of its mandates and will not henceforth condone the kind of unacceptable behavior we witnessed in Benin City.

“The Committee wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Edo State for providing support to the Committee in its assignment in the state.”

The All Progressives Congress, APC, had yesterday condemned the disruption, saying the action has vindicated the party’s decision not to be part of the proposed conference.

A statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the Committee must thoroughly be ashamed of itself that one of its members led the “show of shame.”

The party demanded an unreserved apology from the Committee to Oshiomhole and that the member who acted so unruly and irresponsibly be publicly cautioned or excused from the Committee.

APC said in proposing the conference, the government has no sincerity of purpose, does not believe in engaging in any dialogue with anyone but itself and has only used it to distract the attention of Nigerians from the total absence of governance and sense of direction by the Jonathan Administration.

“This is why we refused to participate in what is nothing but a sheer deceit. We have already been vindicated even before the start of the conference,” the party stated.