By OKEY NDIRIBE

Apparently responding to protests against the initial list of delegates, the Federal Government, yesterday, appointed some new delegates to attend the National Conference scheduled to commence next Monday.

Among the new delegates are Lagos lawyer, Mr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Mr. Ledum Mitee.

This was contained in a press statement by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday.

The first list was also amended to include some new names, apparently based on the request of  affected states, organisations and groups.

Other fresh appointees include: Wole Oshun, Barr. Anthony Akika, Alhaji Sule Iyaji and Amb. Abdulmumuni Abubakar.

Among those accommodated in the amended list is Isaac Jemide to represent  Itsekiri ethnic nationality of Delta State.

Other new delegates from some states are Professor Eddy Erhagbe, Edo State; Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, Oyo State;  Chief Sampson Agbaru, Rivers State, and Engr. Abubakar Galadima, Yobe State.

Under the category of elder statesmen, Dr. Kunle Olajide had been appointed to replace Chief Afe Babalola for Ekiti State.

In the traditional rulers’ category, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaro, Etsu of Bwari, replaced Alhaji Ismail Mohammed, Sarki of Karshi for the FCT.

The statement indicated that this was based on the request of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

Also, Mrs. Millicent Okoronkwo had been nominated to replace Mrs. Love Ezema based on the request of the National Council of Women Societies of Nigeria, while Pince Rabiu Oluwa replaced Supo Sonibare, and Kehinde Olugbenle replaced Barr. Niyi Akintola, SAN.

Anyim stated that Professor Layi Erinosho had been nominated by the Academy of Social Sciences to fill the only slot allocated to the Academy.

The former Governors Forum also nominated Alhaji Mohammed Goni from Borno State to fill the slot for the North East zone.

The nomination of Chief Chris Uche and Dr. Sagir Maidoya to represent the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, had been withdrawn to allow the party resolve the issue of its nominees.

The statement also indicated that the inauguration of the conference was scheduled to take place at 4.30p.m., at  National Judicial Institute, on Airport Road, Abuja.

According to the statement, the following are invited to attend the inauguration ceremony: Former Presidents and Heads of State, leaders of political parties, members of the National Assembly, state governors; members of the Judiciary and members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

Others are: Members of the diplomatic corps; religious leaders, and traditional rulers.