Abuja – Prof. Godini Darah, a delegate representing Delta at the National Conference, has justified the decision of the conference to refer contentious issues of derivation and resource control to the Federal Government.

Darah in Abuja on Tuesday said that the decision of the conference was in the best interest of the country.

He explained that if the delegates had proceeded to vote on the contentious issues, the voting would have been distorted by emotions, lack of reasoning and other factors.

He added that the outcome could have led to sharp divisions among the delegates and Nigerians in general.

“So, the 50 wise men and women and the conference secretariat have done a great honour to the delegates.

“They have also done a great service to Nigeria by deciding that such issues require the input of technical people like geologists, economists, political scientists, insurance specialists and environmentalists.

“If Niger Delta is degraded and you want to repair it, people must give you the proper information and data.

“You said there is violence in the North-East because of Boko Haram; research must be carried out to establish the quantum of what needs to be repaired.

“If we have voted that certain percentage of revenue should be allocated to these areas, it will not be just.

“So, the decision of the delegates is welcome by all of us in the Niger Delta, South-South as well Middle Belt federalists,’’ he said.

On his part, Chief Olu Falae, who represents the South-West at the confab, expressed regrets that the delegates were unable to agree on the contentious issues.

He, however, commended the conference for reaching consensus on the reports of other committees.

He said: “the conference has addressed certain fundamental resolutions.

“What some of us are taking home, particularly those in the civil society and labour movement is the resolution that Chapter 2 of the constitution be made justiciable.

“That is the chapter that has remained a tantalising reality since 1979; the right to education, health, unemployment benefits, pension, minimum wage and the rest of them,’’ he said.

Falae said that the recommendations of the conference would go a long way to enhance the country’s development. (NAN)