Distinguished delegates

Some of the delegates have problems with nomenclature used by conference chairman Justice Idris Kutigi in addressing them. It was retired General D.O. Idada Ikponmwen who complained that former political office holders are accorded more respect than other delegates.

This General passionately took objection to the manner Kutigi was addressing them. “I observed that the chairman is addressing us as honourable whereas even the president addressed us as distinguished delegates,” he said.

He said “we are distinguished delegates, not honourables”. And “Mr Chairman, should take note.”

Ikponmwen didn’t stop there. He added that the conference has more legitimacy than the National Assembly.

“Mr Chairman, I want to assure you that this conference is more legitimate than the National Assembly,” he said.

When the General was reminded that he was not elected, he kept quiet. But former Senate President Ken Nnamani also advised delegates “to try their popularity by contesting elections into National Assembly.”