APC Rejects National Conference, Says Jonathan Has Lost Focus

Nigeria's main opposition political party, the All Progressive
Congress (APC) today announced its rejection of the National Dialogue
being organised by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The position was taken at a meeting of the National Executive
Committee of the APC in Abuja. It was attended by six governors.
Speaking after the meeting, the Interim National Publicity Secretary
of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed declared that Mr. Jonathan has lost
focus and the credibility required to organize that kind of
conference.
"What we see today is that this government has lost focus, it has lost
credibility, it has lost control of the economy, security, corruption
has attained uncontrollable proportion and at this point in time, this
government lacks the credibility to organise a real meaningful
national conference.
"In any event, we see this thing as nothing but a diversion and what
are we talking about a national conference for when even the President
himself has said that the outcome of that conference would be
subjected to the approval of the National Assembly?"
Mr. Mohammed pointed out that in effect, the aim is a constitutional
amendment rather than a national conference. He said the APC would
not be a party to it, stressing that it is not an issue of boycotting.
"I have put it clear to you: this is diversionary. If it is a clear,
meaningful national dialogue, we will participate, but this isn't. The
President himself has said whatever is discussed there will be
subjected to National Assembly. So, what you are having is
constitutional amendment."