National dialogue: APC opts out, says its diversionary tactic

THE All Progressive Congress (APC)  said on Tuesday that  it will not be part of to the proposed national conference.

According to the party, the conference is  a diversionary tactic being employed by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

It also said the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration lacked the credibility to organise a real and meaningful national conference that would satisfy the yearnings of Nigerians.

The interim national publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, made this known while briefing newsmen at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Abuja.

'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  when even the president himself has said that the outcome of that conference would be subjected to the approval of the National Assembly?

'So, what we really have to do is a constitutional amendment, not a national conference and we shall not be a party to that.

'There is no 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,' he said.

Meanwhile, state  governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has threatened to take the Federal Government to court over the deductions from their monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

The governors made their position known on Tuesday after holding a meeting at the Ekiti State Governor's Lodge in Abuja.

Spokesperson of the APC Governors Forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, spoke with newsmen at the end of the meeting.