I’ll attend National dialogue if invited — Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he has no objection to the proposed National dialogue and will “consider” attending if invited.



Abubakar said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday night in Abuja on the sidelines of a reception organised by the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria to mark the country’s national day.

The former vice-president, who was among the dignitaries at the event held at the residence of Mr. Alvaro Aguilar, the Spanish ambassador, however, expressed concern at the timing of the conference.

“My worry is about the timing of the national dialogue, it’s too close to electioneering and I’m wondering whether we have the capacity to manage very sensitive issues.

“Electioneering in Nigeria can be a very sensitive and controversial issue and in addition to that, you now have a national dialogue; otherwise, I do not have any serious objection to it,” he said.

Abubakar suggested that the dialogue should consider the restructuring of the country, devolution of powers and increase revenue allocation to the state and local governments.

“I will like to see more powers to the components of the country. I will like to see the power at the centre considerably reduced as well as the responsibility and money allocated to the centre,” he said.