ABUJA- Chsirman, National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi Thursday reiterated that his leadership has no powers to extend the duration of the on- going national conference, just as he said that if it became imperative to do that, the Secretariat would write to the Presidency seeking an extension for subsequent approval.

Denying reports of extension of Conference by Six weeks, Kutigi who explained that at meetings held, most of the committee chairmen complained of the shortness of time for committee work, where they indicated the heavy workload and relevant assistance they would require from external sources to do a thorough job, said that it was at this point that, “As part of its engagement with delegates, the leadership of the Conference had a meeting with Chairmen, Co-Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the 20 standing committees to keep abreast with the activities of the committees and also find out if there are challenges that the intervention of the secretariat would be required.

In a statement signed by Conference Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications, James Akpandem, the secretariat said, ” It was then agreed that one extra week should be added to enable the committees tidy up their activities and present meaningful reports.

“However, since the following week beginning from Monday May 5 to Thursday May 8 (sitting days), will see Abuja hosting the World Economic Forum, and because some delegates, and facilities used for the National Conference will be involved and engaged respectively for the Economic Forum, the week following from Monday May 12 to Thursday May 15 was consequently approved for the extension, for conclusion of committee work.

“It must be emphasised that the Conference Secretariat lacks the power to extend the Conference duration and has made that position very clear at every point the issue is raised.  If there is need for an extension, a request for that would emanate from the Conference Secretariat to the Presidency, and as at the time of issuing this statement no such request has been made to the Presidency.”

“As a follow-up to that agreement, the Conference Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Valerie-Janette Azinge, formally communicated the decision to all Committee chairmen on Wednesday, April 30.