Timing of the national dialogue is wrong -,Atiku

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has said his "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."

He however said he has no objection to the proposed national dialogue and will “consider’’ attending if invited.

“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 disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) 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 that attended the event held at the residence of Mr. Alvaro Aguilar, the Spanish ambassador, however, expressed concern at the timing of the conference.

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.

On the issue of the tenure for the president and governors, the former vice-president argued that the current two- term, provided for in the constitution, be maintained.

He congratulated the government and people of Spain on the occasion of their National day.

“I look forward to a more strengthened relationship between Spain and Nigeria and I believe that our relationship has been very good.

“I will like to see more Spanish investment even though the country is going through very difficult economic times, we hope for more increased investment.”

Earlier, Aguilar described Nigeria as a “strategic partner with Spain.”

He recalled that, “in 2012, 16 per cent of the gas and 14 per cent of petroleum consumed in Spain came from Nigeria, adding that the financial exchange between the two countries rose to more than seven billion euros.

He also described the interest of Spanish business community into Nigeria as “growing’’ and noted that the volume of investments and exports from Spain recorded an impressive increase of 25 per cent in 2012.