By Chimezie Godfrey
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to activate all the provisions of the electoral law towards the conduct of a free and fair general elections in 2023.
The AANI President, Former Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar said this in his address during the 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the AANI, with the theme,”Repositioning AANI for Greater Effectiveness”, held Saturday in Abuja.
Abubakar who pointed out that the recent assent to Electoral Act by Mr President provides a new opportunity for free and fair elections, also urged the political class to uphold global best practices during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
He said,”As we approach the 2023 general elections, we are calling on the political class to uphold global best practices and focus on the security, welfare, and economic prosperity of Nigerians over and above their personal ambitions and pecuniary interests.
“The recent assent to the Electoral Act by Mr President provides a new opportunity for free and fair election in Nigeria.
“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to activate all the provisions of the law towards the conduct of free and fair general elections in 2023.”
The AANI President noted that the challenges facing the country cannot be properly addressed, unless broadminded and selfless individuals with capacity and courage seek and get elected to elective positions.
He therefore urged Nigerians with these qualities including Members of the National Institute to participate actively in the political process as part of efforts to rescue Nigeria.
“We must deemphasise money politics and come together to sponsor candidates that can pursue an agenda for the common good,” he said.
Speaking on the state of the nation, he said AANI is deeply concerned over the armed violence, economic difficulties and heated political space that have created social tension, loss of lives and wide spread fear over the future of our dear country, as a united and democratic country.
He lamented that efforts by governments at various levels to tackle these challenges achieved only a marginal success, because the challenges are deep rooted and require comprehensive, participatory and proactive solutions.
He therefore assured that the association is available to partner with government and all stakeholders to tackle these challenges.
“AANi as a Think-tank is available to partner with government and all stakeholders to tackle challenges through promoting a comprehensive strategy that would stabilize the polity and promote a proactive agenda for the overall developement of the country.
“We believe that adequate focus on qualitative and functional education for our teeming population and agriculture and agro allied processing as our area of comparative advantage would increase employment, reduce poverty and crimes and promote overall growth and development in Nigeria.
“These require a comprehensive programe of action that is objective, participatory and implemented on a continuous basis in an integrated and strategic manner.
“We must rededicate ourselves to the Nigerian project and provide durable solutions to prevailing situation in the country,” he said.
Abubakar pointed out that the AANI’s relationship with the Alma-Mater (NIPSS) has remained cordial, and promised that they will continue to support the regular upgrade of curricular and infrastructure to promote conducive atmosphere for academic excellence at the Institute.
He also congratulated the Professor Ayo Omotosho on his recent appointment as the new Director General (DG) of NIPSS, adding that they look forward to partnering with him to attain set policy goals and address very critical issues towards transforming the institute into the foremost centre for policy and research and reflection in Africa.
The august occasion was graced by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, representatives of the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the FCT Minister, Mohammad Musa Bello, Members of AANI, among others.
The AANI is an association of eminent Nigerians who attended the Senior Executive Course (SEC) at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, since the establishment of the Institution in 1979 to date. The members are spread across various fields of endeavours in Nigeria.
