By Sumaila Ogbaje
Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to intensify efforts towards a credible and violence-free election in all parts of the country.
The President of AANI and former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar, made the call in a statement by AANI’s Publicity Secretary, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Abubakar said that AANI had noted with great concern that the prevailing economic difficulties in the country had been aggravated by additional tension occasioned by perennial fuel scarcity and cashless policy.
He urged the Federal Government to address the challenges decisively ahead of the 2023 general elections.
According to him, government must ensure that an enabling environment is created for Nigerians in all parts of the country to freely exercise their franchise.
He added that reliable elections and smooth handover of power would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy as well as help it to reach its full potential.
AANI president said the association condemns all forms of electoral malpractice, including intimidation, vote-buying and election violence.
He urged all contestants for the various elective positions to eschew violence and money politics and uphold global best practices and focus on the issues of security, welfare, and economic prosperity of Nigerians, over and above personal and pecuniary interests.
Abubakar also called on politicians to play by the rules and respect the results of election.
He advised voters to choose candidates based on their skills and honesty rather than putting their children’s and grandchildren’s futures at risk for small sums of money or ephemeral items.
“As part of its efforts to promote credible elections, AANI is poised to observe the forthcoming elections across the country.
“AANI will not be biased when it comes to watching elections and will do its job as a national organisation with the utmost dedication and impartiality, just like it did during the last elections,” he said.
He said the association had in September 2022, held a national conference on national unity which came up with far-reaching recommendations for implementation by the government and other stakeholders.
He added that the association was always available for partnership and further collaboration to enhance national unity and cohesion.
“AANI is the foremost national association of a diverse group of eminent Nigerian men and women that cut across professional, socio-cultural, economic, and political affiliations in the country.
“They were trained on the rudiments of policy formulation and strategy and have been contributing to national development through our mission, “to serve as a think tank to the government of Nigeria.
“And our vision, “to promote the noble ideas of a better society” and the motto, “towards a better society.”
“It is the most important think tank for Nigeria’s federal, state, and local governments.
“It has been contributing objectively to the national conversation on many issues that affect Nigeria’s growth and development and give the government the right recommendations and implementation strategies,” he said. (NAN)
