AANI President, former IGP MD Yusuf, addressing the press
Worried by growing divisive tendencies among the components of Nigerian society, armed violence, economic difficulties and heated political space that have created social tension in the country, the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) is planning a dialogue on national unity.
Addressing the media on the activities lined up for the forthcoming AANI Annual General Meeting and Conference in Abuja, the association’s President, former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar, said 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 stated that in response to the existential challenges assailing the country, AANI as a Think Tank is going to hold a “national dialogue on national unity”.
The former IGP called on political class to uphold global best practices and be mindful of security of the people. “Similarly, 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.
“Moreover, 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”.
According to him, the challenges facing our country highlighted earlier cannot be properly addressed, unless broadminded and selfless individuals with capacity and courage seek and get elected to elective positions.
“We therefore urge 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.
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“In this regard, AANI intends to convene a stakeholder meeting ahead of the 2023 election, to sensitize both politicians and electorates on the need to focus on issues that affects the lives of the people and the candidates with the capacity and pedigree to address them rather than selfish interests and material inducements.
Abubakar promised that the association will always be 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 development of the country.
“We believe that adequate focus on qualitative and functional education for our teeming population and agriculture and agroallied 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 programme 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 the prevailing situation in the country.
On the 42nd Annual Meeting and Conference of the Association coming up in Abuja from Friday 4th to 5th March 2022, the former top cop said the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a yearly gathering of all members to discuss critical national issues and the welfare of members and how to reposition the association further to contribute more to national development.
Themed “Repositioning AANI for greater effectiveness”, this year’s AGM is scheduled to take place in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, from Friday 4th to Saturday 5th March 2022.
According to him, in view of the importance of peaceful and harmonious co-existence among Nigerians and to further encourage same, this year’s AGM will start with a Peace Walk at the Central part of Abuja tomorrow, Friday 4th March 2022 from 6.00-7.00 am. The starting and ending point, he said, is the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja.
According to him, there will be a Cocktail Party later in the evening for all members at the Swimming Poolside of Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja, from 7.00-8.00 pm. On Saturday 5th March 2022, the association will conduct its AGM for 2022 at the Main Conference Hall of the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja, starting from 9.00 am. He stated that the meeting will also take reports and deliberate on critical National issues, especially security and review our Constitution.
