The Alumni Association of the National Institute, AANI is meeting to discuss critical national issues among which is security and the welfare of members on its 42nd Annual General Meeting and Conference.
The 2-day event to be held in Abuja on 4th to 5th March, will also strategise on how to reposition the association to further contribute to national development.
A former Inspector General of Police who is the National President of the Association, Mohammed Abubakar (Retired) stated this in Abuja on Thursday, at a press briefing to usher in the event.
The AANI is an association of eminent Nigerians that attended the Senior Executive Course (SEC) at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Plateau State, since the establishment of the Institution in 1979 to date.
Abubakar, stated that;”the Institute serves as think-tank to all tiers of government on matters of national development, peace, and security.”
He said; “This year’s AGM with the theme ‘Repositioning AANI for greater effectiveness,’ will start with a Peace Walk at the Central part of Abuja.”
Abubakar further stated that “the Alumni members are deeply concerned by the armed violence, economic difficulties, and heated political space that have created social tension, loss of lives and widespread fear as well as noticeable divisive tendencies among the components of Nigerian society.”
He said it becomes imperative to take cognisance of the importance of peaceful and harmonious co-existence among Nigerians even though the challenges are deeply rooted and require comprehensive, participatory, and proactive solutions.
“In response to this AANI as a Think Tank is going to hold a national dialogue on national unity. 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” Abubakar explained.
The Retired Inspector General of Police said aforementioned challenges informed the decision of the Alumni Association of the National Institute which acts as a Think Tank to hold a national dialogue on national unity.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
