The Director General of Michael Imoudu Institute For Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu has urged Nigerians to safeguard the nation’s democracy and pray for a peaceful 2023 general elections.
Aremu who said that the year 2023 is an important year for Nigeria as the nation will mark 24 years of uninterrupted democracy, urged Nigerians to shun any tendencies that could bring back military rule.
The Director – General expressed these views during the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed organized by the Muslim community of the institute.
He said that it was the military that destroyed the country because of its long rulership which he described as an abberation.
Admitting that life is tough in Nigeria just like in some other African countries, Aremu said democracy has brought stability and development to the country in the last 24 years.
2023 Is An Important Year
According to him, 2023 is an important year for Nigeria because the citizens will mark 24 years of uninterrupted democracy.
“Though, life is tough in Nigeria like in some other countries in Africa and the entire globe, Nigerians should still give thanks to God for keeping the nation as one indivisible entity. Some of its peers have disintegrated”.
“This is the 6th general elections that Nigeria will be conducting since 1999. It was the military that destroyed Nigeria. Democracy has its follies but it’s far better than military rule. Never should anyone rule us again except through the ballot papers” he stated.
Aremu described Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa, “We should pray for a peaceful 2023 general elections. We should do quality control of electioneering campaigns. We should not abuse one another but we should make our campaign issues – based. Anybody that wins must carry everyone along. We must adopt bi- partisanship approach to development. No single person can solve Nigeria’s problems.”
The Director – General expressed delight over the modest achievements of MINILS under his watch, saying that the institute will be 40 years old this year.
He hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring that no single Nigerians lost his job as a result of the economic challenges and COVID -19 pandemic.
He described the setting up of a committee by the federal government to review workers salary as highly commendable.
Aremu thanked the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) for facilitating the construction of the road that leads to the institute.
The Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Alhaji Najeem Yasin commended the Director-General for upgrading the standard of the institute stressing that all union activities are now being held at the premises.
Yasin expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a full fledged comrade as the Director -General of the institute whom he noted, has made the labour movement proud in the country due to his numerous achievements since he assumed office.
Lateefah Ibrahim
