The Open Africa Foundation, a non-governmental organization, asserts that Nigeria’s challenges are manmade and can be overcome if leaders and citizens demonstrate patriotism and uphold the rule of law.
Chairman of the Open Africa Foundation Mr. Tunji Aworinde made this statement at the ninth Annual Conference on Financial Crime, Cross-Border Crime, and Good Governance Integrity, held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. He emphasized that the country’s economic, security, humanitarian, and political challenges can be effectively addressed through collaboration among citizens.
According to Mr. Aworinde, Nigerians continue to search for solutions to the issues hindering economic growth and development. He stated, “Our nation professes democratic and constitutional governance, but often functions contrary to its principles, such as rule of law, transparency, and accountability. The question arises: can good governance emerge from poor citizenship? The good news is that our problems are solvable because they are manmade. If we adhere to core constitutional principles and democratic norms, only then will our country become peaceful and prosperous for all.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mr. Aworinde advised voters to choose their leaders wisely, as politicians are already beginning their campaigns to seek votes again.
He added that the conference aimed to foster critical conversations and discussions on nation-building and empowerment. “Our conference is campaigning against financial crime and advocating for transparency and accountability in governance in Nigeria and Africa. We aim to identify common crimes and deviant behaviors affecting Nigeria. We demand accountability from those who have looted the nation’s treasury, which has led to widespread poverty. We also demand transparency regarding asset declarations,” he said.
During the conference, the Director of the Litigation and Prosecution Department at the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Mr. Tanimu Inuwa, emphasized that Nigeria’s elections depend on an integrity-based voter register.
“In elections, the foundation is the voter register. If the register lacks integrity and we cannot ascertain the number of people eligible to vote, then the entire electoral process is on shaky ground. Before an election, we must know how many persons will vote; otherwise, the election is fraudulent from the start,” Inuwa explained. He also addressed issues such as vote buying and electoral violence, pointing out that politicians who have little to offer in terms of development resort to buying votes. “The law prohibits that,” he added.
Inuwa further stated that the commission is actively working with stakeholders to tackle these electoral challenges. “The commission is diligently working to eliminate these bad practices by engaging with stakeholders such as the Nigerian Bar Association, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the police,” he noted.
The conference, which brought together stakeholders from the security sector, economy, judiciary, and the Independent Electoral Commission, aimed to chart a course for government-citizen engagement in addressing national challenges. Open Africa Foundation and Forensic Insight International organized it.
Dominica Nwabufo
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