Stakeholders to brainstorm on votes buying in Nasarawa tomorrow

NO fewer than 60 persons drawn from academics, faith-based and civil society organistions, development partners and organised labour will converge on Keffi, Nasarawa State tomorrow to proffer solutions to votes buying and selling in the country.

Others are, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, as well as lawmakers and representatives of political parties.

The brainstorming session forms part of measures to resolve the challenge of electoral fraud in the country.

The one-day event organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the training and research arm of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will hold in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Director, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Ms. Idayat Hassan, will present the lead paper that will set the tone for the dialogue.

Prominent among those expected at the event with the theme: Policy Dialogue on Vote Buying, are the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and National Security Adviser Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd).

Others are Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu and Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Director, Africa Office, MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima, Head, Democracy and Governance, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Emmanuel Okorodudu, Director of Political Affairs, ECOWAS, Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa, PACAC Chairman, Professor Itse Sagay, member, Professor Etannibi Alemika, among others, will also attend the event.

Speaking at a media briefing on the dialogue, Professor Sola Akinrinade of ACAN said, “ACAN’s policy dialogues are designed to bring topical anti-corruption issues to the fore of national discourse.

The dialogue seeks to engender discussions that will aid the formulation or modification of policies and legislation on topical matters.”

Chief host of the one-day policy dialogue and Chairman of ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, will be supported by eight members of the commission’s board at the brainstorming session.