The Director General of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has stated that Nigeria can improve its leadership recruitment process with less emphasis on monetary policy.
Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Kwara State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the state chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) at his country house in Ilorin, the NILDS boss said the Monetary incentives in the country's politics have led citizens to forego the opportunity to evaluate the ability of proposed aspiring politicians to lead them during any transition period.
Prof. Sulaiman, who expressed concern over the damage that money is causing in politics, advised members of the political class to avoid monetary incentives in politicking.
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He also challenged the media to lead the campaign to educate citizens to be careful not to repeat past mistakes when electing the leaders to whom they entrust power.
“Our society faces serious challenges. As journalists, we have a responsibility to educate people and share narratives in line with the principles of the profession.
“Journalists also have the duty to inform society with fear of God and patriotism.”
While commending the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for its various people-oriented programmes, he highlighted the urban renewal project, which has transformed the state capital to better serve its people.
He called on the NUJ to educate its members on the ethics of the journalism profession, combining the fear of God with professional standards.
Sulaiman emphasized that journalists should strive to critically examine developments in the country in relation to the goals and progress of society.
“I want to reiterate that journalists are the eyes and ears of society. The history of Nigeria as a sovereign nation is incomplete without the media as the fourth estate of the realm, along with the three tiers of government.
“This highlights the importance of the media in society. “Any government or individual that seeks to operate without the media is doomed to failure.”
The NILDS Director General also commended the federal and state governments for the various measures they have put in place to alleviate the suffering of the masses, noting that these efforts demonstrate a commitment to address pressing socio-economic challenges and ensure the well-being of citizens.
He emphasized that these initiatives are crucial to fostering stability and progress, adding that the country is constantly moving in the right direction towards sustainable development and a better quality of life for its people.
NUJ state president Abdullateef 'Lanre Ahmed, who spoke earlier, called for synergy between the NILDS and the union in areas of mutual interest, particularly in training and retraining journalists to align with prevailing trends in the profession.
Ahmed highlighted the importance of addressing the rise of fake news in society, highlighting the dangers associated with it.
He congratulated the Director General of the NILDS on his re-election, describing it as a reflection of the trust reposed in him by the leadership of the National Assembly.