Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar rtd has expressed optimism that the more than seven-month old strike embarked upon by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has paralysed academic activities in the nation’s tertiary institutions would soon come to an end.
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Abubakar expressed the optimism in Minna, yesterday, when he fielded questions from select newsmen at his uphill residence in the Niger state capital.
“I am sure Nigeria would find a solution soon to the strike,” the former Head of state said without elaborating.
Abdulsalami also expressed satisfaction with the growth of democracy in the country since 1999.
“Since 1999, politicians and indeed Nigerians have been strengthening democracy in the country,” but conceded that, “there are pitfalls as we went along. We made mistakes and gradually our politicians are correcting these mistakes and also the politicians are also learning by the day.”
He, however, noted that the major problem facing the electoral process in the country was vote-buying, pointing out that, “there are some setbacks, some electorates are still selling their votes, and the politicians are still encouraging the selling and buying of votes. I think this is a negative part that we are experiencing and I think indeed Nigerians and all of us should put our heads together and all hands should be on deck to ensure that this phenomenon is brought to an end.”
He added: “I hope the electorate will bear in mind that it is their responsibility to ensure that they vote people of calibre and their choice. And for God sake, nobody should go and sell his vote.
“Don’t sell your franchise. I am happy some people are realising and educating other people not to sell their votes,” he maintained.
Abdulsalami also urged politicians not to embark on campaign of calumny stressing that, “as we go into 2023 election campaigns, there shouldn’t be abusive words in our campaigns. But as much as possible we should indulge in campaigns of tolerance, because I know each politician is trying to sell his manifesto or that of his party.”
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