By Dare Akogun
The Director General National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, says Nigeria is witnessing momentous changes under the new administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Professor Sulaiman spoke during the opening ceremony of a Retreat for Management staff of the institute held in Ilorin the Kwara State capital on Sunday, themed: “Rethinking NILDS For Enhanced Service Delivery”.
In his opening address, Sulaiman said the country is currently witnessing momentous changes, particularly in the economic domain.
He added that the National Assembly under the leadership of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has also started work in earnest.
According to him, “For these changes to be impactful and achieve the desired outcomes, the strategic partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government must be deepened,” he said.
Sulaiman said the rationale for the retreat was the need for periodic stocktaking, and to be deliberate and intentional in charting a course for the future.
“We at NILDS must therefore understand the nature of the fundamental changes and be in a good position to provide the necessary support to the National Assembly and other democratic institutions in line with our statutory role,” he added.
Sulaiman reminded the NILDS management staff of the institute’s strategic work plan (2020-2024), which seeks to strengthen the operations of the institute.
According to him, as the nation begins a new administration in the country and commences a new legislative season, NILDS must rededicate to the entrenchment of democratic principles and practices by providing world-class services to our democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“We must always remember that the products that we offer are for the deepening of democratic values and our clients are the institutions of democracy in Nigeria.
“We must provide good quality products and offer high-quality client service,” Sulaiman charged the participants.
A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega, expressed support for the NILDS policy thrust in expanding democratisation of Nigeria.
He emphasised the importance of the retreat, saying it is an opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate in charting a good cause for democratic dispensation in the country.
Jega pointed out the need for good leadership in Nigeria, saying it is an opportunity for the institute to review its performance and identify the need for quality governance in the country.
He described qualities of good leadership to include honesty, cognitive experience on competence, good representation, inspiring followership, and motivation, among others.
