2019 POLL: CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HAS NO ADOPTED CANDIDATE, SAYS ALABA LAWSON

‘Our attention has been drawn to a news report in the Punch Newspaper of 22nd January, 2019 with the headlines “NACCIMA and others back Atiku on NNPC Privatization”. We wish to make it clear that contrary to the suggestions and insinuations peddled by the said news report, NACCIMA has not endorsed any particular candidate(s) in the forthcoming General elections’, Lawson explained

She added, ’NACCIMA’s political neutrality is a core principle that is equally imbibed by NACCIMA’s Council, Executive Committee, Members and Employees. NACCIMA has an ethical obligation to ensure that as the non-partisan voice of Nigerian Businesses and the leading national member of the Organized Private Sector, we do not endorse any political candidates and that we remain politically neutral on all issues, without exception’.

The President added that, as a matter of policy the body  also does not make donations or contributions towards any political candidate or their campaigns and remain even more resolute in our non-partisan stance as the forthcoming General Elections draw near.

‘Rather that becoming a tool for political ends, NACCIMA is more than ever preoccupied with the fulfillment of its core objective of promoting and advocating for a conducive business environment which will promote the activities of the Private Sector for inclusive economic growth and development’.

Penpushing further reports that, Lawson said the clarification has become necessary in view of the false narrative currently making the rounds that Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has now pitched its tent with a particular political candidate.

‘Be assured that NACCIMA’s remains unflinching in its commitment to promoting what the best for the Nigerian economy and not the galvanization of support for political candidates contesting for elections at any level’, Lawson emphasised.