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A Layman’s Analogy of Nigeria Political Tussle in 2023

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1 year ago

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By Jerry Ochada

The 2023 General Election has come and gone but the lessons espoused are too glimmer to capture in this discourse. Like other African countries, politics on this part of the globe is laced with overambitious twist and turns which has served overtime as the winners perfect guide even though it is rated in the circle of saner minds as electoral malpractices or more leniently the power of exploiting which compliments the foul tendencies of ‘godfatherism’. This is also a fetishistic attribute of democracy in the Black nation because copycats are still experimenting a style of government which is arguably alien to the way and life of the people – an average African nationality consents the principality of power drunk syndrome and exhibits the characteristics of sit tight rulers which is a clog in the wheels of true democratic tenets – this is expository to the recent theatre of coup d’etat recorded in some African countries in 2023.

In Nigeria (the now contested Giant of Africa) political offices are the quickest avenue to champion overzealous brigandage guised in mufti with acclaimed tags of political actors. These class of citizens are in the business of managing Nigeria and Nigerians for the betterments of their pockets.

Fortunately for these cabals, it has become business as usual spanning many decades yet they are not remorseful of the venture – they contest to win or reconnect again in quad deceptive years. It is comically sympathetic to underscore the untiring posture of the masses who ignorantly regroup themselves to throw lazy weights behind these shambolic politicians yet they are not tired of pointing out the flaws of bad leaders of which they are the major accomplice in crime.

This analogy is a mere synthesis of the shameless twist of political diabolism affecting democratic upliftment in Africa and Nigeria is not existing in isolation of guilt. Political power play should not be an article of trade confined in the hands of some selected state actors with zero level of selfless posture.

Politics in Nigeria has further dwindled to become a treachery defined network of cabals pursuing their gluttonous agendas. If Nigeria must become the center stage of African political interest and development then it is high time to enact the much needed difference by playing a leading role of redefining political interest by showcasing accountable leadership options that can survive the test of time and relatively a trust of the people who are supposedly in charge of this mandate.

Prior to the 2023 General Election, Nigerians were anticipatory of a new government coming to power with juicy opportunities. This enthusiasm was accompanied with bittered complaints centered on the policies of President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the eve of the elections, citizens further languished in pains of untold economic hardship especially with the needless scarcity of Naira notes. It was an ample time for the people to decide their fate but this charge was ‘banzaly’ frozen in the vicious circles of the bulk of Nigerians who are not tired of repeating same mistakes yet expecting a different applauding result.

In fairness to the election umpire, the 2023 General Election was not rigged but in another lucid statement of fact it cannot also be adjudged a free and fair contest because it featured other technical hitches albeit covered up with impromptus of BVAS technology. This is not a contrast of my standpoint. Now, read between the lines: Nigerians blindfolded themselves with chants of “OBIdient, Jagaban and Atiku nation” further humiliating the task of electing a technocrat who had showcased zero chances of impunity in the time past.

There is unity in diversity but Nigeria’s political landscape is littered with uncanny trolls of senseless trivialities. For instance, citizens are quick to lament about the leadership styles of their leaders but in a sharp contrast these same set of complainants are comfortable with any politician in power especially when they are beneficiaries of loot. Therefore, political development in Nigeria or better still the dividends of Nigeria’s democracy has been reduced to a “wait for your turn” concept of concealments.

Similarly, judging from 1999 till date, most Nigerian leaders have displayed chronic levels of nepotism without disdain compelling pundits to ask: where is the doctrine of One Nigeria? Aside President Olusegun Obasanjo who cannot be exonerated in entirety, other Nigerian leaders are guilty of appointing their kinsmen and women as heads of government agencies, ministries or parastatal.

This style of parochial appointment depicts high level corruption in Nigeria and has further polarized Nigeria’s political yearnings and attainments. Truth be told, appointment into such exalted offices should be based on merits because the prospects of Nigeria as a country is bigger than the sectional interest of any ethnic group or individual.

President Bola Tinubu should not fall short of the people’s expectations by replacing any sacked or suspended helmsman of government owned organizations with his kinsman. Tinubu did not start this trend of appointment but he is urged to have a rethink and amend in pursuance of trust, unity and promote the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Nigeria should not be relegated to an ethnic or religious entity. The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has accorded judgment to most cases challenging the validity or outcome of the 2023 election. In most of the rulings, the cases were trashed as pre-election matters. Well, this is a grasp of legality further hinting that Nigerians are just practicing democracy as a style of government but democracy needs to be studied at least by understanding the functionality in terms of utility and applicability.

Above all, Nigerians are earnestly seeking the resourcefulness of a purposeful leader who is ready to amplify an exemplary style of leadership. To this end, Tinubu should be encouraged; he should not be discouraged but the President must first of all encourage Nigerians by cushioning the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy for a start because at the moment, Nigerians are not breathing.

God bless Nigeria!

(Ajogwu Jerry Ochada is an Abuja-based journalist and public affairs analyst)

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University Don Canvases Implementation of New Public Management to accelerate Nation’s growth

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1 week ago

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November 28, 2024

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By Elizabeth Okwe and Ojone Grace Odaudu


A Professor of New Public Management at the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) Prof. Charles Nwekeaku has advocated the implementation of New Public Management to accelerate growth and development in Nigeria.


Delivering a lecture titled “New Public Management, National Development and Transformation in Globalized World”.
at the 47th Inaugural Lecture of the university in Keffi, the university Don explained that NPM is a new administrative system that promises to address the perceived inadequacies contained in the Traditional Public Administration system which tend to neutralize it’s efficacy.

According to him, NPM has the potentialities of succeeding where the TPA has failed because of its creativity, efficiency, flexibility, adaptability to new administrative challenges, market oriented posture, good governance as well as inbuilt mechanisms that make NPM withstand the shocks of developmental challenges.

Nwekeaku added that these advantages led him to advocate for all levels of government to get involved in the implementation of NPM, given it’s potential to help accelerate Nigeria’s growth and development.

“The NPM advocates new innovations, ideas, strategies and creativity in meeting the needs of the members of the society who should be seen as loyal and important customers yearning for efficient and effective service delivery from the government.

“It emphasizes the application of the concept of the private sector which sees and treats people or citizens as customers who should get value for their money and who yearn for efficient and effective service delivery from the government,” Prof. Nwekeaku declared.

He explained further that it is in the contextual setting of the NPM that national development can occur as the human and material resources of the state will be actively harnessed for efficient and effective use of the society.

“Nothing practically is working in Nigeria today, and the situation will remain so except the yoke of traditional public administration is yanked off and replaced with the New Public Management,” he said.

The university Don pointed out that in practical terms,the adoption of NPM for national development and transformation will entail the application of principles and practices of corporate governance, alternative service delivery, e governance, and commerce.

“Other are artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, as well as other tools and attitude that engender efficiency, good governance and profitablity in all public institutions and enterprises at all levels of governance,” he said.

In an interview, Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor of NSUK aplauded the lecturer for a well researched inaugural lecture and described the topic of the lecture as apt and instrumental in helping to transform Nigeria giving the present economic challenges.

“The lecturer spoke eloquently of the failures of the traditional public administration and the need to apply the new public management system for quality .and growth.

“It it is applied, it will surely bring development to the country because as it is the country has been stagnated due to the continuous use of the traditional public administration procedure,” she said.

Source: City Post

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Anambra Approves Tax Relief for Small Businesses, Awards Contracts for Health and Other Infrastructures

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1 week ago

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November 27, 2024

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As part of its efforts to boost small and medium enterprises in the state, the Anambra state government has granted tax relief to businesses operating with less than N100,000 capital. This, according to the government, is in consideration of the difficulties faced by businesses in recent times.

The state government has also awarded contracts worth over N600 million for the supply and installation of new medical and non-medical hospital equipment at both the specialist hospital, Fegge, and the General Hospital, Anaku, Onitsha South, and Ayamelum LGAs. The contract was awarded to CHRISLAUG LTD.

This followed the approval of the projects by the State Executive Council meeting in Awka on Tuesday.

A statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor said the contract is expected to be delivered in three months.

The statement gave details of the contract and other decisions of the council thus:

“LOT 1: SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF NEW HOSPITAL MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AT THE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, FEGGE, at the sum of N367,560,500.00. It will be supplied 3 months after the mobilisation fee.

“LOT 2: SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF NEW HOSPITAL MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AT THE GENERAL HOSPITAL ANAKU at the sum of N285,473,000.00. It will be supplied 3 months after the mobilisation fee

“The Council encouraged investors to take over the management of public enterprises (PEs) in the state by restating that leasing and concessioning PEs are better alternatives to the Government managing them directly.

“The Council restated that the Anti-touting Law of Anambra State remains in force and strongly advised touts to join the Soludo administration’s empowerment schemes for legitimate livelihoods. The Council also approved tax exemptions in Anambra State for groups whose business capitals are less than N100,000 and devolution of more powers to the local governments in the state in the area of sanitation.

“The Council has approved a memo presented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Power, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, for the rehabilitation of the vandalised injection substation at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. The contract was awarded to Kolc Ventures at the sum of N228,147,634.33.

“The contract for the provision of free internet access to the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex, Awka, at the sum of N81,872,000.00 was awarded to PINE HEIGHT GLOBAL RESOURCES LTD to be installed within 2 weeks from the date of the contract award.

“The one for the construction of 151 open stalls at Afuzo Market, Isuofia, to boost local commerce and support economic growth was awarded to Crystal Dove Construction Company at the sum of N279,072,710.75.

Allpee International Ltd won the contract for the road-marking of the Amawbia flyover motorway with a spur through Ezeuzu Junction to ICC, along Amansea Old Road at the sum of N118,716,874.41. It will be delivered in 6 weeks.


“The ANSEC also approved the memo for the supply and installation of Solar Street Lights within the Awka Metropolis Lot 1, Lot 2, and Lot 3.
LOT 1: SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF 544 NR SOLAR STREET LIGHTS
awarded to VIGEO-DOME LTD
N460,732,148.31
3 months delivery post mobilization fee.

II: SUPPLY and INSTALLATIONS OF 346 Nr SOLAR STREET LIGHTS.

FRANKTORCH NIG LTD
N385,605,574.49
2 months delivery post mobilization fee.

111: SUPPLY and INSTALLATIONS OF 240 Nr SOLAR STREET LIGHTS.

HONEYDOVE INTEGRATED
N163,800,279.72
2 months delivery post mobilization fee

“The contract for the production and installation of 500 pieces of fluorescent “Solution Is Here” concrete signage for the branding of all landmark infrastructures across the state was awarded to Conifer Konstruction Nig Ltd at the sum of N200,000,013.51

Signed

Law Mefor, PhD
Commissioner for Information
Anambra State

November 25, 2024.

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Economy

Despite Earlier Apprehensions, Senators Agree on Funding for Development Commissions

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1 month ago

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October 25, 2024

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Despite Senators’ division over new regional development commissions’ funding arrangement, Lawmakers in the Red Chamber on Thursday finally agreed on the source of funding for the newly created zonal development commissions.

The arguments had unfolded as the Senate and House of Representatives moved forward with legislation to establish these commissions, which were also stripped of operational immunity for their boards and executives.

The disagreement emerged during the clause-by-clause consideration of the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, which serves as the structural template for other zonal commissions.
Central to the debate was the Senate Committee on Special Duties’ recommendation that 15% of statutory allocations from member states be directed toward funding these commissions.

Several Senators, including Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), Wasiu Eshinlokun (APC, Lagos East), and Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), voiced concerns over the proposed funding model.

 

 

Senator Abdullahi warned that the provision could lead to legal challenges from state governments, as no state would willingly allow its statutory allocation to be reduced.

“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, the 15% of statutory allocations of member states recommended for funding their zonal development commissions would be litigated against by some state governments,” Abdullahi said.

Seeking to clarify the matter, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, quickly intervened.

He explained that the 15% allocation would not involve a direct deduction from the states’ funds.

He said, “Mr President, distinguished colleagues, the 15% of statutory allocation of member states, recommended for funding of Zonal Development Commissions by the federal government, is not about deduction at all.

“What is recommended, as contained in the report presented to us by the Committee on Special Duties and being considered by the Senate now, is that 15% of the statutory allocation of member states in a zonal development commission would, by way of calculation by the federal government, be used to fund the commission from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“Each state has a monthly statutory allocation, 15% of which, as contained in this report being considered, will be calculated by the federal government and removed from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for funding of their Development Commission.”

Despite Barau’s explanation, several senators remained unconvinced and expressed their desire to contribute to the debate.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stepped in, asserting that the provision was constitutionally sound.

“We don’t need to debate whether 15% of statutory allocations from member states in a commission would be deducted,” Akpabio said, citing Section 162(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the National Assembly the authority to appropriate funds from either the Consolidated Revenue Fund or the Federation Account.

“Fifteen percent of the statutory allocation has been recommended by the Senate, and by extension, the National Assembly, for funding these zonal development commissions. Anyone who wishes to challenge that in court is free to do so,” he added.

Akpabio then called for a voice vote, and the majority voted in favour of the provision.

In his remarks following the passage of the consolidated bills, Akpabio expressed gratitude to the Senators for their efforts in finalising the Zonal Development Commissions.

He noted that these commissions would provide a foundation for the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.

The bills passed include the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, the North West Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the South-East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The South West Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 and the North Central Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 were previously passed.

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