The Nation Newspaper

Tag: breakthrough

  • Great breakthrough

    •Iran nuclear deal could spell new trend in international relations

    Last week’s successful conclusion to long-running negotiations between Iran and the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, the so-called P5+1, should be cautiously celebrated as heralding a possible movement away from quick resort to force in resolving international disputes.

    Like all truly important agreements, it was a long and tortuous journey, taking the better part of 12 years. What was in contention was the question of whether Iran’s nuclear development programme was peaceful, as Iran insisted it was, or geared towards the creation of nuclear weapons, as many of Iran’s adversaries contended. The issue was further complicated by Shi’ite Iran’s historical rivalry with Sunni Saudi Arabia, its active intervention in the Middle East, its status as the most uncompromising opponent of Israel, and its human rights record.

    The agreement involves the recognition of Iran’s right to engage in the peaceful development of nuclear energy, the institution of wide-ranging safeguards restricting its capacity to make nuclear weapons, a comprehensive regimen of inspections, and the re-imposition of sanctions if the country reneges on the treaty. In return, the crippling economic sanctions imposed on it by the US and the EU will be lifted, thereby enabling it to access the technology and services that would enhance its economic growth.

    The positive implications of this agreement cannot be over-emphasised. It demonstrates the capacity for bitter adversaries to overcome decades of hostility and suspicion, ignore temptations to abandon negotiations, and hammer out an agreement which substantially addresses the major issues. Given the volatility of the region, which has been made even worse by the Syrian conflict and the rise of Islamic State, the reduction of simmering tensions is only too welcome.

    If all the terms of the agreement are kept, it could head off the terrifying prospect of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. By curbing Iranian capacity to enrich uranium, reducing its stockpile of the material, and suspending the construction of heavy-water reactors for the next 15 years, all parties hope to reassure other nations, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia, that their fears of a nuclear-capable Iran are less justifiable.

    Iran’s resilience in the face of wide-ranging economic sanctions is commendable. By demonstrating that it cannot be cowed into submission, it has made a case for the superiority of negotiation over confrontation. However, it must now move away from the pattern of lying, deception and subterfuge which alarmed the world and entrenched the distrust of its enemies. As it enters into a post-sanctions era, it must seek to engage with the rest of the world on terms that do not include the sponsorship of militant and terrorist groups.

    For their part, the P5+1 must work to convince countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia to give the agreement time to work, regardless of their suspicions of Iranian intentions. The inclusion of so-called “snap back” provisions, which provide for the immediate restoration of sanctions in case of default, should be sufficiently reassuring.

    Even though it is not directly affected by the outcome, Nigeria should be alert to the wider implications of the nuclear deal. Iran is a major oil exporter; the removal of sanctions is very likely to enable it to increase its oil-production and export capacity. At the very least, the prospect of a sanctions-free Iran could further weaken already-low oil prices, thereby compounding the woes of a nation already struggling with sharply reduced revenues.

    Given the likelihood of this scenario, the Federal Government would do well to establish measures that would reduce any adverse effects to the barest minimum. It is essential that the current steps being taken to enhance local refining capacity are redoubled, as well as policies aimed at diversifying the economy and making it less dependent on oil.

  • ‘Switching profession gave me my breakthrough’

    ‘Switching profession gave me my breakthrough’

    After years of studying Mining Engineering in the university, Kayode Owolabi was certain he would get himself a plum job when he finally left the university.

    But he was dead wrong. Four years after graduation, his dreams for a good life were everything but light years away. Life was no doubt difficult as he waited for the opportunity. But rather than wallow in self-pity or remained cocky about his academic attainment, he had a quick rethink and explored other areas, a decision he still appreciates till today. Luck would smile on him when he eventually got a job in the engineering department of cement company.

    But a somewhat unimportant incident led him to make a rethink about his future. Reminiscing about that day, he said: “Let me tell you my story. I was working with that cement company as an engineer. I was working under a Works Manager who later became the chief operating officer. Now, there was one finance director at the time. He was a chartered accountant, so anytime something happened, he would threaten to resign.”

    While the finance director, a chartered accountant, saw himself as a super star, Owolabi could not comprehend why a single person would so rate himself. “People would say: ‘Ah, this man must not resign: if he did, we will feel the pitch.’ I was asking myself: ‘Are you saying this man is working more than the works manager?’ My works manager would get to the office at 7 am and he would not leave till midnight. I was asking myself, who is this finance director? They said he was a chartered accountant.

    “So, I was curious; I was told that I could become a chartered accountant through any of these accounting firms. And I said if that is the case, I could become a chartered accountant too.” That particular incident ensured that the young Owolabi would double his efforts until he became a chartered accountant in 2000. Soon after, he joined Balogun Badejo & Co as a chartered accountant.

    Transmuting from one profession to another could be tasking and difficult, but Owolabi was lucky. “Yes it was not difficult. Thank God, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria is open to all the disciplines, as

    long as you are a graduate, you are free to take it, irrespective of your discipline.”

    That decision to become an accountant was no doubt a lucky break for him, as it has opened many doors for him. It also availed him the opportunity of getting the best of trainings in the United States, Britain and South Africa, among other countries. He is also a non-executive director of many organisations.

    Owolabi, the current President of Rotary Club Omole, Lagos, started his accounting career when he joined Balogun Badejo & Co, an accounting firm. He was at HOPE Worldwide Nigeria for 10 years as director finance and administration. There, he was responsible for instituting a structure for sound financial management.

    However, despite his seeming lucky ride in life, Owolabi confessed that he has seen the good , the bad and the ugly side of life. “Well, everybody has his ups and downs. After graduation, I had some challenges. I read engineering, but it was difficult getting a job. I was home for a period of time, and I can tell you that it wasn’t pleasant to stay at home for about four years. But it was also one of those things that actually motivated me to change my course of study.

    “My father happened to be a transport magnate. We enjoyed the privilege of being taken to school in a car, which was something to show off in those days. But beyond that, I’ve tasted both sides. At a time, my father was distressed and I experienced what could be described as going through hardship… My father had always advised me to be straight to people, do good to people, give people money and that it is always good to give. Perhaps such things have influenced me. “Owolabi has also kept to his father’s advice. “Yes, I have remained rigid in keeping to my father’s advice.

    You must give people and learn to share. If not, the person that you are unable able to rescue today may be the one that will violate you in the future. Anything that you can do to prevent such violation in future, it is better for you to do it now.”

    As president of Rotary Club, he also has interest in the vulnerable groups in the society. “For me in particular, I’m passionate about reduction in maternal and child mortality. That is my area of focus. This year, we are planning to give a minimum of three incubators and six photo therapy machines to General Hospital, Ifako, Ijaye. As we speak, we have done one incubator and two photo therapies. And before the end of the year, we have committed ourselves to the fact that we are going to give two additional incubators and four photo therapy machines.

    “There are some things we cannot joke with, and I think preservation of life should concern everybody. That is why I’m so passionate about the vulnerable group like women and children. I am quite passionate about them because they are the future leaders of this country.”

    It is natural to dedicate time for leisure, but Owolabi finds it difficult to draw a line between work and leisure. He confessed that he does not have a particular time for leisure, because, according to him, unwinding is an ongoing thing.”It is part of the job because in each of our meetings, there must be something to chew and something to water it down. The life of an executive is a very busy one life, but in between, you must unwind.

    “I attended a training program me in South Africa, and there were two things I was told: ‘As an executive or a manager, you are to read and you are to attend meetings.

    When you are reading, you are gaining knowledge, when you are attending meetings, you are disseminating knowledge’. I took it quite seriously, and that is exactly what I do. After work, we hang out.

    “I’m a very passionate person. So I have deliberately tuned off my interest in football. I used to play ball. My mother prevented me from playing football for whatever reason. Cleverly, she introduced me into playing tennis.

    And eventually, I became a very good tennis player. But I don’t have anything to do with these European clubs because I don’t want to have heart attack; I don’t want to die before my time. I deliberately avoid watching those

    matches.”

  • APC: A major breakthrough for opposition

    APC: A major breakthrough for opposition

    The registration of the mega party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has set the stage for a titanic battle for power at the federal and state levels in the next general elections, reports Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU.

    The opposition has delivered its new baby without complication. The midwife, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which provided the atmosphere for safe delivery, said that the child birth was without a prolonged labour. Its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, also affirmed that the new platform met the requirements laid down by the constitution. This confirmation has dismissed the claim of the brains behind the unregistered rival organisation falsely laying claim to its acronym, the APC.

    The birth of the APC may have instantly changed the political calculus. The numerical strength of its senators and House of Representatives members may rob the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of a two-third majority in the National Assembly. As more PDP legislators are likely to defect to the new party, owing to the protracted crises in the ruling party, it is projected that the PDP may ultimately become a nominal majority party in the parliament.

    The country may be heading towards a two party system, the presence of the mushroom parties merely warming the INEC register notwithstanding. In 2015, PDP and APC will clash during the historic popularity test. What will definitely shape the contest are the core issues, especially the power of ideas, manifestos, pedigrees of the flag bearers, and antecedents of the parties. Nigerians, analysts argue, would have the opportunity to choose between the party that has held sway for 14 years without resolving the challenges of nation-building and development and a platform that has not been tested with power at the centre.

    The prelude to the 2015 battle will be the governorship elections in Anambra State in November 16 and in Osun and Ekiti states next year.

    To observers, Nigeria is on the threshold of history. The leaders of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have achieved what the giants of history; the first generation of political leaders and their lieutenants, could not achieve in the First and Second republics.

    From this week, APC became a promising party. The enthusiasm and ecstasy cut across the political divide. As an association, it was projected as a party of ideas. Judging by the antecedents of some of its leaders, it is likely to be an ideological platform offering shades to critical progressives, who are fed up with the boring social condition. Being the product of a determined effort at forging unity and cohesion among the scattered leftist politicians canvassing an alternative route to federal power, it will also premise its intervention in national affairs on its unquestionable national outlook.

    Reality had dawned on the opposition that, despite its poor record in power, PDP can only be dislodged by the combined forces. The prospect of an alternative platform has ultimately rekindled the hope that the opposition can overcome the weakness imposed by their slight differences. Brimming with optimism few months ago, the former ACN National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, one of the arrowheads of the new party, submitted that, ahead of the proposed general elections, APC would be perceived as a government in waiting. His compatriot, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the defunct CPC, also attested to its potentials, saying that the opposition can now bark and bite. The result, he said, is good governance. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said that the Goliath of Nigeria now has a stone to contend with.

    The Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr. Ayo Opadokun, predicted that the polity would not be the same again, with the emergence of a credible alternative platform. The chance of rigging is slim, he said, adding that democracy will be further nourished by the role of opposition in popular rule. Also, APC chieftain Senator Anie Okonkwo hailed the birth of the party, saying that it will energise the opposition and strengthen its bid for power. He said the performance of the APC governors in their respective states would persuade and convince Nigerians that a vote for the party would not be in vain.

    Tinubu has said that APC was formed in the national interest. He explained that the leaders of the merging parties decided to forfeit their platforms, sink their slight differences and make sacrifice for the country. From that declaration, it is evident that the leaders are ready to make more sacrifices, ahead of 2015.

    Many have argued that it may be difficult to accurately forecast what the future holds for the APC. The future is more challenging than the past and present. The first step to the future is that the leaders of the three parties that have wounded up should also be prepared to frontally confront the challenge of collective migration to the new fold. They must manage the adjustment to change.

    Remarkably, following their terminal conventions, ACN, ANPP, CPC and the section of APGA onvolved in the merger never abandoned the brainstorming sessions. The eclipse of the parties heralded the setting up of the interim administrative committee for the APC. The interim leadership reflects the spread of the party across the six geo-political zones. Although the announcement generated some skirmishes, it was not essentially destabilising. What was at work was the internal crisis resolution mechanism in the fold and the mutual trust among the founding fathers. It is great lesson in party management. Conflict is part of politics, but it should not be allowed to fester to the level of becoming a threat to the existence of the organisation.

    Now that APC has come on board, how to formalise its state, local and ward structures is the next prime assignment. The inaugural national convention of the party may hold in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). There, the party will be formally presented to Nigerians. Instructively, the three defunct parties and groups that formed the APC are not equal in strength. If the leaders and members of the collapsed parties and groups retain their old identities in the new fold, APC may pale into a big party polarised by caucuses. Therefore, in setting up party leadership structures, not only are the arrowheads and their followers expected to make more sacrifices, they should also begin to build a party culture of equity, fairness and justice in matters relating to the choice of party officers.

    It will be counter-productive for the APC members to relate to the new organisation as chieftains of the old ACN, ANPP, CPC and APGA. The party should not be a party of senior and junior partners, but an organisation offering the opportunity for all members to grow, mature and advance without let and hindrances.

    Eyes are also on APC as it brainstorms on the choice of its presidential candidate and his running mate. The flag bearer will mirror the platform, its manifestos ethos, values and promise. Whoever will emerge is important, but how he emerges is more important. Without doubt, the new party faces the elementary test of internal democracy. The various positions and approaches germane to choice of leadership selection of candidates and shadow election should be harmonised without internal bickering and bitterness. If the party puts its house in order at that level and there is no post-primary crisis, it will be fortified to forge ahead for the most critical battle.

    The task of mobilising for power shift in 2015 is critical. Many believe that the next general elections would be issue-driven. The issue-oriented campaign is the hallmark of the progressive party. Judging by the national mood, ahead of the contest, the core issues would be elevated over and above personalities. But observers also point out that the APC leaders also have an unfinished business. They need to press vigorously for more electoral reforms and insist on the sanctity of the ballot box.

    Many observers are of the opinion that the APC leaders should be vigilant. It is still a delicate moment. It is a critical stage of transition. The road to the promise land is laced with thorns. Without doubt, all the chieftains may not reach the political Canaan. Recently, it was reported that a chieftain of one of the defunct parties that subscribed to the merger had turned around to mobilise support for President Goodluck Jonathan. The PDP, which is made up of the advocates of one-party system, retention of federal power for 60 years and “operation capture 32 states”, cannot not be aloof to the threat. It will definitely bare its fangs.

    Observers contend that the ruling party may turn the heat on the APC through intimidation, harassment and blackmail. Pockets of dissention among the co-travelers should be envisaged and be properly managed within the parties in alliance to prevent the gravitation of party members to the party in power at the centre.

    What will sustain the young platform is the commitment of the merger drivers. But the political brand should always be sensitive to the machinations of its ardent enemies. To succeed, the APC family must work hard. As one of its leaders, Tinubu, has often remarked, power is not served alacarte.