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Tag: Chambers

  • Unending renovation of the hallowed chambers

    Unending renovation of the hallowed chambers

    The renovation of the National Assembly Complex, whose contract was awarded by the Federal Capital Development Authority was supposed to be completed on August 18, 2023. With the commencement of the renovation work, the Senate and the House of Representatives could not use their chambers. They had to resort to using a temporary chamber for their plenary activities. The inauguration of the 10th Assembly also took place in the makeshift chambers. While the Senate is accommodated in one room, the House of Representatives has to make do with two spaces because of their number. A month after the scheduled completion date, there are no signs that the lawmakers will commence plenary in their chambers when they resume from break. SANNI ONOGU, TONY AKOWE and NICHOLAS KALU report.

    The members of the 10th National Assembly, who are currently observing their first annual vacation, are expected to resume plenary on Tuesday, September 26.

    However, just before the National Assembly went on recess in August, a mild drama played out during plenary on the floor of the House of Representatives. There was uproar as new members of the House protested and stormed out of the upper floor serving as their second chamber. They all besieged the ground floor chamber where the presiding officer could see and hear all. Their grievance was that they were kept in a place where they could not be heard.

    This was because the chamber that members of the House of Representatives use is a makeshift space because the main chamber had been closed since April 2022. Its closure was to enable comprehensive reconfiguration and renovation works to be carried out. The makeshift plenary space in the House of Representatives is located on two floors which used to serve as the main conference rooms of the House. These are Hearing Rooms 018 and 231.

    Since all the lawmakers could not be accommodated in the main hall where the presiding officer sits, some lawmakers had to spill over to the second hall, a floor after the first, to enable them to participate in the proceedings.

    The same applies to the Senate where Hearing Room 022 has been converted to a makeshift plenary chamber since April 2022. It was also used for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly due to rehabilitation works.

    While 109 Senators conducted their plenary in Hearing Room 022 in the Senate’s new building, 360 members of the House of Representatives had to combine halls on two floors due to their number.

    The difficulty of being in the second hall is that all lawmakers on the second floor have to follow proceedings of plenary sittings from a television screen as if they are “observers.”

    The attention of the presiding officer is often not on them; hence those sitting there hardly contribute to debates, support motions or raise a point of order.

    As a result of this, first-term lawmakers who occupy the upper floor felt they were being unduly undermined and shut out of the proceedings because, in their thinking, they are ‘fresher.’

    However, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who presided on that day, assured that the challenge would soon be over when members of the House resume sitting in the main Chamber after their annual vacation.

     The problem of a cramped space is just one of many challenges that have arisen due to the renovation of Phase One (White House Wing) of the National Assembly.

    A leaking parliament

    Before the commencement of the renovation work, members of the House are, literally speaking, drenched whenever it rains. Nigerians were treated to the shameful spectacle of a flooded National Assembly foyer and adjoining offices as cleaners worked frantically with mops, packers and buckets to salvage the situation.

     Respite only came when the downpour ceased. The situation had sometimes disrupted legislative activities. The chambers are not often spared. In addition to the leakages, the cooling system in the chambers packed up, forcing lawmakers to use papers to fan themselves.

     The National Assembly Complex is a magnificent building. It evokes a sense of grandeur whenever it is approached through its spacious ceremonial foreground. But, such feelings begin to dissipate as one enters its expansive foyer.

     As one steps into the lobby before the renovation commenced, the first sign of a lack of proper maintenance of the grand edifice was the cobwebs that perennially hung in the dome overhead. Besides, other embarrassing sights as the one created by water leakages during a downpour only emphasised how urgently the structure needed repair work.

     Many offices in the complex kept standby buckets to collect rainwater oozing out of crevices whenever it drizzled. Even the hallowed chambers were not spared due to excessive heat that assailed lawmakers due to a dysfunctional central cooling system. Most of the walls within the building had been defaced as a result of water leakages.

     The leadership of the National Assembly had consistently pointed out that the maintenance of the complex is the responsibility of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

    The controversy

    In the 2020 budget, N37 billion was allocated for the renovation of the complex. However, the amount generated public outrage. The amount was, however, not applied as the project did not commence partly due to the lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic. The amount was eventually slashed to N9 billion following a review of the budget of that year.

    The President of the 9th Senate, Ahmad Lawan and the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila had, upon resumption of office in 2019, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the building and saw the level of dilapidation. He said it was based on this that the budget of N37 billion was arrived at and sent to the Presidency for necessary approval for the rehabilitation of the complex. Lawan said that though the money was reduced to N9 billion, it was yet to be released.

     The then Senate’s spokesman, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, who is the current National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, had also said the complex had not witnessed any major maintenance since it was constructed. He also claimed that even with the reduction of the proposed N37 billion to N9 billion for the rehabilitation of the structure, the money was yet to be released.

    Basiru had also stressed that the National Assembly administration and its leadership are not responsible for the maintenance and renovation of the complex as wrongly believed in many quarters. This, he also pointed out, was the responsibility of the FCDA.

    On its part, the FCDA had attributed the delay in awarding a contract for rehabilitation of the roof of the complex to the Federal Executive Council.

    The FCDA statement by its Public Relations Officer, Richard Nduul said: “The attention of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has been drawn to the recent flooding of the lobby of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja resulting from leakages from the roof. Our findings indicate that the leakages are traceable to blockages of drainage leading to seepage of water through expansion joints in the roof slab.

    “Full waterproofing of the roof of the White House building is a major aspect of the proposed renovation of the National Assembly Complex.

     The management of the National Assembly approached the FCDA in 2019 for a total rehabilitation and upgrading of the complex to bring it in tune with parliamentary buildings around the world.

     “The contract is currently undergoing a procurement process in line with the Procurement Act of 2007 and will, therefore, be awarded as soon as it is concluded in conformity with the requirements of the Act and also considering all other relevant parameters.

    “The FCDA, therefore, assures that when the time comes, this project will be executed meticulously in order to ensure that the country gets value for the funds that will be expended; as this has been the tradition with every other assignment which the Authority has undertaken.”

    The scope of work and cost of the project

    During the official handing over of the project to the contractor in April 2022, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Hadi Ahmad, represented by the Acting Director of Public Buildings, Adebowale Ademo listed the scope of work to be carried out during the renovation.

     Adebowale said: “The renovation will comprise the two plenary chambers of the National Assembly as well as the office buildings housing the office accommodation for the Senators and members of the House of Representatives.

     “The scope of what is to be done in this phase one of the works entails making the roof watertight. There have been several inconveniences of roof leakages experienced in the past and one of the major areas of attention is to redress the roof leakages and make the entire roof of the White House water-tight.

    Read Also: Enang assures Eno, A’Ibom House Assembly of collaboration

     “Next is the cooling system. Some of the Committee Rooms and central lobbies have faced challenges of temperature regulation because some of the chillers are out of service.

     “The contract entails the replacement of some of the chillers and rehabilitation of those that are in good condition to make them work properly.

     “We also have, as part of the scope, the replacement of lifts that are inoperable in the White House as well as in the House of Representatives and in the new Senate Wing.                                                                                                                                                                                “Beyond that, work will be done in the toilet areas to ensure the plumbing and the equipment and fittings are in proper condition. In addition, work will be done to address challenges of the extra low voltage equipment, the public address system and the fire safety installations.

     “These works will entail rehabilitation and upgrading to make them state of the art and ready for use looking at today’s technology.

     “Most critical of all, is the reconfiguration and the upgrading of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

     “The reconfiguration works involve extending the sitting terraces to provide more comfortable sitting and also provide a worktop where the legislators can sit and work in a very comfortable manner.

    “Beyond that, the entire ambience of the space is going to be transformed. We are hopeful that, at the end of the works, we will have a new and very efficient working environment for our Senators as well as the members of the House of Representatives.

     “This covers the essential scope of what needs to be done and what is going to be done during this renovation work.

     “As I said earlier, it is a major intervention. It is comprehensive and the intention is to restore the building to its original status and also to upgrade it so that the facilities and equipment therein will match any in any parliament in the world.”

     Expectations

    The Clerk to the National Assembly, Ojo Olatunde Amos, who was represented by the Secretary of Estate and Works, Bashir Yero said the National Assembly Complex will remain a place to be in terms of legislators’ comfort after the renovation.

     He said the renovation of the National Assembly was long overdue. The complex, when completed, will give a physiological boost to lawmakers, members of staff and visitors, including Parliamentary reporters.

     Yero said: “We believe by the time this project is completed, the National Assembly will certainly be a place to be in terms and our legislators will be more than happy to have an enhanced environment, especially the chambers.”

     The Managing Director of the firm handling the renovation, Messrs. Visible Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Olalekan Adebiyi said the work would be done speedily.

     Adebiyi said: “We are ready to move with good speed. We are ready to work day and night because we know the challenges ahead.

     “Everything we have to do, we have to do fast considering the fact that the legislators have to vacate the main chambers to a temporary place for us to work.

     “So, we know what it is and we are ready to face the challenge and do whatever we have to do very fast so that we can deliver in a good time.”

     Ultimately, the renovation of the National Assembly Complex is expected to bring about some major changes which include:

     Improved infrastructure: The renovation work is expected to improve the infrastructure of the National Assembly Complex, making it more conducive to legislative activities.

     Enhanced security: It is also expected to enhance the security of the National Assembly Complex, making it safer for lawmakers, members of staff and visitors.

     Modern facilities: The renovation work is expected to provide modern facilities within the complex such as state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to enhance the legislative process and enhance workspaces inside the main chambers.

    Improved aesthetics: It is expected to improve the aesthetics of the National Assembly Complex, making it more visually appealing.

     Increased comfort: The renovation work is expected to increase the comfort of lawmakers, members of staff and visitors to the complex, by providing better ventilation, lighting and seating arrangements for lawmakers.

    Cost of the project and scope of work

    The immediate past Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello on Thursday, July 21 2022 said the ongoing rehabilitation of the National Assembly Complex would cost N30 billion.

     Bello made the revelation while addressing Senators during an oversight function by the Senate Committee on the FCT, in Abuja. The former minister noted that, out of the N30, 229, 290,830.35 contract sum meant to carry out the rehabilitation, N9.2 billion had been paid to the contractor; leaving an outstanding balance of N21.029 billion.

     He said the National Assembly Phase II popularly known as “the White House” was maintained from 1996 to 1999 by ITB Nigeria Limited.

     “The commencement date was April 16, 2022, and it is expected to be completed on August 15, 2023,” Bello said.

    Rehabilitation work commences

    The rehabilitation work on the complex began around the middle of 2022 with an August 2023 completion date.

     The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila who is now the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during an inspection in August last year, urged the contractors handling the project to ensure it was done in record time. But this has not been the case. He had warned that the quality of work must not be compromised.

     “This work started in August, a few weeks behind schedule, but for a good reason. So far, between August and now, giant strides have been made; you can see the whole chamber has been ripped apart and the innovations are going to be state-of-the-art,” Gbajabiamila had said.

    Problems arise

    In July this year, after the rehabilitation work had reached an advanced stage with the expectation of the August deadline, it was realised that the problem of leakage still persisted.

     The contractor claimed it was working hard to ensure that the leakage of the National Assembly dome ceased. The firm said this in a statement in July 2023 in Abuja by its Project Engineer, Tajudeen Olanipekun.

    Challenges

    Five major challenges that have militated against the completion of the job, according to findings by our correspondents include: 

    Funding: Work on the project has been plagued by poor funding, which has slowed down the pace of work. A source close to the Contractors said, that apart from the N9.2 billion advanced to the firm last year, nothing substantial has been accessed from the outstanding balance of N21.029 billion.

     Again, the widening gap between the exchange rate of the Naira and the Dollar is said to be a major challenge to the firm as the quoted sum is no longer sufficient to complete the project. The contractor was said to have approached the FCDA authorities several times for an upward review of the cost in view of current realities. This is yet to be granted.

     Design changes: There have been several design changes during the renovation project, which have led to delays and additional costs.

     Weather conditions: The rainy season has also slowed down the pace of work, as construction work is difficult to be carried out during heavy rainfall. These challenges have continued to militate against the completion of the renovation project.

    No known date of completion

    It is not clear what percentage of the rehabilitation has been done. The exterior of the three domes of the chambers has been worked on while the entire exterior and interior of the White House Complex is being repainted with its traditional white colour. Several elevators which were hitherto moribund are undergoing refurbishment and replacement. The carpet grasses in some parts have been removed and fresh ones planted while varieties of flowers have been introduced. Besides, new Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) are visible both within and in the surroundings of the White House complex.

    However, it is apparent, according to the contractors; a completion date is unknown as the rains are still on.

     As the lawmakers are expected to resume on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, it is obvious that members would still have to make do with the makeshift plenary spaces they have been using since inauguration.

     One hopes that the renovation will be completed as soon as possible so that life at the complex will return to normal. Nigerians do not wish that completion of the project would become indefinite as many Federal Government projects.

  • German firms, chambers boost vocational skills in Nigeria

    The Federal Republic of Germany, in conjunction with Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK), Nigeria; Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI), Nigerian German Business Association (NGBA) Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Abuja and Ogun States (ACCI and OGUNCIMA) are wrapping up activities to sustain Dual Vocational Training in the country.

    German Government introduced German Dual Vocational Training Partnership with Nigeria (G-DVTPW-N) programme in Nigeria in 2012 with the sole aim of raising employability bar of Nigerian youths, reduce poverty and afterwards boost Gross Domestic Products in the country.

    The sustainability move followed indication that German Government may withdraw its active funding of the programme after 2018.

    To sustain the programme beyond 2018, the Assistant Coordinator of the project, Segun Okejimi, hinted that, “Permanent Working Group, comprising of top members and  decision makers, carefully selected from the public and  private sectors have been constituted to work on the  sustainability measures  beyond 2018, through private-public dialogue, PR strategy, design of framework conditions among  others.”

    In a similar statement, he said, National Board of Technical Education is fully aware of the programme, adding that significant progress has been made in recent months for the accreditation of the programme.

    In a statement of assurance to back the sustainability of the programme, Chairman, Board of Business Education, Services and Training, LCCI, Soboma Ajumogobia, expressed that, “Our Nigerian partners will rise to the unique challenge of shouldering the onerous responsibility for this important project and also for sustaining it in the years and decades ahead of 2018 as we collectively strive to build a critical mass of competitive, productive and highly skilled workers.”

    Giving an update on the programme, the G-DVTPW-N project Coordinator, Engr. Kehinde Stephen Awoyele, informed that first phase of the project ran successfully from 2012-2015, and it is now in the second phase that will terminate in 2018.”

    Speaking in the same, vein he said, “The project had been largely financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and conducted by sequagGmbH. It’s steered by the CCI Giessen-Friedberg as the German project partner.”

    He highlighted 70% -75% In-company-hands-on (practical) training and 25%- 30% class theory as one of the dynamic features of the programme.

    Okejimi specifically informed that, 180 trainers were trained in Lagos, 72 in Abuja, and 69 in Abeokuta.

    According to the information from the office of the Project Coordinator, Engr. Awoyele, Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or National Technical Certificate (NTE)/National Business Certificate is the basic entrance requirement for the partnership programme focusing on Office Administration, Industrial Mechanics, Industrial Electronics and Technical Facility Management professions.

    While making a case for the training, in a statement during a graduation ceremony held in Abuja for the second batch of youths trained in Technical Facility Management, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Bernhard Schlagheck, noted that “Dual Vocational Training System is the commonest  form  of vocational training in Germany. Dual in this context means a combination of practical, on-the-job training and theoretical education at a vocational school, ensuring a proper balance of theory and practice.”

  • Libya’s death chambers

    Libya’s death chambers

    The search for the golden fleece or greener pastures did not start today. In the past, our fathers embarked on journeys to distant places to better their lot. They travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States (US) mostly. Those countries were then ever ready to welcome strangers and a lucky traveller could end up taking up the citizenship of either country. But the trips were planned ahead of time. The traveller did not just wake up and embark on the journey.

    It was something the entire family even knew about. Thus, in some cases, it was done with fanfare. “Our son is travelling to obodo oyinbo”, the proud parents will announce to wellwishers, who will in turn pray for his safe return after a successful sojourn abroad. But now, things have changed. Many of our youths travel out of the country without their parents’ knowledge. To them, there is nothing wrong in that. Their argument is that since the society has failed them, they should be allowed to take their destiny in their own hands.

    Nobody is quarrelling against that since their parents took similar actions in the past in order to make it in life. What many are saying is that these youths should look before they leap. Unfortunately, they are just taking the plunge without a deep thought. Whereas in the past, our fathers had well laid out plans before going abroad, the same is not the case today. The difference is in our youths’ craze for fast buck. They believe that the streets of London, New York and Rome are paved with gold, which are there for the picking.

    And without giving it a thought, they jump at any invitation to travel to Europe – where they believe it is very easy to make it. In the past, our fathers had their credentials with which they could further their education abroad. Again, the same cannot be said of many of our youths who are desperate to go abroad to seek better life. What better life are they going to look for without first laying the proper foundation at home? The sordid tales by returning Nigerians from Libya in the past few weeks have brought to the fore our failure as a nation.

    In many of our compatriots’ desperation to cross to Europe, they went through Libya or the Mediterranean Sea. Before leaving home, they are told that they will pass through Libya because it is an easy route to Europe. Since they are already dreaming of Europe, they accept what the intermediaries call the ‘’terms and conditions’’ of the trip. The terms are usually killing, but because they think they are smart, they do not bat an eyelid before agreeing to them and by so doing, they unknowingly sign their death warrants. It is when they get to Libya that the reality of their foolhardiness usually dawns on them, but by then, it is too late to reverse the situation.

    They end up in slave camps, prostitution houses and other dark places where life is brutish and short. They found themselves in trouble because they wanted a short cut to Europe. There is no short cut to greatness. It is either you work and pray for it or go through hell if you want to short circuit the process. It is a shame that as big as we are as a country, we cannot cater for our citizens. This is the reason for the mad rush abroad. But it is not enough reason for people to walk into fire with their eyes wide open. This is what those trying to cross into Europe through Libya or the Mediterranean are doing. They are paying a big price for their actions. A girl said she slept with 18 men in one night and was paid N15,000 out of which her sponsor took N10,000, leaving her with N5000. Yet, she did not get to Europe, the continent of her dream.

    A man said he watched Nigerian girls being raped by some Arabs. Many were impregnated, with some returning home, clutching their babies. Many are wont to blame the government for their nasty experience, like one of the returnees, who noted ‘’…the truth is this country has nothing to offer us. Those that have various degrees are on the streets, no jobs for them. The attempt to travel to foreign land is as a result of bad leadership…’’ If things are rosy at home, many would not seek to go out in search of a better life. We are a blessed nation which should be the envy of others. But we have misused our God given resources and made our citizens objects of ridicule  in Libya and other parts of the world.

    Many of our compatriots’ experience in Libya should ginger the government into action to turn things around for the betterment of society. If virtually all the returnees’ plaintive cries do not touch the government’s heart, nothing will ever move it to reshape the country for the greater good of all.

  • How to achieve positive result from negative situation, by Chambers

    Being excerpts of Prof Andrew Chambers interview on the forthcoming conference on strategic leadership for result-driven change management bill for May 24 and 25 at the Lagos residence of the British High Commissioner

    WHAT is TEXEM all about?

    These Executive Minds (TEXEM) pride themselves on their ability to customise programmes for their clients and TEXEM have a deep understanding of Africa. Also, Texem and its world class faculty partners have a very good grasp of contextual realities of operating in developing countries. Those developing countries which may be ahead of Africa (in some cases) have similar features, vis-a-vis, fragile institutions, limited infrastructure and the huge size of government. TEXEM’s forthcoming programme on Strategic Leadership for Results Driven Change Management, would be delivered by me and Clive Carpenter, Vice Chair, Business Council for Africa, at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence on the 24th and 25th of May.

    Executives and development of fresh ideas.

    Take time out to think, ask the right questions, meet with peers and stakeholders-customers, regulators and employees at all levels including those at the shop floor. Attend a TEXEM training. Empower people to share ideas, develop an organisational ecosystem that generates ideas by creating the culture, structure and process that nurtures ideas. This would help create a system that pressure tests ideas so that great ideas and innovation can flow. If you were starting this business afresh, what would be different? Listen to what others say.

    Steps to inspire leaders  in a recession.

    Whether markets are going up or down, there are always short and long term opportunities. Emphasize to your leaders that they should view the world this way.

    Developing skill to manage  organisations better.

    Practice makes perfect. But first know yourself-be self-aware and know the skills you need. Then, work on building your skills-deficit. Don’t stay within your comfort zone. Encourage others to be frank about your leadership.

    Achieving superlative  growth in turbulent times

    Turbulence means opportunity. First, brainstorm to determine where the opportunity lies for superlative growth. Boldly and quickly cut back on investment (and save costs) where opportunity for growth is low or non-existent; but try to retain market share and market presence until the upturn comes. Look after your cash flow.

    Inspiring change at a time of low morale.

    Lots of ways…. comes down to leadership, including making painful decisions. Early and timely wins will inspire confidence and lift morale. The quality of information available to the board and to top management is important. Always communicate transparently with those impacted. Be fair.

    Board leadership and implementation of fresh strategy.

    It is a key question how boards know that their policies are being implemented as intended by management. First, the board must be clear to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) what is expected. Secondly, the board must give the CEO the resources and encouragement he/she needs. The board must meet sufficiently frequently and must regularly receive the information it needs. The board should look for assurances from other parties apart from the CEO and top executives – such as consultants, internal audit, risk management, external audit and so on. Directors should never settle for opaque or non-existent explanations, and must come down hard when the executive springs surprises upon the board. Board members, including non-executive directors, should visit sites and customers, and be seen around at HQ – not just attend board meetings. And so on.

    Achieving positive results from a negative situation.

    If you have got this far, it means you know what the negatives are, and what a positive result would look like. So, you are half way there! Get your teams focusing on eliminating the negatives and leveraging off what will lead to positive results. Hold them to account. No room for backsliding! Praise success to reinforce it.

    Views on organisational challenges in Nigeria?

    It seems to me that Nigerian organisations have challenges which are rooted in broader economic and societal challenges – such as a weak currency, an unbalanced economy, weak government, high unemployment, corruption, the vestiges of tribalism, civil strife. These challenges are not unique to Nigeria of course. Everyone knows that Nigeria’s potential is immense.

    Resolving the challenges.

    A big question, but the answer is to address each of the challenges in a determined way. Meanwhile, Nigerian organisations need to navigate their way through the maze of challenges. Good corporate social responsibility and enlightened corporate self-interest suggest a leadership role for Nigerian corporations to mitigate Nigeria’s economic and societal challenges.

    Benefits of TEXEM’s programme.

    Learn from leading international experts and network with today’s and tomorrow’s leaders. Find out what keeps others awake at night and how to sleep more soundly. Recharge your batteries.

    Striking a balance between risk management and innovation in a recession.

    Organisations need this balance at all times. Cars have brakes so that they can go faster. If you have truly identified your innovation risks, assessed them and put in place appropriate mitigation measures, you will be able to innovate safely within your risk appetite. You have no choice. You need to innovate always – especially in a recession. Good risk management is not just about managing threats (“downside risk”), it is also about anticipating future opportunities that may possibly arise and positioning the organisation to exploit them should they occur (“upside risk”), and that is all to do with innovation.

    Optimising decision-making process.

    The Nobel Prize winner, Herbert Simon coined the word ‘satisficing’ – that leaders tend to settle for ‘satisfactory’ not ‘optimal’ decisions. It is all about ‘limited cognitive capacity’ – we have tiny minds which can’t process the complexity of the information available in an efficient (optimal) way. Better use of IT (Information Technology) can help. Different situations demand different decision making processes as Vroom and Yetton and many others have shown. This is too big a subject to dispose of in a few words.

    Strategic leadership and result-driven change.

    Attend the forthcoming programme with TEXEM scheduled to come up on the 24th and 25th in Lagos. We are talking here about successful management of meaningful change. Again, a huge subject! In a few words, it is important to design very carefully a strategy for the future which is deliverable, and everyone needs to know what it is so that all pull in the right direction. Many boards have ‘away weekends’ to thrash out strategy. You need to assign responsibilities clearly and hold staff accountable. Targets should be set and results should be measurable and measured, as what is measured gets managed. That means that the leader(s) needs to monitor and oversee performance. In turn that needs timely and reliable information communicated clearly to the right people. There is much, much more to it than that, but that is a start.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Their Lordships’ chambers of secrecy

    Their Lordships’ chambers of secrecy

    His Lordship, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has spoken. From his sky-high pedestal in the hall of justice, he unequivocally declared that corruption is the major problem in the judicial branch of the government of Nigeria.

    Coming from the CJN, the declaration is a powerful self-indictment by the head of the arm of government that has the constitutional mandate to adjudicate with fairness and justice. The deliberateness of the symbol of justice as a blindfolded lady is unmistakable. Justice is not a respecter of persons. By the admission of the CJN, however, our system of justice is an exception to this age-old and universal expectation.

    “What do you expect?” a skeptical mind would ask. “The whole system is ridden with corruption and you expect the judiciary to be squeaky clean! Get a life!” It surely is an understandable response borne out of the frustration of the unconnected. But it would be a good response only if we had not been made to believe that in a democracy established on the rule of law, the judiciary is the last hope of citizens. As such, shouldn’t we rightly expect it to live up to that expectation? And if we don’t, is the recourse to self-help in the interest of anyone?

    Apparently in a moment of self-scrutiny, the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) has finally come to terms with the huge responsibility the constitution has placed upon it. As the watchdog of the judicial branch, the NJC has formulated the Nigerian Judicial Policy (NJP), which was launched on Monday, October 24 by the CJN.

    While the NJP was formulated and presented as a broad policy on the judicial branch, covering issues ranging from judicial appointment, judicial education, judicial code of conduct, to judicial discipline, it is the matter of judicial (mis)conduct and (in)discipline that received the most attention from the public. This is not a surprise, given the most recent allegations against some judicial officers, including justices of the Supreme Court.

    Yet, it is not the first time that the NJC has focused its attention on the matter of judicial discipline. Two years ago, on November 3, 2014, the former CJN, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, on behalf of the Council, released the 2014 National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations. Acknowledging that the constitution empowers the NJC to “exercise disciplinary control over judicial officers against whom allegation of misconduct has been made”, the document presented regulations that govern allegations and complaints of misconduct and the Council’s proceedings in dealing with them.

    Perhaps the most obvious and controversial difference between the 2014 document and the 2016 NJP is the glaring absence of a press gag in the former. The 2014 document contained 15 substantive sections, including the time limit within which a complaint must be made, form and initiation of complaint, preliminary complaint assessment committee, terms of reference of investigating committee, and report of investigating committee.

    A most charitable analysis of the 2014 document may conclude that it was an honest attempt to deal with a most difficult issue. On the one hand, it welcomed complaints against judicial officers, and it guaranteed an objective investigation of credible complaints against them. On the other hand, it strives to discourage frivolous complaints and abuse of the process. This was the rationale for the Preliminary Complaint Assessment Committee.

    The real question is the extent to which there was an alignment of the words of the document with the actions of those assigned the responsibility to investigate cases. In the case of an absence of consistency between the two, however, the document cannot be faulted. But from the fact that two years after its release, the public is not persuaded that there has been a visible improvement in the matter of judicial corruption, it is fair to conclude that the important weapon of deterrence has not been effective, either because those who were charged with the responsibility of investigating these cases have not been up to the task or the loopholes in the system have enabled the accused to outsmart them.

    Yet there have been cases where the NJC has controversially bared its fang to the detriment of justice and fairness. Recall the case of Justice Isa Salami of the Federal Court of Appeal whose complaint against the Chairman of the NJC at the time was handled in a most shoddy manner. That case tested the integrity of the system and the body that had the responsibility to protect it and it failed woefully. And because the ruling government of the day was neck deep in judicial corruption, it went along with the farce, soiling the entire system and eroding public confidence in the NJC itself.

    The Salami case was that of a highly-placed judicial officer complaining against the head of the judiciary and getting whipped as a result. The internal checks of the system failed and there are probably more of such that were not publicly known. The failure of internal checks is bound to attract external probing and that is exactly what happened, unfortunate as it is, with the DSS raid. Any democrat who believes in the doctrine of the separation of powers should naturally be enraged and alarmed at the development.

    The DSS is an agency of the executive branch. It is a dangerous threat to democratic norms for that branch to police another branch, especially the judicial branch. This is the task of the police or the EFCC, which are, at least, constitutionally established as independent bodies. Our constitution is inspired by the United States Constitution. This is why the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as the Federal Police, is constitutionally charged with such responsibilities in the U.S., and it is an equal opportunity crime buster whether in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches.

    Now, if the NJC 2014 document on judicial discipline did establish a framework for effectively countering judicial misconduct with provisions that respect transparency and fairness, the 2016 NJC Judicial Policy manages to take the path of darkness with its insertion of an oath of secrecy into the investigation of judicial malfeasance. And it is unfortunate that it is this aspect of the NJP that has stood out and has received the most coverage since the unveiling of the policy.

    In inaugurating its judicial policy and its ethics committee, NJC announced that petitions submitted to it must be kept under wraps until the conclusion of such investigations that it may decide to undertake. And even then, public disclosure of findings may only be allowed “subject to following the proper channels for such disclosure.” In other words, the public will be kept from knowing who is being investigated, for what he or she is being investigated, and the outcome of such investigation may either be known or unknown.

    Yet, as the CJN clearly states: “The National Judicial Policy is borne out of the realisation that the Nigerian Judiciary had been adversely affected by the absence of a clear, coordinated policy framework that defines its core morals, values, objects and aspirations.” Continuing, he declares that “corruption has serious implications for both the rule of law and access to justice, and must be fought both institutionally and individually. This is why the National Judicial Policy contains clear provisions restating the judiciary’s commitment to transparency and accountability.” How this commitment to transparency and accountability squares up with the resort to secrecy in the conduct of investigation into allegations of judicial corruption is a mystery!

    The matter cannot be glossed over. A few days before the launching of the NJP, the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) had taken the NJC to task on its (NJC) declaration that it had acted on all cases of allegations of misconduct against judicial officers. Against this declaration, CSNAC alleged that NJC had refused to investigate or sanction judges accused of corruption. The organisation cited 10 such cases which it alleged that NJC had refused to investigate. This was prior to the introduction of the new policy that bars the public from knowing about the existence of such allegations.

    With the new code of secrecy, may God help us.

  • Chambers of scandal

    Chambers of scandal

    •Nothing short of a thorough probe will do into the charges against Dogara and Jibrin

    Last month, The 8th National Assembly celebrated its first anniversary with a sundry list of bills it had passed — of which the 2016 Budget was perhaps the most significant – the bills it was processing, the motions it had approved, and with a declaration of commitment to serving the public interest.

    The speechifying and the self-adulation took place, however, under a dark cloud.

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has been standing trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on a charge of perjury and has sought every opportunity to turn it into a circus, without vacating his exalted chair, and without the Senate requesting him to do so in keeping with the best practices.

    As if that is not stain enough on the honour of the National Assembly, Dr Saraki and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, have been arraigned before another court along with other officials, charged with forgery.

    Again, instead of asking these officials to step aside while the trials last, Senate has desperately sought ways to squelch the process, including attempting to bully the Attorney-General of the Federation into discontinuing prosecution, and threatening to suspend those of its members who filed the legitimate complaint on which the indictments are grounded.

    The cloud over the National Assembly has now darkened with recent disclosures that officials of its second chamber, the House of Representatives, padded the national budget with spending measures designed not to advance the public interest but to enrich and empower themselves.

    Using underhanded methods, they insinuated into the budget an additional N480 billion in spending, at a time the national economy is reeling from the collapse of the oil market and  lurching into a recession.

    They arrive at this subversive consensus through a process reminiscent of a bazaar. Each member so minded conjures up a “constituency project”, and ensures funding for it under some omnibus head. But that is the only part of the process that may qualify for a low pass in transparency.

    From then on, it is usually a descent into brazen abuse of office and platform. The member chooses the project and produces a contractor — a front, and not infrequently a close relation – to execute it. The contractor collects the earmarked amount from the agency into whose budget the project has been insinuated, and delivers it to the sponsor back in the House.

    Rarely are the projects executed as specified, and more rarely still is anyone held to account. There is no mechanism to ensure compliance. The lawmaker is the originator and executor of the project as well as certifying authority.

    This practice, it is necessary to state, did not begin with the 8th National Assembly. But, as the former Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin has alleged, the present assembly has been following it in ways more brazen and ravenous.

    Of the N480 billion smuggled into the budget, N40 billion was apparently set aside for just one official of the House of Representatives, to be dispensed on dubious projects in his domain, Jibrin   said. This is one more indication of just how rife the system is with self-aggrandizement, if not outright corruption.

    Fighting back, senior officials of the House claim that Jibrin, who has since been sacked as chairman of the appropriations committee of the house, was responsible for the padding. Jibrin has released some documents that apparently back his case, with a promise to release more. As the drama unfolded, security officials moved in and sealed off the secretariat of the committee on appropriations, apparently to secure documents and computer records that will be required in an investigation.

    Nothing short of a full investigation into this tawdry business will do. The inquiry will have to go back to the time the practice started. Those who are found to have abused the public trust to enrich themselves should enjoy no parliamentary immunity for what is, at bottom, criminal behaviour.

    It is time to return the National Assembly from the house of scandal it has become to the house of law it was meant to be.

  • Lagos chambers names goodwill ambassadors

    Lagos chambers names goodwill ambassadors

    The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has unveiled Evangeline Wiles, Managing Director, Kaymu.com.ng amongst others, as an LCCI Goodwill Ambassador ahead of the 2014 Lagos International Trade Fair.

    The event held at the LCCI’s head office in Lagos.

    The LCCI Goodwill Ambassadors are inspirational people who share a commitment with the chamber of commerce and industry to develop and promote the Nigerian economy. They possess widely recognized talent in the business, arts, sciences, literature, entertainment, sports or other fields of public life and will help generate public awareness and understanding of trade, commerce and development causes, as well as inspire broad, positive, committed action in support of LCCI and LITF’S mandate and priorities.

    In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Trade Promotion Board, Chief Dr Michael Olawale Cole said: “The Goodwill Ambassadors have put the country first in everything they have done, I will not be surprised seeing them on TV for national honours.”

    Wiles, in her acceptance speech thanked the Chambers for deeming her worthy of being selected. “The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is known for promoting trade and entrepreneurship, which is at the core of Kaymu’s business model. I am committed to promoting SMEs in my service as an LCCI Goodwill Ambassador,” she stated.

    While giving a vote of thanks on behalf of other ambassadors, an upbeat Mr. Olisa Adibua, a media personality, said: “Today is a good day for me and my fellow Ambassadors, I am very happy and I look forward to working with the Chamber and promoting it.”

    Other ambassadors unveiled at the event include: Tuface Idibia, Toke Makinwa, Toolz, Kunle Afolayan, Vector, Brymo, Funke Okpeke , Managing Director, Mainone Cable, Martin Mabutho (GM, Marketing Mutichoice) and Lerin Davis.

  • Commonwealth Games 2014: Dwayne Chambers pulls out

    Commonwealth Games 2014: Dwayne Chambers pulls out

    Dwain Chambers has withdrawn from England’s men’s sprint relay squad for the Commonwealth Games.

    Team England announced a number of changes across a variety of sports on Tuesday, with the inclusion of 24-year-old Jess Tappin in place of Katarina Johnson-Thompson – hot favourite to win gold in Glasgow before pulling out on Monday due to a foot problem – also catching the eye.

    Chambers will focus on the individual 100 metres at next month’s European Championship in Zurich after pulling out of the Commonwealth 4x100m squad, with no replacement nominated by England Athletics.

    Laura Wake has been drafted in for the injured Meghan Beesley in the 400m hurdles, while Chris Thompson has been withdrawn from the 10,000m having not fully recovered from a lower leg injury.

    Kate Avery will compete in the 10,000m in place of Jo Pavey, who will still contest the 5,000m.

    In  cycling, Russ Downing has been selected to replace Jon Dibben in the men’s road race after

    Dibben withdrew due to a broken elbow. David Fletcher will no longer compete in the mountain bike event after a fall in training, with 2006 Commonwealth champion Liam Killeen stepping in.

    Judoka Caroline Kinnane has withdrawn from the -78kg event with a neck injury, being replaced by Katie-Jemima Yeats-Brown.