The Nation Newspaper

Tag: contenders

  • Of contenders for Anambra governor

    One of the confirmed truths that all contenders in the November 18, Anambra Governorship election must respect – whatever their political affiliations – is The Peter Obi Phenomenon. Love him, dislike him or pretend to be indifferent to him, no sane observer can honestly deny that Peter Obi set the real foundation for the multi-sectoral development of Anambra State. Under him Anambra State became the pride of everybody from the state and among friends of Anambra.

    Having been assured during electioneering in 2013 that sustainable development would continue in the spirit of the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), we supported Peter Obi’s successor, Chief Willie Obiano who is currently rounding off his tenure in Government House, Awka.

    The curious thing about the Obiano tenure was captured by the governorship aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Tony Nwoye. Dr. Nwoye, then of the PDP, revealed that when Obi sought re-election, he (Nwonye) played anti-party with some other PDP members for Obi to continue because he did well in his first term. In Obiano’s case, he continued, he expressed a shame that the outgoing governor has become an irreverent representative of Anambra North.

    Governor Obi’s legacy in the areas of infrastructural and human capital development, industrialization, social transformation, security of lives and property, healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and food security, transport, among others, easily stand him out to this day. Even as the Obiano administration has done everything possible to erase those accomplishments, they remain etched in the minds of the people.

    The church, traditional institutions and the aged, all attest to the fact that Obi was God’s response to the developmental yearnings of Anambrarians. All the political travails he survived are also pointers that God loves Anambra State. Were it constitutionally feasible, Anambrarians would have willingly extended Peter Obi’s tenure.

    Obi has since handed over to Willie Obiano who is about to face a re-election. While he tries to hinge his electioneering on nebulous achievements, the people of Anambra have been consistent in asking him to name them in concrete terms. Regrettably, his attainments in close to four years are the questionable fly-overs in Awka and his N20 million ‘Choose Your Project’ disbursements to the towns in the state.

    The fore-going certainly do not rate as achievements for a serious governor of a vibrant state like Anambra. Summed up, for instance, the N20 million gift to each of the towns cannot pay for the construction of one major road in the state. In a classic subterfuge to claim he had done something for each of the towns, the N20 million at best was used to complete small, on-going town projects and to spray-paint already completed projects.

    With his dismal performance, the people of Anambra State insist that the baton must change hands. Compelled by equity and justice, all seem to agree that though the people no longer want Obiano, a person from the North should be allowed another four-year term. Interestingly, the people of Anambra North acknowledge that if Obiano is given another four years in office, one of the consequences of his compounded failures is that he would be used to judge the people from the zone, which would be a permanent slur on them.

    In this light, Anambra North needs a responsible and tested hand to redeem them from the shame wrought by Obiano. What should agitate the average voter is who in this throng possesses the relevant academic qualifications, managerial skills, experience, capacity and ability to marshal out social and economic policies and programmes that can improve on, or at least, preserve the sterling legacies of Governor Obi

    To achieve this, Anambra does not need a maverick politician who would be too bogged down with party politics and intrigues that will leave him little or no time to attend to critical state matters. Peter Obi’s success derived mainly from the incontrovertible reality that while his contemporaries plotted and contrived how to bamboozle their ways through the next election, he was determined to let his projects campaign for him. This option paid off handsomely. I recall an incident in my village in January 2010 when a politician was trying to convince an old man to vote for a particular candidate. The octogenarian calmly replied: ”I have heard all you said about this your man but let us finish with this young man (referring to Governor Obi) who gave us drinking water, renovated our school and is constructing our only road. After that, you can then bring that your man who will distribute “aeroplanes” to everybody in the land”.

    Of all the front-runners in the November 18 governorship race, the only candidate really qualified to take over from Governor Obiano and correct his mal-administration is Oseloka Obaze. I personally followed his roles as the Secretary to the State Government and I am convinced that he has the capacity to deliver good governance to the people. In terms of track record and rich experience in the management of human and material resources coupled with the requisite educational background, Obaze is the man.

    Going through Obaze’s CV, there is no doubt it is the richest among those contesting for Governor. However, some of us – knowing that a rich CV is not all it takes, as we painfully discovered in the case of Willie Obiano – have also seen Obaze in action. We observed his performance as SSG and as head of many critical committees in the Obi administration, and how he delivered beyond the call of duty. We have also heard a lot about him from his colleagues in the United Nations system and those that served with him in the government of Anambra State. All the evidences point to a man who is principled, ready to serve with sincerity of purpose and contented.

    Under the Obiano administration – with a collection of over 1,000 ‘aides’ – Anambra has been fast losing it. How do we explain that we are now associated with drinking orgies, propagation of falsehoods, lack of accountability, descent from a financial buoyancy to a debt-ridden status, among other debilitating features?

    In our sustained interests, we need a man of vision that will cleanse and restore our self-esteem as a people. Mr. Oseloka Obaze is the man and PDP is the party.

     

    • Onuorah writes from Onitsha
  • Ekiti PDP governorship contenders and pretenders

    Ekiti PDP governorship contenders and pretenders

    Twenty-six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains are eyeing the governorship of Ekiti State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the intrigues and acrimonies that may culminate into protracted post-primary crises in the party.

    It is a crowded governorship race. Jostling for the governorship ticket in the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are 26 chieftains. According to the guidelines released by the chapter, aspirants are expected to obtain the form with N11 million. On March 15, the aspirants will know their fate at the primaries.

    It is a mixed grill of serious contenders and pretenders. The aspirants are from the three senatorial zones. This implies that zoning will not be an issue. It may also be an admission of the indisputable fact that Ekiti is one indivisible zone. Also, the option of consensus may have been dumped. The Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, said that the call for consensus candidacy is belated, stressing that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has clarified that only party primaries can ensure transparency and fairness. “The National Chairman has said that he would do everything to ensure the sanctity of the constitution and that well coordinated primaries shall be conducted for aspirants. Aspirants should be on the field now canvassing for peoples’ votes,” he added.

    But, to analysts, the huge number of contenders is a precursor to trouble. There is a deep-seated disunity and misunderstanding among the key PDP leaders in Ekiti. The caucuses revolving around the leading lights underscore the lack of compromise. The clash of ambition among the chieftains may further polarise the fold, ahead of the primaries. Unlike the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has endorsed Governor Kayode Fayemi as its consensus candidate, and the Labour Party (LP), which may field the federal legislator, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, the PDP must contend with the challenges of a rancorous primaries and mending the cracks on the wall, ahead of the June election.

    Last year, a party elder, Chief Dayo Okondo, hinted that the chapter may consider the option of consensus candidacy. He told the Southwest stakeholders’ meeting at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, that the option would foster unity. But, aspirants opposed the idea, saying that it is undemocratic. The crises in the troubled chapter have polarised the party. When the consensus idea was raised, some aspirants perceived it as an attempt to edge them out of the race.

    In 2007, Ekiti PDP surprised its members when it refused to give the ticket to the winner of its governorship primaries, Mr. Akerele, who was trailed by Professor Adesegun Ojo. The person who came third, Mr. Segun Oni, got the ticket. The Chairman, Makanjuola Ogundipe, who ruled out a repeat of the scenario, said that the chapter will conduct a transparent shadow poll for the aspirants.

    PDP governorship aspirants include former Police Affairs Minister Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, former Deputy Governors Abiodun Aluko and Bisi Omoyeni, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Ambassador Dare Bejide, former Acting Governor Tunji Odeyemi, former legislator Hon. Femi Bamisile, former Afenifere National Publicity Secretary Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Senator Bode Olowoporoku, former House of Representatives member Hon. Wale Aribisala, Mr. Bimbo Owolabi, Chief Ropo Ogunbolude, and Mr. Peter Obafemi. Others include Mrs. Bola Oloyede, Mr. Femi Olaosebikan, Chief Reuben Famuyibo, Mr. Bodunde Adeyanju, Dr. Kunle Afolayan, Mr. Ayeni Biodun, Mr. Tunde Ajayi, Mr. Mayowa Aluko, Chief Segun Olarewaju, Mrs. Dada Bamisaye, Mr. Deji Ajayi, and Mr. Israel Ogunleye.

    Party officers disclosed that, so far, only 15 aspirants have purchased nomination forms. They include Olubolade, Bejide, Fayose, Adeyeye, Senator Aluko and Omoyeni. “Few more aspirants may still obtain this week. But, certainly, not all the 26 will want to proceed with the ambition. The money is non-refundable”, said a party officer, who added: “Only serious contenders will obtain the form at the end of the day.”

    Following the collapse of the agitation for the South District, the stage is open to all aspirants. Had the crusade succeeded, only Adeyeye, Aluko, Bejide, Olowoporoku and Abiodun Aluko would have dominated the scene.

    Adeyeye is a veteran aspirant. But, luck has not smiled on the prince of Ise-Ekiti. In 1999, he was the only senatorial candidate in the Alliance for Democracy (AD) who did not win. He lost to Aluko, who is now a co-governorship aspirant. Adeyeye has experience. He is a lawyer and journalist. He is also the former national Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group. But, in 2007, he left the Action Congress (AC) for the PDP, following the governorship primaries. Although his name was forwarded to the National Assembly as a ministerial nominee, it was later withdrawn. Former Governor Segun Oni later appointed him as the Chairman of the Ekiti State Primary Education Board.

    Both Adeyeye and Aluko, son of the late prominent economist, Prof. Sam Aluko, are eyeing the slot for the third time. Aluko had defected from the PDP to the LP, but, he retraced his steps. As a senator, he was vocal and controversial. He has been mounting an aggressive campaign in the state, ahead of the primaries. He has money to oil his campaign machinery. But, there is no evidence that he will emerge as the consensus candidate of the South District.

    Omoyeni, another aspirant from the South, is in the race. For him, it is not a do-or-die affair. Observers have described him as a professional in politics and a decent man. His campaign is devoid of abuse and thuggery. But, he lacks followers outside his home town, Ikere-Ekiti. Under Fayose, Omoyeni, a seasoned banker, served briefly as the deputy governor. That was after Abiodun Aluko was shoved aside from the cabinet. But, after three months, he called it quits. However, he maintained cordial relations with the PDP. If the race is meant solely for decent men, the former deputy governor has no rival. However, feelers from Ekiti suggest that he is not a strong contender.

    Olowoporoku, a native of Ilawe, is an old political war horse. He is the oldest aspirant. He holds a doctorate degree in Economics from the Manchester University, United Kingdom. He was a teacher at the University of Ife. In the Second Republic, he was an ally of the great Ekiti politician and patriot, the late Chief Akin Omoboriowo. He was a commissioner in Ajasin Administration. In 1982, he defected to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). In October 1983, he was appointed as the Minister of Science and Technology. After the coup, he concentrated on his cocoa business. In 1999, he was a chieftain of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). But, in 2003, he became a senator on the platform of the PDP.

    Another aspirant from the South is Bejide, who hails from Ilawe. He is a former Secretary to Government and High Commissioner to Canada.

    Odeyemi, a labour activist, was the Speaker and Acting Governor. He is from Ode-Ekiti. Many thought that he would defect to the AC in the past. His ambition is not a threat to any aspirant.

    Fayose, who obtained his form in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, last Thursday, was accompanied by some of his supporters. He is an advocate of a shadow election. Reiterating his objection to any other selection process, he said those canvassing for consensus candidacy are unrealistic. The former governor said that aspirants can only participate in a popularity test in a free and fair primaries.

    Fayose succeeded former Governor Niyi Adebayo in 2003. But, he did not complete his tenure before he was removed. While in power, he boasted that the office was not vacant. But, in 2007, he could not participate in the exercise. The odds weighed heavily against him. When he resurfaced in Ekiti State after months of seclusion, he became a supporter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Fayemi. His decision to oppose the PDP flag bearer, Mr. Segun Oni, irked the camp of the former governor. In 2011, Fayose sought refuge in the LP. But, he was defeated at the senatorial election by Senator Babafemi Ojudu. During the last Ekiti PDP congress, he bounced back into reckoning. He installed the members of the State Executive Committee.

    Fayose, a native of Afao-Ekiti, is warming up for the primaries. Analysts contend that he cannot be underrated. In 2003, he beat a seasoned politician, Chief S. K. Kolawole, to emerge as the PDP flag bearer. He also has money to spend. Although his trial for alleged poultry fraud may divert his attention, his camp is not worried. After collecting his form, Fayose boasted: “I will rule Ekiti State again in 2014.” Analysts however, contend that there are certain obstacles on the way. There are speculations that other aspirants may gang up against the former governor to abort his dream. A party source said: “Other aspirants may close ranks against Fayose. If they do, they may combine their strengths at the primaries to ensure that he does not emerge”. However, another source said that “Fayose is actually targeting those likely to become delegates and trying to strike a deal with them”.

    Outside Fayose’s camp is the former Police Affairs Minister Olubolade, a native of Ipoti-Ekiti. He entered the fray two weeks ago. But, the retired soldier is not perceived as a threat by the chieftains of the ruling party. The former military governor of Bayelsa State is a dedicated party man. But, his influence in he chapter is debatable. During the last congress, his candidates for party offices were rejected by delegates. That also translated into the rejection of his leadership. A source close to the former minister said that he is not desperate. “He resigned to contest for the governorship. He is not a hungry politician. He is contented. He can survive without being in government. He is just trying his luck,” he added.

  • Hopeful contenders for CBN top job

    Hopeful contenders for CBN top job

    As the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi prepares to leave office in June this year, the list of contenders for the top job continues to swell, with technocrats and bureaucrats gunning for the coveted office, report Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf and Bukola Afolabi

    It is the contention of analysts that whoever is likely to become the new CBN helmsman has to have the professional and practical track record to sustain the well-applauded gains in fiscal and monetary reforms under the outgoing CBN governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Although the president has the constitutional power to pick the governor and the board of the CBN, after that, the CBN governor and the board act independently for a five-year term during which it is not accountable to the ruling class, especially fall to the whim and caprices of the powers that be, thanks to the CBN’s subsisting Act. So, the CBN governor will serve as the moderator between fiscal and monetary interactions, and in many instances, as the independent watcher of the economy.

    As the nation wait with bated breath for the announcement of Sanusi’s successor, The Nation can authoritatively report that the list of interested candidates for the top job continues to swell, with some of them already aligning with high net worth individuals as well as those close to the presidency.

    The profile of some of the highfliers includes but is not limited to the following, Tunde Lemo, who only recently retired having served his term as deputy governor. Like Lemo, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, deputy governor, Financial System Stability and Mrs. Sarah Alade, deputy governor, Economic Policy, are also in the race.

    Dr. Bright Okogu, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Atedo Peterside and a host of others like Mr. Philip Oduoza, Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Prof. Pat Utomi, renowned professor of political economy and management expert and Bisi Onasanya, Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria are also likely prospects for the CBN top job.

    TUNDE LEMO

    Lemo, a highly cerebral consummate banker with appreciable wealth of experience, according to many economic watchers, is a ripe candidate for the job because he is untainted.

    Under the guidance of the outgoing governor, Lemo, who served as the Deputy Governor for three terms having worked with Joseph Sanusi, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and Sanusi, has a lot going for him.

    Among other things, he reformed the payments system recording tremendous growth in electronic transactions and reduction in fraud. Payments by mobile phone grew by 533.8%, online instant transfers grew by 228.9% while Point of Sale transactions increased by 209.6%. Electronic payments fraud was brought down by over 96%. He acclaimed as the brainchild behind Cashless Nigeria and whatever successes it has recorded thus far.

    Clearing of cheques which took hitherto took four days as at January 2008 now takes two days, thanks to the payments system reform which he managed.

    Besides, he implemented the upgraded Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system and the Scripless Securities Settlement System (S4) as well as led the migration of the banking industry to a single account structure (Nigerian Uniform Bank Account Numbering System) leading to ease in clearing, payments and settlements.

    Lemo equally instituted the payments system oversight function of the Central Bank of Nigeria by setting up the Payments System Policy and Oversight Office, the issuance of the Agency Banking Regulation which is currently operational, even as banks have commenced gradual reduction in their charges to customers as evidenced by the reduction in COT from N5 per mile to N3 per mille as a result of the industry infrastructure transformation plan which he supervised.

    With direction provided by the Governor, Lemo implemented reforms that led to cost of currency management were brought down by 44.75%, from N57.09bn in 2009 to N31.54bn in 2013, just as he assisted the CBN governor to implement the banking sector reform including the consolidation reform of 2004 as well as supervised the Special Examination of the banks in 2009, leading to the reform of 2009.

    Other achievements counting for Lemo include the Treasury Single Account for the federal government, which was implemented under his supervision and the benefits to the government treasury are beginning to accrue to government as dependence from borrowing for deficit financing will decline further in coming years.

    Under the guidance of the Governor, he was responsible for the formulation of the microfinance policy and ensured its effective implementation. He enhanced the policy further in 2013 by establishing the framework for agency banking to enhance financial inclusion for the un-banked.

    As the Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, he restructured the company to efficiently and effectively serve the banks (who are the owners) as a shared service infrastructure.

    Lemo led the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM), as the Chairman of the institution, just as he improved the operational efficiency of the Central Bank of Nigeria and supervised the transformation of its IT infrastructure for improved service delivery.

    The former Managing Director of Wema Bank, who is also considered as an insider, shares similar views with Sanusi on monetary policies and is most likely to ensure monetary policy continuity, analysts have further argued.

    Sources close to the government say he is the right candidate for the job as he would be able to put sentiments aside and work assiduously to steer the nation’s economy in the right direction without causing undue panic.

    KINGSLEY MOGHALU

    Another strong contender is Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, a deputy governor of the central bank and head of the financial system stability directorate. A bystander at his book launch in June said that a joke made about the upcoming position prompted raucous laughter from the crowd, suggesting that it is no secret he is vying for the bank’s top spot.

    Geopolitics, too, may play a part in hampering Moghalu, who hails from the south east.

    “In Nigeria, these things still matter, particularly in the run-up to elections,” says Wale Shonibare.

    Many of the most prominent financial regulators come from this region, including Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the Securities Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, and Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Mustafa Chike-Obi, who has also been vying for the role but is not considered a serious contender in some quarters.

    AIGBIOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE

    It is widely speculated that Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the chief executive of Access Bank, may be the new man for the Central Bank of Nigeria job.

    Aig-Imoukhuede has been the head of Access Bank since 2002 and his tenure is up at the end of this year.

    He works well with the central bank, supporting its reforms and often representing the banking sector, has proven leadership experience and is intellectually well-rounded.

    But there is also a snag here. The only drawback is that other bankers may view him as an upstart and a young hand.

    ATEDO PETERSIDE

    Stanbic IBTC chairman Atedo Peterside has been touted as a strong contender. He is a trusted economic adviser to President Jonathan. He is also chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation.

    Power privatisation is one of President Jonathan’s landmark reforms, and any successes he makes will feature heavily in a possible re-election campaign. Speculations and shortlists aside, the race is wide open. Analysts and bankers agree on one thing – that there is a strong chance that a candidate outside the short- list could be appointed.

    The race to succeed outgoing Central Bank (CBN) governor, Mr. Lamido Sanusi has begun as three key persons are strategising to take over the number one banking job in the country.

    There are strong indications that former managing director of Stanbic/IBTC, Mr. Atedo Peterside, a first class banker and technocrat is a front runner for the office.

    Mr. Peterside, considered as a close friend of the president, enjoys immense support from both within the government and among the organised private sector. The Rivers State banker and businessman who currently sits as the chairman, Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), has some credit to his advantage and enjoys the support of President Jonathan.

    One of his achievements is the successful conclusion of the technical bids for the unbundling of the power sector that eventually led to the sale of 15 distribution companies to the private sector a few months ago.

    A member of the National Economic Management Team, which is headed by the president, Mr. Peterside is the president and founder of ANAP, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting good governance.

    Economic watchers are, however, skeptical of Mr. Peterside’s political strength to actually bring the successes he has recorded in the private sector to bear in a critical institution as the CBN, which is the financial strength of the nation.

    OLUSEGUN AGANGA

    Serving Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, have joined the list of contenders for the CBN top job.

    Aganga, who has the confidence of President Goodluck Jonathan, is also currently being adjudged as probably the best minister in the trade and industry portfolio in years. Another thing going for him is the fact that he bestrides the two geopolitical zones of the South-south and South-west, more so as both the South-east and North have successively produced Professor Chukwuma Soludo and Sanusi as central bank governors.

    Aganga, though originally from Edo State, was born and bred in Lagos, and represents the state as well as the South-west zone in the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Ngama, on the other hand, is from Yobe State and would bring to the job extensive experience as a commercial banker and regulator, having worked for many Nigerian banks and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    He was first nominated by Jonathan as Minister of Finance in April 2010. In July 2011, Aganga was redeployed by the president to the Ministry of Trade and Investment, to make way for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to return as the Minister of Finance.

    Aganga previously worked in Arthur Young in Nigeria, Ernst & Young in London UK, and Goldman Sachs International in London, where he was Managing Director, Hedge Funds. As finance minister, one of his key accomplishments was the establishment of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), better known as the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). His only drawback is his not being so well acquainted with the banking industry in Nigeria, which he is also expected to oversee.

    YERIMA NGAMA

    Ngama’s professional experience, however, covers several banks at top executive management positions ranging from First Bank Nigeria Limited, Diamond Bank Plc and Victory Merchant Bank. He also worked in NDIC where he was the head of Bank Analysis Unit, Off-site Supervision Department. He was appointed Minister of State for Finance by Jonathan in July 2011.

    Born in 1961, Ngama obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Maiduguri and Masters of Science in Accountancy from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom. He also obtained a second Masters’ degree and Ph.D in Money & Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, where he received the coveted Ashley Prize award for producing the best thesis in his faculty. In addition to his academic qualifications, Ngama has significant training in Islamic Banking and Islamic Capital Market Products.

    BRIGHT OKOGU

    Dr. Bright Okogu, current Director General, Budget Office under the ministry of finance, also sits on the economic management team of the government.

    Okogu, who hails from Delta state, is a first class financial expert with a background in global economic management. He worked at the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), where he served as a Market Analyst between 1989 and 1997 and as a Senior Operations Officer at the OPEC Fund for International Development both in Vienna, Austria, before proceeding to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1999.

    He played a key role when he worked closely with the coordinating minister for the economy and Nigeria’s minister of finance Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other officials to close the deal that made Nigeria achieve the popular debt relief from the Paris Club of creditors.

    Since his appointment into government the DG Budget has been at the center of crafting the nation’s fiscal policies.

    Dr. Okogu who is a close confidant of Mrs. Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala is a shrewd economist and financial manager.

    Unfortunately, Dr. Okogu would not be the favourite of the ministry, agencies and departments (MDAs) of government as he is constantly at daggers drawn with state governments over lamentations of inadequate funds. So he is not in the states good books in a manner of speaking.

    “He has helped the government cut down drastically on wastage’s,” a top presidential aide told our reporter ,adding that “this is the kind of person that should sit as the next governor of the CBN and not some politician or businessman but things don’t work that way.”

    SYLVESTER MONYE

    The current special adviser on project monitoring and evaluation to President Goodluck Jonathan, Professor Sylvester Monye are also said to be interested in the job.

    Whoever emerges Sanusi’s eventual successor will be the 11th central bank governor in Nigeria. As specified in the CBN Act 2007, the central bank governor’s principal charge is to provide economic advice to the Federal Government, while acting as the official banker to the government of the federation. Apart from signing every currency denomination, the governor among other duties, oversees the country’s banking sector.

    Besides, the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN, the governor also determines the monetary policies of the country, which have an impact on the financial system and the macro-economy.

    Many analysts said the letters and spirits of the CBN Act and the current socio-economic and political situations swing more in favour of Lemo, who is believed to have the track records, experience and independence of mind to sustain macroeconomic gains and steer the monetary and banking environment to further accelerate national development.

  • Etisalat unveils top 20 contenders for flash fiction prize

    One of Nigeria’s telecommunications services providers, Etisalat Nigeria has unveiled top 20 finalists shortlisted for the social media driven Flash Fiction Prize built into the Etisalat Prize for Literature, which holds in January 2014.

    Director of Brands & Communication at Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye, said in Lagos Flash Fiction is important in the Etisalat Prize for Literature and in literary circles because “it represents the short form of storytelling, a common stepping stone for accomplished writers. Short stories are where a lot of writers discover and perfect their talent, especially in the social media driven world today of digital communication where content is absorbed in 140 characters or less.”

    In pursuit of its vision of encouraging and inspiring creativity, Etisalat called for entries for the Flash Fiction Category in the Etisalat Prize for Literature. According to Denloye, “entries opened on September 2 and closed September 30, 2013. We received over a thousand entries after close of entries, the public started voting online in keeping with the guidelines of the competition. Voting lasted from the October 1 through 31 and the result of the voting are the top 20 unveiled.”

    The Flash Fiction category is designed to celebrate the short form of storytelling for the upcoming writer. Three prizes will be awarded to the top three writers in this category selected by a high profile judging panel for the Flash Fiction Prize. The winning author will get a cash sum of £1,000,a digital tablet, and will be promoted online and via digital media platforms. The category will also produce two runners up, with each receiving a cash sum of £500 and Samsung Galaxy Note for their literary efforts. The top stories will be compiled into an e-book anthology of flash stories which will be promoted online. Details of the top 20 contenders whose entries are now being assessed by a panel of writers, publishers and respected individuals in the literary community to select the winning flash fiction writer are available on http://etisalatprize.com/etisalat-prize-flash-fiction-top-20/.