There is a touristy frenzy in Lagos that is palpable. Governance is being re-invented. The Ambodian government is in a class of its own. It is a government of hi-tech creativity: A government that operates with common-sense and uncommon ingenuity. It is a government that encapsulates democracy and its attendant dividends.
I am enthralled by the massive facilities and infrastructure at the disposal of the citizens of the state who seem overwhelmed with the evident and rapid development that is becoming the hallmark of the Ambodian administration. Every government that has ruled and reigned in Lagos State since its creation in 1967 had played its part in the development process of the State. Such development had been unleashed with determination and driven by political goals. Such tendency for development in the past provoked zeal, promoted passion and genuinely ignited the inspiration for competition by successive administrations. The difference, however, is that the Ambode’s kind of development symbolizes its own finality and peculiarity. It is what you can call “development ti o nsoro” meaning “development that speaks for itself”.
In less than two years, this man called Akinwunmi Ambode has lifted governance from its sleepy crawling condition to a level that excites and fascinates. When you look at the amount of energy and passion that drive this government, you will marvel at the trinity of ideas that characterizes the government. From the political leadership led by the governor himself you see the commitment and vision that form the philosophy of the government. From the bureaucracy and the civil service, you see the enthusiasm and will that galvanize and stimulate the ideation that is the bedrock of the government. From the professionals and contractors who humanize and accentuate the political and bureaucratic ideas, you see the aggression and the honesty to move and deliver projects and programmes as conceptualized. In all facets of life, this government has shown that modern governance (pardon my qualification if it is hyperbolic) is scaffolded on frameworks that define the design and character of governments. These days, vision alone is not sufficient to drive ideas. These days, determination alone is incapable of guaranteeing achievements. These days, energy alone is not able to generate the dynamic for movement. What drives a government in contemporary politics is the combination of all these attributes. What can vision do if there is no passion? What can determination do if there is no energy? The novel thing about the Ambodian government is that it has been able to raise governance to a higher pedestal by stringing every relevant and useful exemplar and archtype into a model and template that will be complex to replicate and demystified. The Ambodian administration is an embodiment of all that is good about a government of the people.
In so many areas where government is supposed to touch lives, the government has been responsive. In critical sectors where government is supposed to lift lives, the government has been pro-active. Take agriculture for instance, the government ab initio, placed much value on the quality of life of an average citizen. Realizing that nothing defines quality life better than food security and food sufficiency, the government took the initiative to partner with the Kebbi government in the production of the Lake rice which competed conveniently and proudly with imported rice (whether plastic or glass rice). There must be something in the Lake rice that was special considering the long queues that were formed at the selling points. This was about the first time that a government in the state thought of a synergy with another state government for the purpose of creating a sensation that would serve as an inspiration for other states in agricultural production.
In the health sector, the Ambodian government is shifting focus to the Primary Health Care (PHCs). The logic is that the PHCs are nearer the grassroots. Once the massive populations at the grassroots are managed by the PHCs, the pilgrims flocking to the General Hospitals with litany of ailments will reduce. Hence, all the PHCs are undergoing comprehensive renovation to make them attractive and conducive for the patrons. Before now, emphasis and attention was on LASUTH and the general Hospitals. Most of these hospitals have the best technology and facilities you can ever think of.
But this time around, the swagger is in favour of the PHCs which in the past seemed to have suffered critical neglect until this resurrection and resurgence. The face-lift is a motivation for the personnel whose morale was at the lowest ebb because of “historic” frustration.
In the area of security, the strategy for combating and reducing crime to its lowest level has been reconfigured. Unlike in the past when checkpoints were a narrative for crime ubiquity, today, the Ambodian government has placed premium on intelligence-gathering and pro-active operations. Police vehicles dot every flashpoint corner with policemen on amber alert in case of emergency situations. Quality and sophisticated weapons were bought for the police from the Security Trust Fund which is being managed by credible and influential members of the society mostly from the private sector. In the past, December used to be a nightmare for Lagosians who were regularly under the siege of armed bandits pillaging the city with terror-like ferocity. But for two Decembers now, peace and ‘rock’ appear to have taken over with Lagosians streaming with comfortable bluster to the “One Lagos Fiesta”. The fiesta which used to be a one-day affair before now has been enlarged and expanded to all the IBILE divisions so that for one week, the whole of Lagos, including the armed robbers, can converge at these places to dance to the music of assorted musicians. The thinking here is that this musical jamboree will distract the lazy ones from conferencing with the devil who is always blamed for every evil. Though cases of kidnapping are still reported in some parts of Lagos, the death penalty bill passed by the State Assembly complements the abhorrence that the Governor has for kidnappers. Hence, his decision to sign the bill into law without further hesitation and inhibitions.
Taking the budget of the state from 489 billion proposed by the Fashola administration in 2015 to 813 billion in just two years shows the resurgence in the financial mechanics of Lagos economy. There is an indulgent assumption that Lagos is rich and that even the worst manager of funds and resources can succeed in Lagos, this is arrant nonsense. A dummy is a dummy. There is no amount of wealth that can make up for cerebral deficit. While it may be true that Lagos is rich, it takes the instinct of a genius to know the precinct of its wealth. Nigeria is rich but according to the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, “our economy is being run by “gbatu eyos”. To those who don’t understand Yoruba, “gbatu eyos” means amateurs (courtesy of a viral post in the social media).
The economy of the state is rated high, sound and solid because there is a professional and a guru in charge who understands the engineering of accounting to its basic fundamentals. The economy responds positively to the commands of the new financial Sheriff in town because this Sheriff knows how to squeeze revenue from the retinue of treasures hidden in the state.
The foundation for the ambodian epoch was laid by the one who made the ‘final choice’. He it was who insisted that the development process he initiated in 1999 would be best sustained by the one who could create the wealth for the massive projects that contemporary Lagos deserves. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a committed and emotional believer in development, was the one who chose Ambode from the pack of aspirants who religiously trooped to his house for special anointing. As a true democrat, he did not rubber-stamp his choice. It was a choice that went through a competitive internal electoral process full of intrigues, bickerings, betrayals, reckless spending and voters’ inducements. But at the end of this ‘sasorstic and ‘fasholstic’ creation, Ambode the eponymous hero of modern Lagos, emerged as the only acceptable and popular final choice. And in the general election, Ambode the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) shoved to the ground the candidate of the PDP, Jimi Agbaje whose trajectory in electoral competitions is gradually becoming a historic embarrassment.
Since he became the governor of Lagos State, Ambode has shown without any doubt that the steady development of Lagos is the supreme object of his mission. (Itesiwaju Eko lo je wa logun). This is not a posey government. Nor is it a government of empty swags. You cannot also call it an impressionistic government. This is a government that cares; a government that touches lives. A government with meteoric profile. It is a government that means business. When you see the governor frowning most of the time, it is not because he does not like to smile or laugh but because he registers the frown permanently on his face to tell his appointees, aides, workers and contractors that his government will not compromise efficiency and quality service delivery for opportunistic fraternity.
A man who knows and recognises that the fountain of strength of His administration lies in the compound of the ALMIGHTY GOD; a man who knows that his gubernatorial ascendancy was not without the support of his Creator, has no other favourite song than “I have a FATHER that will never never fail me…” Therefore, anytime you hear the governor sing this song, he is simply showing gratitude to the source of his grace to power and the one that has helped him thus far.
Tag: governance
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Governance re-invented: The Ambodian style
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Obaseki: Striking balance between politics and governance?
There is disquiet in the Edo State All Progressive Congress (APC). Observers are watching with keen interest how Governor Godwin Obaseki will pilot the affairs of the party as the new leader of the party. His actions in the past two months have however, shown that it is no longer business as usual in terms of governance.
His body language from the first day he assumed office was a message to political associates as he shunned many who had stormed the government house to celebrate his electoral victory.
Obaseki had promised to separate party politics from governance. He said he would focus on governance because government has to work for politics to succeed. “Initially, We will emphasize more governance. Let us put in place a governance structure so that our political structure can survive and endure”.
The question on the lips of many is how far can Obaseki strike a balance between providing political leadership and good governance? How many feet will he be ready to chop off like his predecessor did? Can he go against some party leaders who are perceived as demi-gods in the state?
As his administration got close to 100 days, several actions have been taken that has endeared Obaseki to the people and showed that the governor is serious about not mixing governance with politics. On his first day in office, Obaseki shunned family members and political associates who had visited government house for celebration. Many supporters who had hoped for immediate appointment were disappointed as they were turned back at the gate.
Not many believed Obaseki would be true to his words when he said that he would stop all illegal levies and taxes being paid by market women and commercial drivers as well as the operation of private tax collectors on behalf of the state and local government. Some aides said Obaseki believed that it was wrong to allow non-state actors to collect government revenue. The decision to sack private revenue collectors came as a shock as revenue agents were party chieftains and regarded as untouchable.
Besides, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s efforts to stop illegal levies and taxes, trading on the walkways, activities of thugs did not achieve much results. As at the time Oshiomhole left power, traders and commercial drivers groaned daily as they were made to pay all kinds of levies that ended up in private pockets.
Commercial bus drivers were supposed to pay official taxes of N400 daily, which is broken down to N200 for the state government and N200 to local government coffers while traders in various markets were supposed to pay about N200 daily, including environmental fees. But, commercials drivers were made pay between N1000 and N3000 daily, excluding payment for feeding of the park chairmen and Secretaries while traders paid over N1000 daily to different thugs whereas only N60 was remitted to the local government coffers.
The management of Okomu Oil Plc in Ovia South West local government and other companies had complained about the multiple levies its suppliers are subjected to pay to the revenue collectors. Clashes between revenue agents were recorded in 2014 and 2015 each time the state government attempted to stop them. In fact, issues of alleged multiple taxation almost made the APC lost the September 28 governorship election.
On January 1, Obaseki showed his mien when he delivered a new year package to thugs and private tax collectors. He announced a ban on all forms of revenue collection in the state and cancelled all revenue contracts local government entered into with privates tax collectors. Obaseki said only state and local government employees would be collecting levies or taxes.
Obaseki’s action has been welcomed as a brave move. Traders now resist attempts by thugs to force them to pay. Commercial drivers have also stopped payment, unlike before when officials of the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) would be claiming to be collecting union dues.
Obaseki has embarked on massive road rehabilitation through the Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR). Roads rehabilitated and reconstructed are Evbiemwen street, Ogbelaka street, Cooke Road, James Watt, Okhoro-Aghahowa street, Reuben Agho street, Aigalegbe street-Isihor from New Lagos and roads linking Oko Central and Upper Adesuwa. Obaseki has given the contractors January 31 deadline to complete the rehabilitation.
The Government House mechanic workshop that used to be desolate is now a beehive of activities as Obaseki engaged the services female mechanics headed by Sandra Aguebor to repair and fix government vehicles. A visit to the workshop showed that government vehicles that have been abandoned over minor faults were being fixed.
An action of Obaseki that shocked many APC supporters was the arrest and subsequent remand of the Youth Leader of the APC, Comrade Osakpamwan Eriyo and Oredo Ward 3 Vice Chairman, Sunday Osaguana. Obaseki did not directly order the arrest of the two APC chieftains but party supporters expected him to intervene and stop their arraignment.
Last week, Comrade Eriyo, who doubles as the Chairman of RTEAN, and some executive members of the APC were sacked and replaced at a meeting of party leaders in Oredo local government. The Oredo APC leaders it said was to instill party discipline and and party supremacy.
A social critic, Igbotako Nowinta, said time will tell if Obaseki would be able to do away with those he termed “political ‘leopards’ that have remained unchangeable and an albatross on the neck of the key political players since 2007?”
His words: “Obaseki, who was part of the Oshiomhole administration, as the leader of the ‘Economic Team,’ and who is the greatest beneficiary of Oshiomhole’s political gifts, has banned the activities of the private tax collectors in the state.
“Is this guy serious? Is he intelligent and tactical, given the fact that the crowd being controlled by the former private tax collectors played a significant role practically and financially in ensuring that he was elected?
“It is being argued in many quarters that a man like Godwin Obaseki who came from the blues politically and is still facing a yet to be decided fate, courtesy the on-going tribunal matters will not have the courage or political will to force through his proposed tax reform? The idea to sanitize the tax regime in the state is laudable and long overdue. Can Obaseki do the impossiblea? Is he ready to fight very dirty early in the day, even to deal with those Adams Oshiomhole could not cut off politically?”
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Tackling challeges of governance in Edo
Two months in the saddle, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki is living up to expectation through his pragmatic approach to governance, writes John Mayaki.
Prior to his election as governor of Edo State, people were fed with many stories about Godwin Nogheghase Godwin. But, two months after, voters are convinced that he is the best man for the job.
Many lies were told about him. These lies, however, were still not enough to truncate the people’s confidence in him. They therefore voted him in, in spite of the fibs being satanically propagated about him because they believed he could uphold their mandate.
The odious whispers in the wind that he would be a lackey to a former Governor, who was seen as his political godfather. So strong was the animosity towards Governor Obaseki that the merchants of falsehoods at play were not reluctant to drag in former Governor Oshiomhole into their scheming.
Even, if Oshiomhole supported Obaseki to win the gubernatorial election in Edo State, was there a rule preventing him from identifying, based on his perception of the serious development the state needed, a right man for the job? Upon realising that Obaseki had the right character for the job, he nobly supported him, but as mischief chefs would interpret it, he was being a ‘godfather’ and also plotting how to be a puppeteer to Obaseki, his tool, once the latter assumed power.
Due to Obaseki’s reserved demeanour, whisperers again erroneously prognosticated that his government would be hijacked by forceful politicians who understood politics and politicking. This was because, the rumours had it, he hitherto was politically naive. His deputy, Comrade Phillip Shaibu, and the current Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, were touted as those who would usurp Obaseki’s powers and battle it out with the governor for control. Some even postulated that Oshiomhole intentionally appointed Shaibu as Obaseki’s right-hand man so as to keep him in check. Grand laughable fabrications, all that.
In the 60 days that Obaseki has functioned as governor, he has virtually exposed those lies as the mundane fabrications of over-imaginative minds. Such minds have been yanked from their lofty abodes in dreamland, and planted firmly in the reality of a developing Edo State.
During his campaign, Obaseki promised to run the state like a business entity. As soon as he was in power, he organised a 3-day retreat to orientate stakeholders in the development of the state into his vision for a new Edo. From December 8, 2016 to December 10, 2016, he gathered administrators, permanent secretaries, politicians, policy makers, members of the civil society organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and former and serving officials of the state government to a strategy dialogue themed: “Setting the Agenda for the new Administration”.
The dialogue was strategic. Obaseki, while declaring the event open, noted that the dialogue was to build a consensus of the policies and strategy expected to be implemented and pursued by his government. He revealed his administration’s commitment to precise, honest and thought-provoking dialogue. Indeed, the event was particularly designed to highlight the challenges facing Edo State and sort out ways to tackle them. Obaseki was also present at Randekhi Hotel, where he participated in the final day of the event. He was showed clearly that he was not given to dilly-dallying.
If that was a statement on how he preferred to keep an eye on things, his 2017 budget for Edo state was indicative of how he orchestrates these things himself. A close analysis of the budget indicates the Governor’s commitment towards revamping the economy of the state. Agriculture, under this new budget will enjoy a new lease of life.
No more will the people of Edo State be overzealous to export themselves. Ceteris Paribus, Edo may be exporting agricultural products to other states. N22.2bn and N22.3bn have been allocated to economic stimulation and infrastructure respectively. Together they total N44.5bn, which represents 30 per cent of the total budget. In an earlier article, I already outlined the potentials of this budget as you will again find below.
Also worthy of note is the novel introduction of N7.5bn for investment promotion in the budget as well as the allocation of N14.72bn for what is classified as other economic growth enhancers, which represents a 144 per cent increase from the previous year’s figures. Edo is therefore set to produce far more than it consumes and the implication of this is that the State’s GDP per capita will, in due course, climb further up from its current fourth position nationally.
Another economically lucrative spot the budget casts light upon is the tourism sector. The governor is of the belief that the most potent inhibitor and fastest killer of the tourism industry in any society is insecurity. An unsafe society or community, however immense and inestimable its tourist potentials are, can never attract tourists except those with terrorist intents. Hence, his plan to rejig the tourism sector in the state by working with security operatives in the state to improve on security.
Having put to shame those who thought a technocrat is not ideal to govern Edo State, Governor Obaseki has the dispelled idle talk about his lack of resolve. He has also indicated readiness to deploy new strategies as the times are changing. Once upon a time in Edo State, people were not technologically savvy. Now, they are. Why not use technology to collect tax and save the government more money, he reasoned?
During the three-day strategic workshop, he dropped the hint that a situation whereby people collect revenue for the government cannot be sustained if that government is to be run like a business entity.
He carefully explained that: “Our biggest problem is waste. If we can plan better and contain our waste, we will found out that we have more than enough at this point in time. We must intensify revenue collection and come out with strategies to ensure that we don’t impose more burden but make the process of revenue collection more efficient. The reason is simple. If we persist in this direction, one day this government will be routed by those people. The reason why we are the government is our ability and capacity to levy taxes and collect taxes.
So, if we have other people, other entities, who are competing with the government for its own role and the people are not recognized by the constitution, it is a matter of time that they will become more efficient than government and topple government. For me, it is a risk we cannot afford to take. I believe if the bulk of the revenue was coming into government, it is a different matter but all of us know they are not. However, in doing so, we will ensure that we do not displace the economy of those people as we will try and accommodate them.”
On January 1, 2017, he announced a ban on private collection of revenue in the state. He pointed out that only officials of federal, state or local governments are constitutionally empowered to collect revenue on behalf of governments. Expectedly, the announcement has not gone down well with the contractors, who, last week, still rebelliously attempted to collect revenues and even prevented local government officials from doing the job.
It is estimated that the contractors erstwhile vested with the responsibility of collecting levies from designated locations within the 18 local government areas of the state had thousands of young men in their ranks, who helped to collect the revenues.
Obaseki called a meeting again and promised to draft 10,000 of these young fellows into the government work of collecting tax. However, manual tax collection would be outlawed. Only electronic means like POS and scratch cards would be used to collect taxes. The tax collectors would not go to the streets anymore. Their details and biometrics would be submitted by their contractors to the government and they would thereafter be registered on an internet portal so that people can pay taxes with dignity and absolutely no fear of being harassed.
For those who would not comply, 20 squads of policemen had been deployed and were on standby to heed any calls reporting a breach of this law. Hotlines were released for people to report defaulters. The police would be on ground to arrest the situation.
If any mulish sceptic still was not convinced of Obaseki’s potency in government, his relegation of politics into the background in Edo was a home run socio-politically.
Since Obaseki became governor, partisan altercations have gone out of fashion. Save for the governorship election tribunal that is billed to restart this week, political stories and news have virtually disappeared from Edo. Suddenly the once volatile politically clime in Edo has given way to calm.
Obaseki had earlier indicated his eagerness to shun politics so that he will be able to concentrate on actualising his electoral promises. To him, excessive dwelling on politics could distract him from the more important tasks in the state. If he delivers on his electoral mandate, automatically, the party will be glorified.
It was even gathered that Obaseki asked politicians, who daily paraded the government house in the past not to visit him as he had no business to do with them for now. No wonder a sombre atmosphere now pervades the Edo government house these days with few VIPs around.
Obaseki’s civil mien has not gone unnoticed by many in Edo State. His urbane, humane and humble disposition is quite unlike what politics is used to. He, on Christmas day, dressed as Santa Claus with the Deputy Governor and visited IDPs in Edo State too, while encouraging people to join in taking care of them.
A governorship term comprises four years. In 60 days, Obaseki, has, no doubt, continued to lay on the foundations initiated by ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole for peaceful governance in Edo State with firm statements of authority that has somehow been understood and adhered to by the people.
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Okowa and challenges of governance
SIR: There is no denying the fact that Delta State has over the years been denied the right atmosphere and policy framework for industrial growth despite having in abundance natural and human resources that could drive industrial and infrastructural development at a great speed.
Therefore, having Governor Arthur Okowa at the saddle of leadership coupled with his trumpeted crusade of industrial, economic and socio-political re-engineering, it is expected that the drawbacks and obstacles that had stood in the way to speedy development of the state would be dismantled to pave way for progressive, meaningful and viable economic and industrial growth.
Considering the dwindling resources of the country currently, resulting from fallen crude oil price and low performing rate of income generating institutions, it is appropriate to remind governor Okowa that his government will have to think out of the box to be able to contend with the challenges posed by paucity of fund as evident in drastic reduction in the Federal Revenue Allocation (FRA) to the states in recent times. To augment the shortfall in revenue therefore, Governor Okowa must plug the leakages in the internally generated revenue sector of the state to pave way for proper accountability.
In the same plank, the nagging issue of unemployment has been recurring in the state, with successive governments paying lip service to its attendant harm to the socio-economic wellbeing of the people. The teeming unemployed graduates and indeed, able body men and women roaming the streets deserve better living standard from the government of the day. Therefore, Governor Okowa’s government must not fail in its responsibility to providing succor to the hapless and unemployed Deltans.
The most pathetic a situation hurting the state is the deteriorating state of safety of lives and properties in recent times, and the attention of Governor Okowa is seriously needed in this regard. There is no denying the fact that the spate of insecurity in the state has assumed a disturbing dimension as crimes are committed with ease with little or no effort on the part of the law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book. Consequently, residents in most cities in the state now resort to self-help mechanism by contracting the services of private guards. What with the liberty at which youths wield dangerous weapons and cause mayhem in the communities and cities. Without mincing words, the rate at which lawlessness prevails in most communities of the state calls for urgent attention of the government or else, there will be total breakdown of law and order. Splinter groups of youths or factions in the communities often pitch against one another in a shooting bout and causing pandemonium as residents scamper for safety.
Governor Okowa must ensure that the mindset of the youths is reoriented, reformed, and repositioned towards productive life endeavour. The governor must ensure that Delta State is safe and conducive for living with full enthronement of the rule of law which is sine qua non for economic and infrastructural development of the state. In other words, the Governor Okowa’s crafted road map to economic recovery and prosperity of the state through the platform of the SMART agenda cannot see the light of day when safety of lives and properties is undermined and botched by impunity and flagrant violation of the extant laws of the land by miscreants and ‘area boys.’
In a nutshell, Deltans urge governor Okowa to be focused, steadfast and committed to his transformation initiative to be able to rescue the state from the current economic turmoil. This clarion call must be taken serious by the governor in situ.
- Emeka Nwokocha,
Warri, Delta State.
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Redemptive governance to the rescue?
Nigeria remains politically and developmentally in the wilderness, due to poor leadership and governance challenges. Nigerians still pray for Nigeria in distress, knowing that prayer “has great powers to produce results.” But Nigeria’s resort to prayer, simply underlines that governance fails when it’s not redemptive; Karl Marx’s contention that “religion is the opiate of the masses,” notwithstanding. It’s now obvious that turning Nigeria requires redemptive governance; a non-partisan coalescing of various individuals – sufficiently bold and selflessly honest – “men who possess opinions and a will” to rethink Nigeria’s remediation modalities and indeed, make Nigeria functional again.
As Nigeria hobble under recessionary pressures and sustainable livelihood becomes a gargantuan challenge, religion becomes a thriving industry replete with dupes and false prophets. In Nigeria’s depressed economy, this state of play validates the contention that “God dey, is the poor man’s prayer.” Yet Nigeria’s present realities underpin the enormity of her challenges; plus the fact that the nation and those entrusted to bring about that change, are all struggling badly. If change reflects success, little of it abounds in Nigeria. The initial flush of collective optimism, exhilaration and bravura has waned; and trickle down dividends of democracy are slow in coming. Nigeria’s governance problem is that the ‘change’ bar might have been set too high; beyond what Nigeria’s weak leadership, weak institutions, weak infrastructure and weak resolve can deliver. Oddly, the Buhari administration has an articulated vision, purpose and governance strategies; and the ‘right’ set of people, with the requisite credentials. Thus, it remains incomprehensible why it’s difficult to turn around Nigeria, with the fundamentals of good governance seemingly in place. Balanced analyses point to the need for clarity, absence of organisational capability to deliver on purpose and absence of effective stakeholder engagement, as mitigating factors.
Stagflation makes addressing the country’s present challenges difficult, even as Nigeria’s leadership insists that the country must look beyond oil. Vacillation in oil prices still makes nonsense of planning and budgeting. The challenges are worsened by a political and leadership class averse to making personal sacrifices. Also, national interest has disappeared from the national lexicon, thus rendering every policy measure suspect. Secondly, a combination of poor infrastructure, poor electricity supply and growing unemployment compound present challenges. Third, Nigerian legislators refuse to be frugal. Fourth, while financing agriculture is a viable option, the agribusiness blueprint seems opaque in the absence of synergy; thus making it almost impossible to reduce food importation by 2019. Likewise the remediation of decrepit infrastructure remains arduous. Absence of policy synergy between the federal government and the state and local governments also pose continuing challenges. Despite recent bailouts, only four states are economically viable and the six states that did not receive bailouts are now all heavily indebted. While the federal government tries to address burgeoning national debt, the states in parallel opposite, continue borrowing. Such unchecked borrowings compound Nigeria’s intractable foreign exchange challenges and growing contingent liabilities.
As, observed recently by SBM Intelligence, most Nigerian states failed “to diversify their economies by developing human capital and levering on the substantial resources they possessed. The result has been powerful governors beholden to ostentatious living, bloated public work-forces, with its attendant wage demands; fully 80% of the states owe salaries.” As state governments seek refunds for resources they used on rehabilitating decrepit federal infrastructures; the same states also spend enormous fiscal resources in underwriting logistical and financial support for federal law enforcement agencies, with hardly any recompense from Abuja. These awkward realities inevitably compel demands for restructuring. Most of the 2017 draft budgets presented by the federal and state governments are largely improbable; very few are zero-based and very few will be funded and implemented fully. Insofar as the federal and state governments strangulate the local governments by fiats, challenges will subsist; just as UNIDO has proclaimed Nigeria’s SMEs “Ignorant of certain investment and technological skills” required to liberate the country from the claws of the current recession.”
Oddly, those who dare to advise or criticize the Buhari government are being pummelled with counter-criticisms. Although we are in a democracy, Presidential aides have become pointlessly defensive, combative and shockingly impolitic and pushback against any advice or criticisms. Government has thus lost sight of the divide between jibes by its traducers and exhortations from well-meaning Nigerians. For its own edification, the Presidency needs to commission some policy preceptors to explore the constructive role of three 13th century figures – Robert of Sorbon, a churchman; Etienne Boileau, a bourgeois; and Simon de Nesle, an aristocrat – that jointly orchestrated the transfiguring of French politics by fostering redemptive governance during the reign of King Louis IX. It is worrying that midway into President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term, most of his initial supporters having “changed’, are jumping ship and his erstwhile allies are realigning for 2019; convinced that he won’t be catalytic to the electoral outcome. Electoral trends in Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria that swept aside underperforming leaders remain instructive. As Kingsley Moghalu, noted, “Nigeria’s fiscal crisis in a world of low oil prices can be addressed only through a constitutional redesign that devolves decision-making to units that will have economies of scale.” Ditto Nigeria’s governance challenges.
Nigerians are suffering and need a catharsis chockfull with redemptive governance and smart power leadership not influenced ethno-political considerations. Nigeria should retool its leadership advisory and decision-making methods. Nigeria needs people in public offices, who no longer need the pecks of government, but whose counsel the government can’t do without. Former U.S. Vice-President Walter Mondale served as the 24th U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996. Such public service, patriotism, and leadership are rare in Nigeria, where politics and public service are self-indulgent. If President Buhari’s remaining tenure must yield tangible results, there must be a rethink aimed at redemptive governance. If the process starts with a cabinet reshuffle, so be it. Still. Since constitutional guarantee of social justices seem not to suffice, we should perhaps resort to philosophical-theological dictates of the Holy Books. This proposal isn’t in favour of dogmatic governance, but biased towards governance that is people-oriented; which substitutes rhetoric and promises with compassion and promotes justice and common good instead of divisive policies.
- Obaze is MD/CEO of Selonnes Consult Ltd.
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IFC, SEC to implement corporate governance scorecard
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, will begin the implementation of the Nigerian Corporate Governance Scorecard in January 2017.
In 2014, IFC and SEC partnered to develop the Nigerian Corporate Governance Scorecard which was launched in November 2015. Following the launch, both institutions have jointly trained various stakeholders to prepare for implementation. These stakeholders include chief finance officers, company secretaries, audit committee and board chairpersons. The training sessions generated awareness for the new disclosure requirements of SEC. These disclosures will be used annually to assess corporate governance practices of listed companies in the country.
Both SEC and IFC at the weekend confirmed that the implementation of the Nigerian Corporate Governance Scorecard will start in January 2017.
Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo said a major focus of the apex capital regulator is to provide regulatory oversight to ensure public companies comply with best practices in corporate governance and boost their performance.
“Having built considerable market awareness for the scorecard with IFC’s support, we hope that as companies comply, they will improve their performance and contribute to growth in the nation’s economy,” Gwarzo said.
According to him, the scorecard will identify strong performers through enhanced disclosure, strengthen investor confidence and encourage foreign investments in the country.
Country Manager, Nigeria, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Eme Essien Lore noted that IFC works with firms to attract and retain investment by promoting the adoption of good corporate governance practices and standards.
“We have partnered with SEC over the last two years, developing the corporate governance scorecard and sensitising stakeholders. We hope that as implementation begins in January 2017, the trained officials would translate progress made into ongoing processes that boost performance, attract investments and help the economy grow,” Essien Lore said.
Corporate governance refers to the structures and processes by which companies are directed and controlled. Companies become more accountable and transparent to investors, which encourages new investments, boosts economic growth, and provides employment opportunities.
Corporate governance scorecards are quantitative tools used to measure the level of observance of a code or standard of corporate governance. The scorecard was developed using indicators from the SEC code of corporate governance and will assess individual, sectorial and market-wide level of compliance with standards of best practices.
IFC’s Africa corporate governance programme is funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Switzerland. IFC is the implementing partner for the programme.
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‘Akeredolu ’ll halt poor governance’
The Head of the Communication Unit of the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation, Mr. Bola Ajimoda, has berated Governor Olusegun Mimiko for running Ondo State aground in the last seven and half years and for giving a false impression about the state of affairs in the Sunshine State through the use of propaganda.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Vintage Press Limited, publishers of the The Nation, Ajimoda said Mimiko’s tenure has been one of wanton destruction, tragedy and colossal failure.
He added: “Go to Ondo State today, there is no economy that people can rely on; there is no thriving industry, agriculture has collapsed, the education sector has collapsed, there is massive unemployment and virtually everything has collapsed. The government currently owes workers over eight months’ salary arrears and pensioners for over two years.
“Our people are eagerly looking forward to a change of baton in Ondo and we are there to provide an alternative to them. So, it is not about PDP, but about dividends of democracy, which is what our party represents today in Ondo State.”
Ajimoda said the people are regretting giving Mimiko a second-term mandate, adding that they are desirous of seeing the kind of government in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Edo states replicated in Ondo State.
He said: “This election is about the future of Ondo State, about the future of the children and about the quality of life of the people and the electorates at looking for a political platform that can guarantee these. They have tried somebody and his political party for seven and half years, with no positive result.”
The spokesman said Ondo State does not need a traditional or a conventional politician in a period of recession like the one the country is currently in; adding: “What the state needs is an administrator, a professional who will see the revival of the economy as his primary responsibility; by diversifying its productive base. This person is no one else but Rotimi Akeredolu, the APC flag bearer.
“There is going to be an entrepreneurial revolution that would rely on the agrarian potentials of the state. The industries that were set up during the regime of the late Michael Adekunle Ajasin have collapsed. Within the first 160 days, he is going to hit the ground running, by setting machinery in motion to resuscitate the ailing industries. If we open up the maritime sector of the state, we will compete favourably with Lagos State.”
On the internal crisis rocking the APC, he said such conflicts are inevitable when human beings team up to achieve collective goals, especially in politics. He added: “But, the beauty of our own scenario is that we have a party that has a robust internal mechanism to resolve such conflicts as they arise.
“I have said it times without number that conflict is an essential ingredient of growth in every society. So, when they arise, we must be able to nip them in the bud. We have been talking and we are reaching out to people who have one grievance or the other. As relates to membership of the party, all of us are united behind the candidate of our party, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu. We are still talking to them and we will keep talking to them.”
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Group trains journalists on corruption, governance, democracy
A collation of business organisations called “International Private Enterprise” (CIPE) in partnership with the Plateau Coalition of Business and Professional Association (PLACOBPA) is to hold a one-day media workshop for editors, desk managers and correspondents on business enterprises in the northern part of the Nigeria.
The coalition are currently developing Business Agenda (BAs) for their respective states in Multi-phased projects to serve as tools that will allow private sector actors to collectively identify and discuss obstacles that stand for the development and growth of the business sector with potential solutions for them.
The Marketing Communication/Public Affairs Advisor, Mr. Haroun Audu (NIPR), stated this yesterday during a press briefing held at the Hill Station Hotel in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
He said the mandates of CIPE’s is to strengthen democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform, as one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and has worked with business leaders, policymakers and Journalist to build the civic institutions vital to a democratic society since 1983.
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‘Governance should be about people’
The three tiers of government have been charged to implement sustainable goals which will end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change while ensuring that no one is left behind.
This was said by Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, an activist and a politician, at a programme organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos in commemoration of this year’s International Democracy Day. The keynote Speaker who spoke on the theme: Democracy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Building Blocks of Peace, said the theme seeks to provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
She pointed out that from the local to the global level, women’s leadership and political participation are restricted. Her words: “Women are under-represented as voters as well as in leading positions, whether in elective or appointive positions”. Kuti describes education as a positive weapon that drives away poverty, violence among others . She therefore calls for all stakeholders involved to train women and young girls thereby becoming educationally and economically independent.
Giving more insight on steps taken in this direction, the executive director, Women in Politics and Government (WINPOGOV), Barrister Mrs. Obiageli Obi, said her organisation would be training young professional women who are primed and positioned to contribute positively to their environment.”WINPOGOV is currently training, assisting and building the capacities of women who wish to run for elective positions or are involved in government on advocacy and action in the promotion, protection and advancement of women’s right,” she said.
On his part, Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun , the Public Relations Officer of UNIC informed that the organisation is doing a lot to encourage women’s participation in politics in Nigeria.”UN is partnering with all stakeholders within the democratic institutions such as INEC, Civil Societies and various agencies of government to ensure that there is equity and equality in all that is done to encourage more women in politics”.
A representative from the younger generation of participants, Ugo Ibe-Ejiogu, an environmental scientist who spoke on economic empowerment and professionalism as a pathway to success x-rays the challenges as well as the potentials available. “If you take a look at the challenges, then we would realize that society as a whole have a role to play in women’s development”.
She therefore charged policy makers to implement policies that are targeted towards overcoming financial obstacles among women.
The programme according to Soremekun is aimed at drawing public attention to the importance of democracy and the nexus between democracy and development. “People should be at the centre of development and governance”, said Soremekun
The implementation of the goals, in the message of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon must be underpinned by a strong and active Civil society that includes the weak and the marginalised. “We must defend Civil Society’s freedom to operate and do the needful. On this International Day of Democracy, let us rededicate ourselves to democracy and dignity for all”. said Ban Ki-Moon.
Speaking on the challenges faced by women in politics, Mrs. Ify Akerele, the former Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping and a politician pointed out that women that are interested in joining politics can only make positive impacts if they work from the grassroots, as well as from their areas of strength. According to Akerele, education as well as experience will help women in participating actively in politics.
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LOYALTY IN GOVERNANCE AWARD HONOURS AMBODE, OTHERS
MARITIME Media Limited, organisers of the Loyalty in Governance Award have announced winners in the second edition of the reward system.
In all, six state governors, one from each of the six geopolitical zones emerged. They are Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (South-west), Governor Nyesom Wike (South-south), Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (South-East), Governor Nasir ElRufia (North-west), Governor Kassim shettima (North-east) and Governor Abdul-fatai Ahmed (North-east).
Governor Ambode was honoured for his pioneering effort to lighting up, improving security in the state, putting Lagos in the global map as an oil producing state; introducing a 25billion naira citizens empowerment fund, among other landmark achievements.
Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State is also being honoured for his outstanding leadership style in the state. The 10,000 trees to keep Kaduna green, the war against illegal structures, the mandatory issuance of building plans and C of O for structure in Kaduna and his impartial enquiry into the Army/Shitteclash endeared him into our team of researchers, thus making him one of the shinning lights in our present democratic experience.
In Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi has endeared himself to his people with 30% equity contribution to the civil servants housing scheme and the purchase of no fewer than 100 units of one bedroom flats at Elim Estate and 155million naira approved for rural electrification.
In yet other categories, the Dangote Group emerged as “Nigeria’s Corporate Brand of the Year” in appreciation of its huge investment in the world’s biggest oil refinery in Lagos with a 650bpd refining capacity.
Other winners of the award are the speaker of the House of Rerpresentatives Rt Hn YakubuDogara and Babatunde Fowler who was voted the “Most Outstanding Chief Executive of the Year” Held every four years, organizers say that the Loyalty in Governance Award is predicated on the need to reward loyalty and governance, deepen our current democratic experience, honour deserving Nigerians and corporate bodies for their contribution to the stability, unity and growth of our country.