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Tag: John Bray

  • U.S. to work with Nigeria to achieve prosperity – Consul General

    The United States Consul General in Lagos, Mr John Bray, on Tuesday said that the U.S. would work collaboratively with Nigeria to help achieve prosperity.

    Bray made this known at the `Securex West Africa’, an exhibition and conference encompassing fire and rescue, commercial, homeland and cyber security, organised by Afrocet Montgomery.

    He spoke on the topic: “Collaborative Security: A Multi- Stakeholders Approach to Addressing Nigeria’s Security Challenges”.

    According to him, the security of a nation is good but government needs to take their eyes out from security and focus on the stability of the economy.

    He said that to achieve stability of the nation, it behoves the leadership of that nation to provide the amenities that its people need to survive.

    “Security in Nigeria is an important topic but in discussing this there is need to look at the stability of the economy.

    “The key security issues relevant to Nigeria has to do with stability and to achieve security one needs to look at the economic challenges, the unprecedented population growth, the lack of amenities like power and others.

    “These factors and poor economic output will have a negative impact on the stability of the country and also lead to security unrest if not well managed,’’ he said.

    Bray listed some factors that contribute to instability in a country as: corruption, violent ethnic conflict, population movement, exploitation of natural resources, trafficking of persons, natural disasters and others.

    He also said that the values a good leader should have to push the country forward would be: good judgement, factual, courageous, knowledgeable, decisiveness, having endurance and others.

    Bray said that in the world of security, it would take three Ps – Patience, Persistence and Perseverance, urging government to adopt these tools

    “For patience, there is need to understand that things do not change quickly and cannot be achieved overnight but with one step at a time.

    “The very small step at a time, persistence, will lead to an actual goal and one should not allow a lack of progress to get one down,” he said.

    Bray also said that a four Cs which are Culture, Communication, Collaboration and Cooperation between stakeholders was needed to tackle the challenges of security in the country.

    According to him, a leader needs to bring people together through policies and education to achieve unified ideas.

    He stressed the need to communicate ideas and objectives clearly to stakeholders, address endemic corruption, insist on transparency, must strategise and create economic opportunities.

    Bray also listed financing infrastructure projects and investment in people through education to stablise the economic growth to tackle the challenges experienced in the country.

    Earlier, Mr George Pearson, Event Director, Afrocet Montgomery, said that there was need to deploy the right technology and work together to achieve the desired goal for the country.

    According to him, deploying the right technology will help to provide safety that will sustain peace and prosperity for the country.

    He said that the 9th edition of the `Securex West Africa’ would provide a platform for participants to display state-of-the-art product solutions, showcase the latest technology and educate visitors on the current global trends within the industry.

    “In addition it will provide an arena for regional and international companies to meet, network and do business with some of the biggest companies in the region requiring security products and services,’’ he said

  • U.S consulate unveils mobile app on human rights

    The United States Consulate has demonstrated its commitment to ending human right abuse in Nigeria by collaborating with the Constitutional Rights Awareness and Liberty Initiative (CRALI), a civil society organization to unveil the “Know Your Rights Nigeria” mobile app at the multipurpose hall of the U.S consulate in Lagos on Tuesday.

    Speaking during the unveiling, the U.S Consul General, John Bray remarked that Nigeria is critical to Africa’s prosperity and stability given its large population, commercial enterprise and strategic geopolitical location.  Adding that the U.S government is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, Bray stated that promoting the idea that every person has inherent dignity is a core element of the U.S administration’s foreign policy.

    “The Consulate’s support of the app is an example of what the U.S. government is doing to support the protection of human rights. As in the past, the purpose of the app is to simplify and raise awareness among all Nigerians of their human rights,” Bay affirmed.

    The chair of the event, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, former Vice-President of the World Bank, who condemned the prevention of the BBOG group from their daily sit out at the unity fountain in Abuja, harped on the need for engaged citizenry as a vital force for strengthening democracy.

    “Democracy is the worst form of government until you have tasted the others. Democracy is about the fundamental rights of people to be part of a society and to know that their freedoms will never be infringed upon because it bestows upon the citizens the right to make all kinds of choices within the framework of the constitution that binds that society,” she stated.

    Ezekwesili also remarkedon the important once of citizens who live in a democracy to be aware of the rights of the constitution as they cannot operate in the office of the citizen without the awareness of such rights.

    “The office of the citizen in a democracy is the office from which every other office derives its legitimacy. A democracy is so called because you do not ascend to power on the basis of the bullet, feudalism or some monarchy. You cannot delegitimize the rights of the citizens because you hold an office. That is a contravention”, she submitted.

    During a presentation of the app, the convener of the event, Adeola Austin Oyinlade said that the app not only ensures that people are educated about their rights but also that they have access to free legal advice. The app is accessible in Pidgin, English, Hausa and Yoruba language.

    Also present at the occasion were Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, the former dean of the faculty of law, UNILAG and Dr.  Dapo Olanipekun, SAN, who gave a keynote address at the occasion.

  • Celebrating National Press Day

    Celebrating National Press Day

    National Press Day ( NPD ), is celebrated across the country on every 16th day of November. The National Press Day is symbolic of a free and responsible press in the country.

    Just as Nigeria commemorates the day, NPD celebration takes place in  many countries of the world including the US, UK and India.

    Similarly, the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration holds every May 3rd. This commemorative day however, is celebrated world wide.

    NPD imperatively calls for reflection on among others, free press, the role of the press in enhancing a more viable democracy and essentially a participatory press in the rising world of social media.

    The press, as matter of fact, needs to be free from all forms of censorship or control that may hinder its duty of and responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people.

    It is instructive to note that the press at this umpteenth time needs to be developmental-oriented and setting agenda for national peace, cohesion and development.

    In light of this, the United States Consul General,  Mr. John Bray earlier this year, advocated for more freedom for the Nigerian press in carrying out its “watch dog” duty for the society and holding government accountable to the people.

    Mr. Bray made the plea in Lagos while giving a keynote address at the 2017 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD)  celebration which held at the Lagos television auditorium, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

    The theme of this year’s WPFD was “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies.”

    He noted that the press deserves more freedom because an unfettered press is essential for democracy to thrive.

    The consul general however, said the United States understands that with more freedom comes more responsibility.

    He added that advances in technology and increased reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial.

    He urged journalists to check and double check for facts before putting out their stories saying adequate increases their personal credibility and the reliability of their platform.

    “Be thorough in your research and strive to look for every side of a story before you hit send,” he said.

    He said the role of the press  as the government’s watchdog was key to the system of checks and balances that is fundamental to the smooth running of every democracy.

    Bray stated that according to Reporters Without Borders, more than a third of the world’s people live in countries where there is no press freedom.

    “Most of them are quasi democracies, with systemic deficiencies in the electoral process, or countries where there is no system of democracy at all.
    Working under such conditions, journalists risk everything to hold regimes accountable.

    “Before my arrival in Nigeria four years ago I had read about the courage and sheer doggedness of the Nigerian press in the dark days of military dictatorship.  In my time here, I have seen that you are still the voice of the forgotten.

    “You have not lost your thirst for the truth or your willingness to go wherever a story leads you, thereby contributing to transparency, accountability, and good governance in your country,” Bray added.

    Governments at all levels need to unconditionally and  strongly supports freedom of the press because  “an unfettered” press is essential for  democracy to thrive.

    Fortunately or unfortunately, Nigeria’s Freedom Information Act was passed in May 27, 2011 and has yet to be amended since then even in the face of lots of outcries for its amendment.

    This backdrop had been described as detrimental to the desirable free press in Nigeria.

    On media law and ethics in the digital age,  Mr. Oluyomi Lords, Nigeria Institute of Journalism ( NIJ ), argued that the failure of the Nigeria media industry stemmed from the failure of the Nigeria constitution.

    Calling for the amendment of the sections establishing the media and the role of the Press – Sections   39 and 22, Lords said the sections  must be amended because they are limiting the performance of the Press.

    He however, expressed optimism that the amendment will make the Nigerian stronger and help resolve among others issues of litigation, defamation, remuneration and corruption.

    A free press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy and that is why government must be fully committed to upholding freedom of press and expression in all forms.

    The media space must be used more and more to showcase the skills, strengths and creativity of our people going by  this age where we are witnessing the rise of social media and news being consumed through mobile phones.

    We strongly believe that these  advancements will further the reach of the media and make the media space even more democratic and participatory.

    The hard work of our media, especially the reporters and photojournalist, who tirelessly work on the ground and bring forth various news that shapes national as well as global discourse must be appreciated.

    The role of the media in giving voice to the voiceless is commendable and must be  acknowledged. However, the press should increase the public participation and ensure that press freedom will be protected by his government

    The press should be helped to function as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only the press maintains the high standards expected from the industry, but also guide against overbearing  influence or threats of any extraneous factors.

    The functions of journalists essentially include maintaining the high standards of press which is expected from them. The press must not be brought under  pressure of any force. The basic concept of self-regulation of the Press Council has been articulated by Mahatma Gandhi.

    The Nigeria Press Council  as a unique entity should exercise an authority over the instruments of the state by safeguarding the independence of the press.

    The council should facilitate more seminars, discourse and conferences on the occasion of National Press Day. More public discourses must be geared towards attacks on the freedom of the Press and Right to Information

    The role of media in crises situations (Sub-Topics)– Constitutional Crises, Political Crises, Economic Crises, Social Crises, Security Crises and Threats to the Freedom of the Press on Internal and External should be widely covered.

    Media professionals should be educated on the role of Media in nurturing awareness of fundamental duties among citizens and the role of media in preserving rich composite heritage and tradition of the country and in promoting democracy.

    We need to enlighten people on the media’s role in arousing popular conscience to promote peace, harmony and brotherhood transcending barriers of ethnicity, religion and sectional interests.

    Role of Media in preparing people to cope with disasters is another topic that can not be overemphasised.

    Also, projection of women by media in present day context and occupational hazards faced by media persons in conflict situations on the NPD event should be discussed.

    The occasion will motivate every member to be more responsive, responsible and proactive.

    Media persons should continue their excellent tradition of constructive journalism, displaying highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

    The media play a crucial role in shaping the society and has also become a bridge between the government and the citizens. The consistent coverage by all forms of media on diverse issues of the society creates a immeasurable impact and thus making it one of most important of professions at present.

    The press is one of the foundation stone of democracy and its freedom is an essential pre-requisite in a world of challenging phase of media reporting today.

    The media should continue to play their vital role in creating a new Nigeria which is strong and prosperous; free of secession, crimes and insurgency.

    As we felicitate with the Nigerian press on the successful celebration of this day, it is our hoping that our media continue to represent the voice of the people particularly the oppressed in the country.

  • Ambode inaugurates DNA centre to reduce crime

    Ambode inaugurates DNA centre to reduce crime

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos on Wednesday inaugurated the state’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Forensic Centre to accelerate collection of evidence and improve its quality to quicken justice dispensation.

    The centre is located at CMS on Lagos Island. The centre is the first government-owned in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DNA is a molecule that reveals the chromosomes in the centre of cells of living things.

    Ambode said: “Before now, most of, if not all DNA analysis and testing, were performed outside Nigeria, a situation that caused longer turn-around time and an overall higher cost of bringing closure to a case.

    “I am, therefore, convinced that the establishment of the centre will assist our courts in quick dispensation of justice.

    “This centre is a definite boost for our administration’s justice sector reform programme, and it will further transform the system of administration of justice in Lagos in particular and Nigeria as a whole.’’

    The governor said that the centre had the capacity to provide the police, prosecutors, defence attorneys and private citizens with crime scene processing and serological screening for blood and semen.

    He said that it would also provide services such as DNA analysis of bone, teeth and hair; maternal and paternal relationship DNA analysis, expert witness and case handling services.

    “Besides, it will help in paternal and maternal ancestry DNA analysis; cold case file review and mass disaster human identification.

    “With the successful completion of this stage of the facility, our administration plans to include additional capacity in the areas of toxicology, trace evidence and controlled substance analysis, fingerprint and latent prints, firearms, ballistics and tool marks, digital forensics and questioned documents examination.

    “The development of these other forensic sections at the facility will complement the DNA and forensic section and enhance the level of services offered today.

    “This will be helpful when dealing with organised crimes, as scientific methods can now help prosecutors to exonerate or convict a suspect, thereby reducing incidence of crime in the state,” Ambode said.

    He said that his administration established the centre in the realisation that security was vital for good governance and sustainability of investment.

    Mr John Bray, the U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, said that the centre would better equip Lagos and Nigeria to deal with social challenges in an effective and scientific manner.

    He said that the centre was set up in partnership with an American company – IPSI Bio-Science Company – adding that U.S. would continue to collaborate with Nigeria to bring about growth and progress.

    Dr Richard Somiari, Managing Consultant of the centre said that the project was initiated in 2016 for consultation on old and new cases, crime scene processing and evidence collection.

    Somiari said that the centre could carry out serological screening for blood, semen, saliva and mass disaster victims’ identification and cold case files’ review.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, lauded Lagos State Government for establishing the centre, saying that it would also help to fight insurgency.

    Mr Imohimi Edgal, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, said that the centre would make police investigations and prosecution easier.

    “It will help in solving crime cases; even our old and pending cases will now have closure with this centre,’’ he said.

    Mr Adeniji Kazeem, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, said that efforts at transforming the judiciary and fighting crime would be incomplete without a modern crime laboratory centre.

    Kazeem said that lack of proven scientific evidence had made trial of many cases difficult.

    “We can now move away from relying on confessional statements,” he said

  • Wike: Rivers people want True Federalism  

    Wike: Rivers people want True Federalism  

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Rivers people are insisting on true federalism because they crave a country where all federating units are allowed to develop in line with their respective potentials and resources.

    The governor emphasised that the demand for true federalism simply means that Rivers people believe in a united Nigeria, where  no section  is denied the control of her resources.

    The governor who spoke at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday night when the Rivers State Government hosted the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr William Symington to a State Banquet, also called on the Government of the United States of America to set up a Visa Office in Port Harcourt to  cater for  the South-South and South-East.

    He said: “We are clamouring for true federalism.  When you talk true federalism, they think  you don’t want to  be part of the  country. We talk about true federalism as practiced in America.  A true presidential system where all the Federating units will be allowed to enjoy their resources and contribute to the centre.

    “That means we believe that there must be a country called Nigeria.  All of us will work together for the unity of the country”.

    He explained that Rivers people  seek equity, fairness and justice in the country, stating that the right framework  must be established  to ensure that all states excel at their pace.

    On the request for the United States Government to set up a Visa Office in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said the visa will resolve  the issue of equity  and justice as the Abuja office serves the north and Lagos office serves the South West.

    He assured that the American Ambassador that the state is safe for business, pledging that his administration will partner with investors, as the right environment has already been created.

    “Forget about the media propaganda.  This state is an opposition state. Therefore, don’t expect them to say it is the best.  But, we are the best state. We are doing everything to ensure that investors do profitable business under the ambit of the law”, Governor Wike said.

    In his remarks, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr William Symington commended Nigerians for the unity of the country.

    He said that Nigeria is a great country because of the contributions of Nigerians.

    “Nigeria will be great and I expect a super power and a super partner “, he said.

    The Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria was accompanied by the Consul General , John Bray.

    Head of Service of Rivers State, Mr Rufus Godwins, in a welcome remark on behalf of the Rivers State Government, pointed out that Rivers State shares a lot of similarities with the  United States of America, especially in the area of the presence of oil resources, love of human rights, justice and fair play.

    He, however, pointed out that while United States practices fiscal federalism where federating states own their resources, Rivers State suffers untold hardship as her resources are exploited to the benefit  of others.

     

  • Why Americans are not doing business in Nigeria – US Envoy

    Why Americans are not doing business in Nigeria – US Envoy

    United States Consul General in Lagos, John Bray has said lack of access to foreign currency and inconsistency of duty payments are some of the reasons why Americans refrain from doing business in Nigeria.

    He said though Americans see the Nigerian market as massive, young and growing, but lack of transparency with government and inadequate infrastructure to support value change scare potential investors from doing business in the country.

    The US Envoy also listed the ever rising and unpredictable energy cost and security concerns for its personnel and investments as some other challenges that inhibit his country from doing business here.

    Bray, who has served as consul general in Lagos for over a year, spoke Tuesday during the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) business dialogue with the theme: Improving the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, where he gave these as reason why Nigeria rates an “intolerably low” 169 of the 190 countries on the World Bank Index of Ease of doing Business Rating.

    The Envoy however lauded the Federal Government Recovery and Growth Plan initiative as a one-stop shop whose success will be determined by executing its plan and a common resolve and commitment of government and civil societies to work together in new and innovative ways.

    “I can promise the US Government will be Nigeria’s biggest cheerleader and we will be available with ideas, programmes, and media connections to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

    “We at the Lagos Consulate and Embassy in Abuja know of these challenges and tend to sit on the positive side of this pendulum. We know that the challenges are small and Nigeria has the talent, resources and ability to fix all these problems I have mentioned.

    “Have actionable ideas and know that you don’t need to solve the problems all at once, but start with something manageable,” he added.

    On his part, NACC President Olabintan Famutimi noted that as a bilateral chamber, it is ever ready to mobilise investments from the US to Nigeria and attract prospective investors and enable Nigeria attain her potentials in the comity of nations.

    He however commended government for establishing the Enabling Business Environment Council geared towards improving Nigeria’s poor ranking on the global ease of doing business index and the upgrade of the Corporate Affairs Commission online portal to ensure document upload capabilities.

    On inconsistency in government policies, Famutimi said: “Onerous regulations, multiple taxes and unfriendly government officials can divert the energies of entrepreneurs from developing businesses.”

    He also said government has not demonstrated integrity and has been most notorious in failing to pay its debt and honouring contractual obligations.

    President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who gave the keynote address, lamented the retrogressive ranking of Nigeria’s index from 94th position in 2006 to 169.

    Reeling out various factors responsible for the decline in service delivery, he noted that Nigerians services are not service oriented but, bureaucratic ineffective and inaccessible.

    The Stock Exchange boss said though there is a 20 percent improvement in tax payments and a 4 percent increase in electricity supply, trading across borders and other aspects of the economy is regressively poor.

    He called for a massive paradigm shift and a change in the attitude and capability of those at the gates and public servants as a necessary means of changing Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking.

    Giving an insight into the thrust of government policy behind the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) model, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole called for strong political will of leaders; interministerial collaboration and the cooperation of Millennium Development Agencies.

     

  • Niger Delta crisis: U.S, Dickson insist on dialogue

    Niger Delta crisis: U.S, Dickson insist on dialogue

    The United States Government and Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday insisted that the Federal Government should use dialogue, not military might, to resolve the crisis in the Niger Delta region.

    They said honest and sincere talks involving all the stakeholders in the region would have far-reaching impact on peace, security and stability of the country.

    A three-man team of senior U.S officials led by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. David Young, spoke in Yenagoa, when they paid a courtesy visit to Dickson as part of their ongoing fact-finding tour of the Niger Delta.

    Other members of the team were Consul-General, John Bray and Chief of Political and Economic Section, Tom Hines.

    Addressing Dickson, Young said: “The United States Government feels very strongly that all stakeholders should be engaged in dialogue as part of step to arrive at equitable and fair solution for all involved.”

    He observed that the major challenge facing Nigeria was to translate the oil wells into meaningful development to impact positively on the lives of the citizens.

    He said the country should strive to ensure an end to violence and establish conditions and mechanisms for lasting change and economic opportunities for the people.

    He said the mission constantly engaged all stakeholders such as governors, civil society group, legislators and non-governmental organisations to promote transparency and fiscal responsibility.

    According to him, America would continue to provide necessary assistance on matters of agriculture, health, education, diplomacy and good governance.

    He said: “We believe that the major challenge to Nigeria is to translate the region’s oil wells into improvement in the lives of every citizen.

    “We encourage Nigeria to work for goals to end violence and to establish conditions and mechanisms for a lasting change over time and provide economic opportunities for people.”

    On his part, Dickson commended the U.S for her encouragement and continued support for Nigeria and the Niger Delta.

     

  • Edo Guber: US consular caution candidates against violence

    Edo Guber: US consular caution candidates against violence

    The United State Consular-General to Nigeria, John Bray has charged all political parties candidates in the September 10 governorship election to see poll as a contest and not a ring of war.

    Consular Bray in company of the Economic Officer of the United State Consulate-General in Nigeria, James Plasman who were on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Edo state and Strategy Team, EST Mr Godwin Obaseki spoke yesterday in Benin City noting that political gladiators in the state must be aware that the international community is waiting anxiously to see a violence free election.

    He assured the Edo state government of a sustained working environment saying matters of economic importance such as Agriculture, power, (the Agro Power Projects which they are committing $50 million through USAID) Peace in the Niger-Delta and Matters bothering on youth empowerment is top on their priority list.

    He said, ““We are in the state for the upcoming election, just letting them know the international community is watching for a free, fair and transparent election. So we are trying to make that point to all the gladiators”.

    On his part, Mr Godwin Obaseki who is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, with his running mate, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu who received the delegation thanked them for the visit which he said will go a long way in sustaining the mutual working relationship between the United States and Edo state.

     

     

     

  • US seeks credible election in Bayelsa

    The United States Government is interested in the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    The U.S Consul-General in Nigeria, John Bray, on Thursday visited the Governor of the state and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Mr. Seriake Dickson, to discuss issues bordering on the poll.

    Bray said he came to inform Dickson of U.S plans to send an observer mission to monitor the poll, according to a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

    The consul-general also said he was in the Government House to share ideas with Dickson on how to conduct a free, fair and credible election.

    He was accompanied to the state by the Political and Economic Chief in the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Tom Hines and the Political Officer, Nick Austin.

    Bray assured that the mission would work with the government and its agencies to ensure a smooth democratic process.

    He called on political leaders, parties and their candidates to play by the rules for a free, fair and credible poll.

    In his response, Dickson assured the international community of his administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful election in the state.

    Dickson said as part of his preparations for the election, he was on a campaign and sensitisation tour of communities across the state.

    The governor said he also used the opportunity to educate the people on the essence of a violence-free election, describing himself as an advocate of free, fair and credible polls.