The Nation Newspaper

Tag: POWER

Power belongs to the People

No Nigerian can claim to be unfamiliar with the PDP’s battle cry.

We’ve all seen the rowdy stadia filled with disinterested crowds and garish decorations. The party stalwarts all take it in turns to bellow “PDP” into crackly sound systems. Increasingly, jaded youths respond “Power.” “PDP – Power” became so ingrained, so normal that we forgot that a vital part had been amputated. Over the last 16 years, the PDP has utterly failed to deliver on its motto. Power not just for its own sake but power to the people.

The PDP has failed in the most literal sense. Power generation in the country is simply abysmal. Optimistic estimates suggest Nigeria generates 4,500 megawatts of electricity. South Africa, despite having a population of 50 million people, produces nearly 10 times that. Over the past year, South Africans have become infuriated by a relatively minor increase in load- shedding. Nigerians have long since accepted electricity as a fleeting and inconsistent gift. Generators are a necessity in homes and businesses. Constant power supply is fundamental to the sustained growth of the economy. It is no surprise then that Nigeria’s economy continues to flatter to deceive.

The biggest economy in Africa we are told. One of the fastest growing economies in the world they say. With a population of over 170 million, it would be shocking if we weren’t. The reality behind the glossy numbers is that Nigeria is still plagued by rampant poverty and enduring inequality. With all our natural resources, we are still desperately dependent on oil revenue. A slight drop in the oil price sends our economy reeling. The agriculture, tourism and manufacturing industries are anemic at best. We export raw, crude oil and import refined petroleum, which is subject to a government subsidy before being sold to the general public. It doesn’t take a professor to see the absurdity of this situation.

The subsidy is often held up as an example of the endemic corruption in Nigeria. And of course corruption is a massive obstacle to the growth of the economy. Improbably vast amounts of money are directed away from productive activities into the private accounts of individuals. Money that could be used to improve ailing infrastructure and spur development is instead used to buy expensive cars and fuel the private jets that fly corrupt officials to glamorous homes in exotic locations. At times, President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has acted as if it was testing how much strain the Nigerian economy could survive. The most blatant example was the NNPC scandal that took place last year.

In early 2014, then Central Bank Governor, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi accused the NNPC of not accounting for $20 billion. To put that into context, hosting the FIFA world cup costs around $10 billion. $20 billion is about Aliko Dangote’s total wealth, four times Mike Adenuga’s and almost 10 times Folorunsho Alakija’s; those are the three richest people in Nigeria. And it simply disappeared from our books. $20,000,000,000. Let that sink in. No economy in the world can lose that amount of money and not be affected. Wars have been fought over far less. But Jonathan responded as he did with most problems during his reign – ignore it and it might go away.

To be fair to the President, none of these problems began with him. Irregular power supply has been a problem for decades. No government has adequately addressed economic diversification and no government has succeeded in tackling corruption. However, Jonathan’s administration must accept the blame for the unchecked rise of terrorism and insurgency. The atrocities carried out by Boko Haram were too pervasive, too tragic and too monstrous to be ignored. It has been almost a year since over 200 girls were kidnapped in Chibok. This captured the world’s attention but it was not the first time, nor the last time, that Boko Haram would kidnap and slaughter innocents.

In the last six weeks, with the help of our neighbours, the Nigerian military has been successful in reclaiming all territories held by Boko Haram. Undoubtedly this is something to cheer but it begs the question why wasn’t action taken sooner? The first and foremost duty of the state is to exercise sovereignty over its territory. By watching as a portion of the country the size of Belgium was seized by insurgents, Jonathan failed Nigeria. I attribute no malice to him but he is certainly guilty of negligence. Years of ignoring infrastructure development, economic mismanagement and corruption had the vultures circling the PDP but it was the level of insecurity that meant that Jonathan simply had to go.

And go he did. In a week that none of us will ever forget, General Muhammad Buhari of the APC won the presidential election. It hardly seemed possible but on the 31st of May impossible became reality when the PDP conceded defeat. It was poetic that Borno, a state that has been ravaged by insurgency, hammered in the final nail in the coffin. Nigeria’s maturing democracy has now survived 16 years and in 2015 finally passed the handover test. It seems odd that history will forget most of Jonathan’s contentious reign; he passes on into legend, “the man who handed over power.” Many Nigerians will not be able to forget his missteps. Still, Jonathan deserves immense credit for doing the right thing. He can now enjoy retirement as an elder statesman, being paraded around the world as a symbol of democracy.

One man deserves even more credit. Attahiru Jega the National Chairman of INEC has just thrown his name in as a prime candidate for Nigerian of the Decade. In a country notorious for election malpractice, Jega has delivered twice. The second time round was even more impressive than the first. Going into the election, the atmosphere was extremely tense. How many of you know people who left the state in which they reside, or the country? How many of you decided to stay at home on Monday, just in case? Despite the heated polity, INEC conducted an election that was mostly peaceful and generally fair.

This is Nigeria so of course there were inconsistencies and question marks but INEC handled itself with aplomb, showing flexibility when confronted with issues such as the card reader, while ensuring credible elections took place. With the aid of card readers, permanent voter cards, social media and, most importantly, engaged and passionate voters, rigging was kept in check. Almost more impressive was Jega’s utmost composure under intense pressure, the chairman carried himself with impeccable calm in the lead up and conduct of the election.

Nigeria decided. Step forward President-Elect, General Muhammad Buhari. Problems solved, right? Well as always, it’s never that simple. The issues facing Nigeria cannot be fixed overnight. I suspect that Buhari will suffer from Obama’s syndrome. Just like President Barack Obama, Buhari won the election on a wave of mass popularity and arrives with a mandate for change. With all his landmark achievements – the Affordable Healthcare Act, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the potential diplomatic solution in Iran – Obama’s presidency is considered underwhelming. History may be kind to Obama but it shows the level of success that Buhari will need to achieve. The poor situation in Nigeria could be either a blessing or a curse to Buhari; it will be difficult to do worse than his predecessor but he has little to build on.

Worryingly, Nigerians have been so caught up in the hype that very little scrutiny has been applied to Buhari’s policies. There has been very little in depth discussion of economic, social or foreign policy. We have heard that there will be a focus on agriculture, infrastructure and security but details are scarce. Now that Boko Haram’s holds no more territory, Buhari must push forward programmes that address the root causes of violent extremism to ensure long term security. Agriculture and infrastructure are also in dire need of targeted interventions. It will be very interesting to see who forms Buhari’s cabinet.

Buhari has an unquestionable record of upholding rule of law and fighting corruption, as shown by his former stint as head of state. As a friend of mine succinctly put it, “corruption will drop by 30%, even before any policies are enacted, simply because of his name.”

But one man cannot solve all of Nigeria’s problems. But I expect Buhari to bring the determination and fearlessness for which he is known. If he doesn’t, he will have to answer to Nigerian citizens who have now tasted the removal of an incumbent.

Good luck Mr. President.

April 9, 2015
Accessing the power of the world to come!
The ‘powers of the world to come’ is real and has always manifested as enumerated severally in scriptures.

The Bible says: And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come (Hebrews 6:5). For instance, the ‘powers of the world to come’ was in open manifestation as the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land for they daily experienced the reality of Heaven on Earth. The following accounts from scriptures validate this fact:
- God fed them with two meals daily for 40 years: As He brought the Israelites into the realm of Heaven on Earth, three million people ate twice daily without planting or harvesting. They were fed directly from God’s kitchen in Heaven (Exodus 16:8; Luke 22:29-30). It means, we will be eating and drinking with Christ in heaven at His table. That is a picture of Heaven on Earth!
- Supernatural supply of water from a moving rock for three million people for forty years (Numbers 20:8; 1 Corinthians 10:4).
- They had no need for natural or scientific lights: From scriptures, we understand that in the ‘world to come’, there will be no need for candle nor the light of the sun, for the Lord Himself shall be the light of that city. This was the experience of the Israelites as God provided them with a pillar of cloud by day to protect them from the heat of the sun and also a pillar of fire by night (Revelation 22:5; Exodus 13:21).
- They marched out of Egypt with financial fortune and lived in a state of no weakness, sickness or disease for forty years (Psalm 105:37).
- God was changing their raiment. It is written:Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years (Deuteronomy 8:4).
However, we understand from scriptures that the Israelites were launched into that realm because they were baptized into Moses. That is, they were connected to his prophetic ministry. As it is written: And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea (1 Corinthians 10:2). It is also written: And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved (Hosea 12:13).

It is also important to understand that one of the ways we operate in the realm of Heaven on Earth is by our genuine connectivity to prophetic roots(Malachi 4:5-6).

Even though I am called to be a prophet, I am a product of prophets. I am a duplicate of Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and also of Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Every prophetic word spoken to me and contacts with these prophets and fathers reflect in my life. The ultimate of those encounters is the reality of Heaven on Earth experiences that I and this Commission have been basking in for the past 34 years.

It is important to understand that Prophets are spiritual fathers that carry spiritual inheritance for their children. Let us also understand that there is nothing we desire that people had not partaken of. Thus, God sends prophets our way to get us to where He has prepared for us (Hosea 12:13).

HOW, THEN, DO WE TAP INTO PROPHETIC VIRTUE?
- Receive the person of the prophet: We cannot be blessed by a prophet whose person we have not received(Matthew 10:41).
- Believe in his ministry (2 Chronicles 20:20).
- Honour him in our hearts (Mark 6:4-5).
- Engage in a soul-tie with that prophet (2 Kings 2:9-12; Luke 4:25-27).
- Engage in a fatherhood-tie: This is having a father-son tie with the prophet sent to us. Naturally, no one has an inheritance in a man that is not his father.
Friend, tapping into prophetic virtues, is for those born again. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are not saved, you can do so now, as you pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books–Walking In Dominion, Winning Invisible Battles and Born To Win.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org
March 29, 2015
Power flip-flop

Price of meters shoot up; president directs tariff reduction. It’s endless tales of woe in power sector

What age-worn cliché: garbage in, garbage out would come in quite useful here for that is what has happened in Nigeria’s power sector under President Goodluck Jonathan. For tragically mismanaging its laudable power privatisation programme, what therefore, might have been this government’s most outstanding legacy may sooner be its lingering albatross.

Nearly one and a half years after the bulk of Nigeria’s power sector was transferred to private ownership, and notwithstanding billions of dollars committed into power projects by the Nigerian government since 1999, darkness still hovers over most of the land. The requisite energy to galvanise both corporate and individual endeavours continues to fall short and the country is stumped and rooted in backwardness.

In other climes, privatisation immediately bolsters a sector as it rides on the massive infusion of private capital, financial discipline, managerial and technical know-how and all the time-tested management acumen lacking in the public sector. Even in Nigeria, we have seen the aviation and telecommunications sectors leap to life upon privatisation. But it has not been so for the power sector and the reason is simple: the process of divestment was fraught with opacity.

In the first place, established power firms, especially foreign ones either shunned the process or were shunted. The result is that the power generating and distribution facilities were handed to cronies and party stalwarts who had neither capacity nor knowledge of the industry. Thus, since November 2013 when the new (private owned) generating and distribution companies came into existence, Nigeria’s power situation has failed to improve. Many of the people who scrambled to hijack prime power assets either have no funds to invest in them or would not invest. Instead, they have elected to continue to finagle with obsolete equipment and installations that had been the bane of the sector under government’s watch. It is like milking a scrawny, old cow.

But in this intervening period, they have inveigled the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase tariff a couple of times even though power supply has not improved by any appreciable margin. Most galling, they have connived to make sure that electricity distribution is not metered so that lucrative but arbitrary billings would continue.

Late last year, a N213 billion facility was availed the privatised power firms by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This is taxpayers’ money being funnelled to private firms at low interest rate. Quite a number have already accessed this fund.

Yet the problems linger to the pain of electricity consumers and the ruin of the country. It was reported last week that electricity meters will now sell for about N60,000 for the multiple phase industrial use and N40,000 for the single phase, household use. These are increments of 20 and 56 percent, respectively. The reason for this sharp hike in price is said to be because of the weakened naira value. Ironically, all the meters required for operation could have been installed many years ago and long before privatisation. Interestingly, it is only in Nigeria that the consumer has to pay for meter, a property of the power companies!

Recently, President Jonathan reportedly directed the NERC to reduce tariff. A 50 percent reduction was announced this week. This, clearly, is the result of the dysfunction built into the new power sector reform; that is why a presidential order is now required to control the tariff structure. There are also, lingering issues with gas supply, generating capacity and transmission.

We insist that giving a presidential directive is mere palliative if not an aberration in a supposedly privatised business environment. Indeed, it is only a political decision meant to get some mileage for the government. The Federal Government must review the power sector reform in order to correct the flaws; especially the handing of critical power facilities to incompetent people.

March 23, 2015
Illuminating Nigeria through solar power

Nigeria, because of its tropical location, is believed to hold a huge market potential for renewable energy sources, such as solar power, which could be generated, transmitted and distributed off-grid. The solar lantern is one step towards the embrace of the solar alternative, which experts showcased during an exhibition and public enlightenment in Lagos. This was at the launch of Lighting Nigeria Programme. TONIA ‘DIYAN, who attended the event, reports.

The market for solar lighting products has evolved tremendously over the past two years in Nigeria, no thanks to the epileptic power supply from the generating companies (GenCos) and distribution companies (DisCos).

The joint efforts of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank towards encouraging the country to explore this alternative energy source have started yielding results.

Solar consumer products are introduced into the country with the aim of increasing access to affordable, clean and safer energy for both rural and urban population. Some retailers that witnessed the exhibition of solar-solution products at the launch of the Lighting Nigeria Programme in Lagos and Aba are Barefoot Power, Futura Sun, Little Sun, Total Nigeria Plc, Philips, Niwa, Schneider-Electric among others. They expressed satisfaction with the response of consumers, as people turned out in their multitude to purchase and place orders for solar products.

Ti el Attar is the Executive Director of Niwa, an industry leader in innovation and design of solar consumer products. The company empowers families and small businesses in more than 30 countries to grow step-by-step into energy independence. It is a German-Cantonese Hong Kong based company with more than 20years experience in engineering, product designs and mass production of consumer products.

The investors, manufacturer and retailers of solar lantern is aware that over 70 per cent of Nigerians live in rural areas and may not have access to electricity in the next 25 years because of their long distance from the grid according to the IFC and World Bank report. He was at the Lighting Nigeria Africa launch at Sheraton Hotel in Lagos and Aba where he discovered that in many parts of Nigeria, people enjoy between eight and nine hours of sunlight than even Germany, his country which is also the highest user of solar power solutions.

He saw the need for investors such as himself to tap into the huge potential solar market called Nigeria. Attar amongst other players in the industry, believe that for Nigeria to get rid of the epileptic power situation faced by the citizens, power must no longer be seen as charity, but a commodity that consumers will have to pay for.

Hauwa Usman, a consumer, is optimistic. She told The Nation Shopping at the Barefoot Power stand during the exhibition that she lives in the rural area, somewhere in the north, where residents are used to relying on dangerous sources of lighting such as kerosene lamps, candles, battery-powered touches and other fuel-based lighting considered as generally of low quality and expensive, impeding learning and economic productivity.

She said: “The traditional lighting sources in rural areas are kerosene lamps, candle, which is inefficient, costly and dangerous to health but with this great innovation and the involvement of the International Finance Corporation and World Bank aimed at lightening up the country with cleaner, smoother, more economic light system to provide quality assurance, I am hopeful that this will help my children study better while the public places where I stay would remain bolder for longer time. This will ensure better safety in the dark, particularly on our footpaths to our homes, markets and the farm”

Barefoot Power is an Australian Energy company dedicated to providing solar lighting and home systems to a wide range of customers in urban and rural settings. By manufacturing and selling their lights through a diverse network of distributors and retailers, the retailer provides families and communities with a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to kerosene and diesel powered generators.

The sales person at the stand during the exhibition said; “As leaders in our field, we are noted globally for our quality products as well as our strong warranty system which is for two years.”

The Lighting Nigeria Programme has succeeded in mobilising local and global manufacturers of solar-powered lighting equipment to the country. The programme has carefully designed interventions and in collaboration with key stakeholders, created new channels through local distribution companies that will help build robust supply chains for off-grid lighting products in the country.

The programme’s Project Manager, Itotia Njagi said solar power is more reliable than every other source as it is cleaner and more environment-friendly.

Njagi said: ”This is different from the inverters, because inverters still rely on the grid. The primary technology that this one uses is solar. And before now, the perception people had about solar is that it is an expensive technology. People had the perception that solar is beyond their reach. But from what we are seeing, we have discovered that people spend an average of between N800 and N1, 000 on kerosene or for charging the grid connected lanterns. Looking at this for a year, that is a huge amount of money, that is sufficient to get a good solar solution. So, for us we are saying if you are off-grid there is a lot of energy solution available for you at affordable rates.”

People who are off-grid buy kerosene and batteries on a daily basis. But when the cost is summed up yearly, it is more expensive than solar solutions. Therefore, the question of how to provide financing for people living in rural areas comes up. Investors say they have primarily identified two solutions; one is financing through micro finance institutions because they believe the micro finance institutions that have a great role to play in providing people in the rural communities the medium to buy these products.

The second is very innovative and it is the emergence of a technology called pay as you go. This technology rides on the mobile platform and also on the mobile phone. Subsequently, what is attainable is a solar product that is activated any time a person pays a certain amount. This system is designed to match the expenses a person spends every day for other forms of power. This technology, according to the Lighting Nigeria Programme would become a reality in the next six months from now.

The initiators of this programme have said a very critical factor that stimulates bad news rather than the good one would prompt them to put measures and strategies in place to ensure that there are quality products in the market, such that will promote quality products and differentiate the good quality solar brands from the not too good ones, to enable the consumer make informed decision.

March 20, 2015
South Africa’s Eskom suspends bosses over power shortages

South Africa’s power utility Eskom has ordered four of its executives to step aside while it investigates the problems at the firm.

They include Eskom’s Chief Executive Officer Tshediso Matona – appointed less than eight months ago.

“This was done in the best interests of our stakeholders,” said Chairman Zola Tsotsi.

South Africa has faced severe power cuts in recent months, leading to widespread criticism of Eskom.

“The inquiry will look into poor generation capacity, cash-flow issues and other problems,” Mr Tsotsi told journalists in Johannesburg.

He said the investigation would last up to three months.

Eskom, which provides almost all of the electricity in Africa’s most developed economy, has also come under fire in recent months over a seeming lack of maintenance at the country’s power plants.

Economists warn that if the energy problems are not resolved, it could further stunt the country’s growth prospects.

Nomsa Maseko reports on South Africa’s power crisis

Eskom says it needs an estimated $20billion (£13billion) to solve its problems.

The government has offered an initial bailout of $2billion, which will be paid out in tranches.

The rest of the money may have to come from the international markets, but with South Africa’s credit ratings down, Eskom may find it hard to raise funds elsewhere, says the BBC’s Lerato Mbele in Johannesburg.

In the meantime, ordinary South Africans and business want assurances that whatever changes occur within Eskom, the lights will stay on in the country, our correspondent says.

March 16, 2015
Tenants in power, time is running out

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” _¯ Mahatma Gandhi

The much-awaited year 2015 is just unfurling with the month of March, the third in the year, nearly getting to its middle. Among individuals, especially the occupants of exalted positions in the corridors of power, the way last year ends might vary but we can only hope and pray for the best in 2015. As private persons or as public personalities, how far have we gone in meeting set goals; for self and society? Those in power and who are about to contest the coming elections should not become victims of excuses, even though there is never enough time to do all we set out to achieve; we should strive to be nothing but conqueror of objectives: And by objectives, this column mean those deeds that could stand the test of time and benefit humanity.

Time is of essence in life. It is what keeps everything from happening at once. Every living being has own time or better put-magic moment. As the March/April elections are approaching, individuals in power have their time in their hands; how best have they deployed it. Is it used for egocentric purposes or for more enduring ventures? Whether you are president, governor, minister, commissioner, local government chairman or directing mind in an organisation among other powerful positions, by the turn of May, 2015, your days in office would come to an end, except for re-elected first term politicians in office. The crowd of people you see around you today would not be there forever. They throng around your position, not your person. When another person occupies the seat tomorrow, you automatically become history and what you live on subsequently is your good deeds-or better put legacy. Have you, despite your present position, ever given this inescapable looming reality any deep thought in the midst of privileged reverence that you are daily accorded by virtue of your position? Let us all remember in whatever grandeur it might currently please God to place us as another tenure beckons that there comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is our own hearts- the ultimate judge of human conducts. The earlier we learn the sound of our hearts, the better so that we can correctly decipher what it is saying and follow it. The problem with powerful men is that they have avoidably failed to be loyal to their conscience and have failed to discern inevitable change and challenge when about to occur. The saddest words that could ever come out of the mouths of once-upon-powerful-fellows are: ‘It might have been.’ As these elections get closer, you still have the power to shape you today and the future. Whatever part you deliberately chose, whether of self-perdition or sentence to irreverent oblivion should not be subsequently called mistakes?

Remember, as the elections are about to commence that there have been tyrants and slayers, and for some time, they can seem insuperable, but in the end, they always fall. Remember that it is your actions, not the fruits of your actions that would count against or for you on judgement day, which is why you must endeavour to always do what is importantly right. Let your action not be informed by personal gains or malice because that may not be in your power to decide. God in His infinite mercy might decide to let your actions or inactions benefit humanity and not even you can stop that? But you would be remembered, long after you have gone as the harbinger of that good action, and would be duly celebrated one day. But that doesn’t mean you should stop doing the right thing because there may not be immediate personal gains. You may never know what results come from your actions. But if you do nothing, there will be no result to celebrate in the world.

As elections are about to unravel, remember that yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream. What dreams do you have as a leader- for the country as her directing mind and the world at large so that there can be a peaceful global village for all to co-habit? Do not be deceived by the false friends or deterred by true enemies that success usually attract. Just make sure you put in your best in all you do in whatever position you might presently be privileged to occupy.

Having gone this far, it is pertinent to remind our privileged men of power on the need to engage in pertinent self re-examination. The president, governors and other political appointees by now would be buying time in power. The president and most of the governors would have become lame duck in their positions since fresh elections have been rescheduled for March/April, 2015 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Political parties have nominated candidates that would stand for elections into these exalted positions and the likely candidates that would take-over power would be seeking the hands of the people. That has been the tradition of CHANGE of baton in the political firmament. But those that did well by the end of March/April would be filled with certain sense of fulfilment.

How would our current crop of elected and appointed public officers want to be remembered? What future have they built for their families through their handiwork while in government? Is it one that will invite opprobrium or acclaim from members of the public? Is it not probably too late for them to remedy their avoidable pitfalls of the past now that the elections are just weeks away? And for Nigerians: Are they ready to tolerate the misfits in government that continue to rigmarole them with bad governance? Are Nigerians going to over look any failure whatsoever from the presidency, from governors and even INEC in the imminent 2015 general elections?

We should continue to fervently pray for God’s special grace in Nigeria so that the coming 2015 general elections would not be the last to be held under this dispensation because of insinuations of violence/rigging that rents the air. This column believes in such prayers and would continue to do everything to seek divine protection and blessings for the country. But above all, the ruling class must stop its destructive do-or-die politics with which our polity has been replete with in the about 16 years of democratic rule. In conclusion, this column is in prayerfully mood for a peaceful country post May, 2015. Let us all do things in this political season with moderation and more importantly, love our neighbour as we love ourselves. We must respect and allow the people’s votes to count in the coming general elections.

March 13, 2015
$10b investment: Will it boost power supply?

Erratic power supply may soon be a thing of the past. A Chinese firm and two local investors are poised to inject $10 billion (about N1.99 trillion) into the manufacturing of lighting equipment and accessories to boost electricity supply. The investment may be the wedge for solar energy adaptation in the country, Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

Nigerians may soonn start enjoying regular power supploy, following plans by a Chinese firm and its local partners to invest $10 billion (about N1.99 trillion) on energy.Under the deal Hongye-Sinari Group, Niger-Sino Industries Limited and Hamaded Logistics will build a solar energy accessories’plant. When operational, the plant would serve industrial and housing estates, schools, hospitals and malls, Director, Energy Generation, Hongye-Sinari Group, Mr. Xu Rongchang said.

He explained that the investment would lift the country out of its power problems

Noting that Nigeria has enormous potential that needs to be harnessed, Rongchang said what the country needed at the moment are products capable of reducing energy consumption, such as Light Emitting Diode (LED) products and other high quality electrical materials that comply with global standards.

With their eyes set on playing a significant role in the energy sector, he said the companies specialize in the manufacture of lighting equipment and accessories; solar energy.

Shedding more light on areas of investment by the Chinese firm, the head of the Chinese delegation, Mr. David Yang Xoaohua, said the company is also into the manufacture of agricultural equipment, which it also believes will be a good start, especially in the light of the agriculture revolution in the country.

Xoaohua, while addressing members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in Lagos, during the week, said the company would also invest in construction. He said the company is one of the biggest players in real estate in China.

“We have developed an industrial park worth $15 million and our corporate head quarters is on 8,000 square metres,” he added.

Stating that the company has branches in over 100 countries with over 5,000 workforce, and investible fund of over $10 billion,Xoaohua said with such enormous funds, the company needed to have clear rules of engagement, an enabling environment and a good legal framework that protects investors and investment.

He told the OPS members that his firm was in the country to ascertain the level of security and safety of lives and investments, adding that, fortunately, his team has confirmed that the country’s challenges are over blown as they can be surmounted with the right investment policy.

The leader of the Chinese delegation said after a careful study, the firm came to the conclusion that Nigeria, being the largest economy in Africa, remains the best place to invest with high returns on investment.

Indeed, since the rebasing of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which put Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy with GDP size of $500 billion, coupled with her population size of about 170 million, Nigeria has been the toast of foreign investors, despite serious infrastructure and security challenges.

Despite the challenges, Xoaohua believes that with a level playing ground by the government and other necessary agencies, the partnership would thrive and create a mutually-beneficial business for the country.

“Our aim is to help the nation in the areas of infrastructure development and the mechanization of its manufacturing process, develop the energy sector to boost manufacturing and other forms of businesses. It’s a win-win situation as it provides opportunity for massive employment generation. This is one area we learnt the government is working hard to bridge. There will be no case of dumping of fake and substandard goods as we will set up our manufacturing plant,” he added.

The Managing Director of Niger Sino Industries Limited, a building and construction manufacturing company in Maryland, Lagos and a former commissioner in Lagos State, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka-Shenayon, assured the Chinese investors that the government would provide a level playing ground. He said the government expects any investor to play by the rules.

Saka-Shenayon, who was instrumental to the tripartite agreement, said having been in government he appreciates the role private sector operators can play in enterprise and infrastructure development.

He gave Hongye-Sinari Group a clean bill, noting that it is a strong brand in China and in the over 100 countries it operates. He said this was what spurred him to invite the group to Nigeria. He stated that there is no better time for the Chinese investor to invest in the country than now, especially with its core competencies in manufacturing and real estate, which are huge job creators.

Saka-Shenayon hailed the synergy between the Chinese company and the local investors as one that would not only transfer technology but build skills, create wealth and grow the nation’s GDP. Besides, the synergy, he said, would further build and re-enforce Nigeria’s profile as Africa’s largest economy.

He pledged the cooperation of the OPS, noting that with the huge funds the investor is bringing into the country, the nation will be better for it.

Managing Director, Hemadeb Logistics Limited, Mr. Olatunde Akin Bohun, said as a real estate developer in the Lekki/Ajah axis, he is excited about the coming of the Chinese investors because of the expertise and investible funds they are bringing into the sector.

He said: “We have a 100 acres real estate development deal with Exxon Mobil and real estate partnership development agreement with some state governments in the Southwest on housing development that will be powered with solar energy. This makes our partnership with the Chinese firm a plus. Currently, we are also developing a five-star hotel on the Lekki/Ajah axis, the medical college of Afe Babalola University worth $10 million including a 140 mega watts plant in some Southwest states.”

Pointing out that some of the challenges faced by indigenous investors in real estate are high cost of funds and fund mis-match, Bohun as mutually benefiting to parties in the tripartite agreement.

Others at the event seen by not a few stakeholders as an endorsement of the investment deal included Chairman, Nigerian/China Business Association in China, Mr. Sebbs .P.C. Azubuike, Mr. Akin Abiola and engineer and the Executive Chairman, PEC Estates & Construction services Limited, Mr. Henry Adjbrope and Mr. Olaniyi Taiwo of Hemadeb Logistics Limited.

March 12, 2015
Fani power takes the cake

This is the Femi Fani-Kayode season. Things are going his way. When former President Olusegun Obasanjo thought the men handling publicity for him were too decent, he sent for Fani Power to take charge and take things along a different course. Where the matronly Mrs. Remi Oyo would simply set records straight, Fani is gifted with expletives. Anyone who as much as criticized his principal would earn himself abuses and curses. No one was spared. To Femi Fani-Kayode, President Olusegun Obasanjo was a god and whoever offended the Number One Citizen deserved to be verbally assaulted. He performed the task so well that he earned promotion from a lowly presidential media aide to a minister.

He performed so well too that President Goodluck Jonathan, at the time in Bayelsa state, took note of the change. As President, he must have noticed that Dr. Reuben Abati is too tame and decent in his releases and thus felt the need to engage Femi’s services. And, I believe that he is not disappointed. Since the Ile-Ife-born politician took charge of campaign propaganda, the fountain of expletives has displayed its beauty. Where there was no issue, he ingeniously came up with one. He found nothing wrong with aligning with Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose in suggesting that general Buhari would not last the distance. He invented a secret pact allegedly signed by Professor Yemi Osinbajo vacate office for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

I got to know Femi when he came as a guest to a Vanguard Forum in Abuja before the 2007 general elections. He was then nursing the ambition of contesting the Osun State governorship primary in the Peoples Democratic Party. We exchanged contacts, but did not take it further. As a rule I am not attracted to people I consider loud. Not long after that chance meeting, Fani Power chose Professor Wole Soyinka as target of his verbal ballistic missiles. I felt so strongly about it that it formed the thrust of my column in Vanguard then. I replied that he ought to have recognized the Professor as a literary icon, academic giant and nationaly hero who had been conscience of a sick country since Femi was a toddler giggling as he played with toys in Ibadan. Femi could not bear it. As soon as he read it in the morning, he put a call through and lamented that I betrayed a non-existent friendship. And, before I could reply him, he had dropped. He followed up by complaining to mu colleague and friend, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi who was then editor of Sunday Vanguard.

A few years later, by which time I was already at The Nation as Group Political Editor, Femi found a way of getting in touch with an article he wanted published. I obliged him. But, in introducing the piece, he was given the universal title MR. He complained that he ought to have been appropriately titled. While apologizing, I pointed out that many illustrious Nigerians, including Mr. Akintola Williams and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola have taken no titles, traditional or even academic. The man would refer to me as “aburo” without bothering to know my age. It was enough that I work with a newspaper and must therefore be younger. He was quick to jump to the same conclusion in relating with my friend and brother, seun Ogunseitan who is four years older.

In recent times, Fani Power’s drum has been very loud. He would defend anything Jonathan and attack anyone who as much as suggests that the President has fallen short of the expectation of rational Nigerians. The spokesman for the President Jonathan campaign Organisation is in his elements when he has to swim in polluted and troubled waters. At such times, he seeks others he could drag in with him, especially if the person has his aso ala (white dress) on. And, when such a person expresses discomfiture at the fate that has befallen him, Femi would have his hearty laugh. The Late Chief Bola Ige said of the late Chief Akintola in one of his books that the man could weave something around any political opponent knowing such a story was merely a figment of his imagination. Similarly, Femi’s imagination is very fertile.

There are two reasons for this piece. One, those who occupy public offices should be taught to employ decorum. Even a Fami fani-Kayode could be prevailed upon to apply decency in his communication. Two, those who are easily drawn to engaging the deacon in verbal brawl should realize that he is a master of such combats. They should know that, like the proverbial man dressed in white apparel; they should maintain a good distance from the man bearing a full load of palm oil.

It is our collective duty to redirect the campaign to focus on issues. Characteristically,, since Femi was brought in, the focus has been diverted to personalities and inanities. Nigeria deserves a better campaign in the 21st century.

March 8, 2015
Why power must shift, by Buhari

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday received a standing ovation at the Chatham House, London, United Kingdom, where he delivered a lecture titled: ‘Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Nigeria’s Transition,’ and answered questions on the state of the nation. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the significance of the visit and the former military leader’s vision and ideas for repositioning his beleaguered country.

There are two challenges confronting Nigeria, the most populous African country. These are the challenges of democratisation and nation-building. At Chatham House, London, yesterday, former military Head of State and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari dissected the two challenges of development. His verdict was that there is hope, if the curtains are drawn on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has held sway for 16 years in this Fourth Republic.

Before an audience of enlightened citizens of the world, Buhari, who described himself as a converted democrat, alluded to an unfinished task of making Nigeria great through democratic change guaranteed by the sanctity of the ballot box. By throwing his hat into the ring at 73, the retired soldier is venturing into an area where successive leaders have not lived up to expectation since 199. But, as he put it, his strength lies in the beauty of his dreams and passion to work for a new Nigeria that will regain its lost stature and pride in the comity of nations.

The former Head of State did not play to the gallery. He did not pose as a scholar. But, he held the audience captive as a statesman on a rescue mission in a country that has been misruled. Buhari did not promise what he will not deliver. He spoke as a gallant officer, nationalist, patriot and man of valour, honour and integrity. His responses to questions were lucid, logical, and non-elusive. The people cheered his frankness and sincerity. He justified his billing as an experienced administrator. The old soldier was not economical with truth. Even, he admitted his past mistakes as a tough military ruler. He acknowledged his description by the western media as a former dictator. But, he told the audience, without regressing into defense mechanism, that old things are now passed away. He took responsibility for the past and reiterated his readiness to fire a democratic challenge. Yet, he was progressively adamant on one thing. In national interest, he sounded a note of warning. Buhari said that indiscipline will not be tolerated, if he assumes the reins.

It is a defining moment for his beleaguered country. As a contender for federal power in a country of illusions, the General is also on the weighing scale. He believes that the election has serious import for the world. But, more importantly, his party believes that the exercise should take the fledgling federation into a new horizon of popular rule where citizens would savour unpolluted dividends of democracy.

All eyes are on Nigeria. The envisaged titanic contest is gathering momentum. Thus, Buhari, in his speech titled: ‘Prospects for democratic consolidation in Africa: Nigeria’s transition’, reflected on the ballot box challenge. He gave some conditions for a successful transition. The postponement of the presidential elections has provoked outrage. Those who postponed it may attempt to take Nigerians for a ride by shifting it again. Almost three weeks ago, Buhari had to appeal to his supporters for calm. His appeal doused the brewing tension. But, at the lecture, he insisted that the postponed elections should now hold on the rescheduled dates. Besides, he demanded on behalf of all lovers of democracy that the exercise should be free and fear so that their outcomes can be respected by all parties.

This has implications. If the poll does not pass the tests of integrity and credibility, danger looms. To avert that, stakeholders must work cooperatively to deliver non-controversial polls that will be adjudged credible by domestic and foreign observers. As Buhari warned that any form of extension, under whatever guise, is unconstitutional and will not be tolerated, those inside the hall and viewers across the globe nodded affirmatively.

If Nigeria succeeds in holding a peaceful poll, or if power shifts to the opposition, according to popular yearning, the country will just be trailing behind smaller countries like Ghana, Mali, Senegal and Mauritius that have accomplished the feat with minimal stress. The next step will be, in Buhari’s view, how to consolidate democracy. Democratisation, he admited, is a journey. The starting point may be the election, but of more importance is the quality of the elections and fruits of elections. If the quality of the election is not compromised, the state will advance with less controversy to the next stage, which is the harvest democratic dividends. Instructively, Buhari pointed out that these dividends are still beyond the reach of Nigerians who groan under poverty, insecurity and inequality.

In his view, democracy goes beyond allowing people to freely choose their leaders. It goes beyond the promise and assurance of choice and freedom. Democracy, he said, must foster security of life and property. It must allow room for transparency and accountability. It must permit the rule of law, good governance and shared prosperity.

Buhari noted that Nigeria has enjoyed stability in the last 16 years. But, of what import is that stability under a system that cannot put food on the table of Nigerians? What is stability, if the patched system cannot provide jobs for youths? What is the import of a stable order that cannot guarantee stable power supply? Answers to these puzzles find expression in the search for the alternative route in a country where the government, according to observers, has failed. Buhari said the alternative to the PDP, which has presided over the lean and boring period, is the All Progressives Congress (APC). He conceded that the elections will hold in an atmosphere of competition. If the poll succeeds, he also believes that the prospects of democratic consolidation will be further brightened in Africa.

The contest is a huge democratic task. Buhari said the exercise will hold under the shadow of huge security and social and economic uncertainties. To him, it is worrisome that this is the first time that insecurity will drive Nigeria to an edge since the days of the civil war. He expressed sadness over the insurgency by the dreadful Boko Haram sect, which has killed more than 13,000 Nigerians and displaced millions internally and externally. He blamed the Federal Government for ineptitude and inaction. He said what has been consistently lacking is the required leadership.

Buhari pointed out that, when the challenge overwhelmed the military through no fault of the patriotic and nationalist institution, the Nigerian military that has won laurels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Darfur during peace-keeping missions failed at home. He said the government should take credit for the turn of events because it failed to provide the required incentives. Ironically, as the APC candidate put it, Nigeria has been dependent on its neighbours for survival.

If elected, Buhari said that he will halt the trend. He said there will be no annexed territory and the world will not have worry about Nigeria. How will he do it? His answer: “We will pay special attention to the welfare of our soldiers in and out of service. We will give them adequate and modern arms and ammunitions to work with. We will improve intelligence gathering and border controls to choke Boko Haram’s financial and equipment channels. We will be tough on terrorism.”

But, can toughness halt terrorism? Buhari said that his government will also pay adequate attention to the human side of the fight against terror. Through a comprehensive economic development plan, there will be the promotion of infrastructural development, job creation, and the development of agriculture and industry.

If Buhari wins the poll, he will inherit a comatose economy. Indeed, Nigeria’s economy is on its knee. The fall in the price of oil has aggravated the perilous times. The former military leader said that, after rebasing the economy, it overtook South-Africa as the largest economy. In his view, this is economic growth on paper. He doubted if it can translate to human development or shared prosperity. The reasons are not far-fetched. Buhari said mismanagement, profligacy and corruption are the economy’s albatross.

Neither can the dual economies of get rich quick for the few and misery for the poor who are many stand. Thirty three percent of Nigerians still live below poverty line. This is almost 60 million, almost the population of the United Kingdom. This is unacceptable, said the General, who added that Nigerians must act with speed to halt the trend because delay could be dangerous. If this is treated with levity, he warned that the consequence of youth unemployment will widen the inequality. The explosion will be calamitous. Thus, in the face of dwindling resources, Buhari said the starting point is the stoppage of corruption and other associated ills, which he alleged, the Federal Government has succeeded in promoting.

Many Nigerians accept that corruption has nearly killed the country. Buhari promised to lead by personal example by tacking the menace. The holes in the budgetary process will be plugged. Besides, he said the public will vet the books of the critical revenue-generating entities-the Nigeria national Petroleum Corporation and the Customs, which, many believe, must be more accountable. He said, when he begins to fight the anti-graft war, his detractors should not misconstrue it as vendetta or an attempt to settle old scores.

Monies are being recovered from few corrupt officials. How they are used or what they are used for is unknown. But, Buhari said the recovered loot will be used to fund the APC’s social investment programmes in education, health , other social infrastructure, youth employment and pensions for the elderly. Besides, he said the economy must be repositioned to create equity and justice. Thus, wealth redistribution is his priority. Buhari promised to run a functional economy driven by a worldview that sees growth, not an end by itself, but as a tool to create a society that works for all, rich and poor alive.

February 27, 2015
Power to sack Jega beyond Jonathan
SIR: We must never permit a situation of having to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted. The constitution is clear and unambiguous: the process of removal of the Chairman of INEC, according to Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution, starts from the Senate and ends with the President.

The impression conveyed to the public by President Goodluck Jonathan during the Wednesday, February 11, media chat was that he could hire and fire the chairman of INEC at any time. No sir. Such power does not reside in the presidency.

Even if the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission were to commit a criminal offence today, such as murder, he can be arrested by the police and prosecuted, since he enjoys no immunity, but the President has no constitutional power to either constructively remove him through suspension or sack him outright on account of that criminal act. Indeed, I find it ludicrous when some lawmakers claim they suspend the Speaker of a House of Assembly. The fact is, there is no such provision for the suspension of a Speaker. Suspension and removal amount to the same thing, in that he will not function in the said office during the period of suspension. No such is ever envisaged by the framers of the constitution. If he has committed any gross misconduct, he can be removed by two-thirds majority of the entire House. I am aware of the Public Service Rules, the House Rules, etc., but these are subordinate to the Constitution.

The power of the President to appoint or dismiss the chairman of INEC, NJC, NPC, etc. is not only limited but circumscribed by the fact that he shall consult the National Council of State for appointment and obtain confirmation of the Senate, and in the case of removal secure, first, the concurrence of at least two-thirds majority of the Senate. The language employed by the constitution is that the process of removal should commence from the Senate – unlike the process of appointment which should begin from the President. Therefore, the President should be well-guided and not act in ignorance or defiance of the provisions of the constitution.

Buoyed by his getting away with constructive removal of the former CBN governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, from office through suspension, the President erroneously believes that he can do the same for federal executive bodies listed in Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution. No sir; that’s a no-go-area.

But then impunity begets impunity. Under what constitutional power did the President remove Chief Festus Odumegwu, the then chairman of the National Population Commission? Did the process commence from the Upper House? Did the Senate debate let alone vote on his removal? But we all kept quiet then; so why not attempt other infractions if you could get away with one act of impunity? But it is time to say thus far and no further to the President. Acting against the constitution is tantamount to treason.

We must warn against a situation where the President will attempt to unconstitutionally dismiss the chairmen of INEC, NPC, NJC, etc. and then ask anyone that is not satisfied to go to court. That will amount to high treason. The constitution is clear: the process of removal of the chairman of INEC, according to Section 157, starts from the Senate and ends with the President. The purpose of Section 157 is to insulate the all-important bodies like INEC, CCB, NPC, RMAFC, etc. from vagaries of politics and political interference from the President. The polity should no longer permit any acts of impunity that may bring down the edifice of this nation.
- Opeyemi Soyombo,
Abeokuta, Ogun State.
February 27, 2015