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Tag: technocrats

  • Of technocrats and public office

    Of technocrats and public office

    The use of technocrats in government is an age-long practice, but no store was placed on it because there was no need to. It was seen as something that should happen since after all, technocrats are like any other citizen of their country.

    From the natural progression of things from which they hitherto evolved, technocrats are now being seen in a different light, in a messianic hue, if you like by people still grieving about the outcome of the last elections.

    They talk about technocrats with such reverence that you begin to wonder if this was not the same class of people that ran the country in the past.  Their electoral loss has blinded them to the fact that there is no magic wand that their so much fancied technocrats can weave if they are opportune to serve the country.

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    Many of those who contested the last elections at different levels were technocrats. They left their well-paying jobs for politics not because they were failures in their callings, but to answer the call to serve. If in the past, some professionals missed it along the way, that does not make them less a technocrat than their colleagues who are not in politics.

    Clamouring to bring these saints into politics now under the claim that only technocrats can successfully run a government does not fly in the face of what we all know. I say no more.

    Technocrats abound in every field of human endeavour. A professional in whatever field is a technocrat. Those making a case for technocrats in the newly formed administrations at the national and subnational levels must convince others that their

     campaign is altruistic and not self-serving. If their candidates had won the elections, will they make this kind of special case for technocrats in the scheme of things?

    From when Nigeria became independent in 1960 to date, technocrats have been in government. The nation’s first and only ceremonial president, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, was a technocrat, who left his flourishing media empire for public office. Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa was a teacher, who left the classroom for politics.

    Former President Shehu Shagari too left teaching for public office, his deputy, Vice President Alex Ekwueme was a renowned architect and lawyer. How more technocrat can a public office holder be than this? Coming to this dispensation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) was a military technocrat before he joined politics. 

    His successor, Umoru Yar’Adua (2007-2010) was a lecturer. Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015) was also a lecturer. Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023) was also a military brass like Obasanjo. 

    There is no odd man out among all these people. The thing they have in common is being technocrats first before taking public office. Technocrats are experts in their respective fields. This is the expertise they are required to bring to bear on governance.

    You do not need a degree in industrial relations to be labour minister or a  certificate in aeronautics to be aviation minister. 

    Technocrats have served before as minister, commissioner or board chairman. So, the hue and cry for them now seems to be self serving, especially at the national level. 

    They are not doing it because of love for their country, they are doing it to paint the winner of the election as incapable of running the country.

    If they are calling for technocrats, is Bola Tinubu who won the February 25 presidential election not one? They know his antecedents, yet they do not appreciate his innate leadership qualities. He worked at the multinational company, Mobil Oil, and rose to become treasurer before leaving to join politics. He was in the Senate between 1992 and 1993. He was governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

    The pro-technocrats in government group has a different definition for technocrats. What is more, Tinubu’s executive council as governor was filled with technocrats.

    Ironically, today, as President, he is being harangued on the need for technocrats in his cabinet. What those in the pro-technocrat league know, but do not acknowledge, is that Tinubu appreciates what technocrats can do in and for government. The pro-technocrat in government group is now making it look as if without technocrats, nothing good can come out of government.

    There is tension in the country today because of the issue. For instance, Lagos, a cosmopolitan state, is facing a crisis never before experienced in its history. The House of Assembly, which declined to confirm 17 of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s 39 nominees for commissioner, is livid about issues raised in some quarters over the exercise of its power on the matter.

    What irks the lawmakers most is the claim that they are playing politics with it because most of the nominees are technocrats.  The pro-technocrat people do not understand that a technocrat is also a wielder of political power.

    Being an expert in your field and a wielder of political power make you a complete technocrat. This is why people like Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, M.K.O Abiola and Tinubu, among others, sought political power.

    A technocrat without political acumen is a mere tool in the hands of seasoned politicians. These politicians know what power means and can do anything to acquire it. Unlike technocrats, they do not wait in the wings to be called upon to take power, which has been said, is not served à la carte. Otherwise, we will all go to the restaurant to make our order. Technocrats should not wait on politicians, who are beholden to their loyalists that do all the dirty work, to invite them to take public office after the election.

    A technocrat who is interested in public office should also be interested in the political frays that line the route to power. This was what Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was trying to say about technocrats and power, while explaining why the nominees were not confirmed. 

     He used strong words as he allowed his emotion to overtake him, but the message was clear.

    “They say we are placing politics ahead of technocrats! What technocrat? What do you mean by technocrat? Who is not a technocrat in this hallowed chamber?… We gained power since 1999 and we have to sustain it… So, I am trying to protect my party… We will not sacrifice service to our people in the name of technocrats. We are politicians, and if not for us, the technocrats won’t be appointed…”

    Truly, politics is all about interests and as Obasa said, the lawmakers’ interests lie with their party and constituents.

    There is a lesson in this for technocrats and their backers. Call it Politics 101, if you like. We are in a democracy and not technocracy.

  • 2019: Endorse Adekunbi to succeed you, technocrats beg Amosun

    Prominent indigenes of the Ogun East senatorial district of Ogun State have urged Governor Ibikunle Amosun to endorse the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi as his successor for his loyalty and competence. Speaking under the auspice of Remo/Ijebu Professionals’ Forum, they spoke in Eruwon, Ijebu Northeast local government area of the state after a stakeholders’ meeting convened to review the 2019 governorship race.

    According to Giwa Bolaji Onafeso, who briefed newsmen after the meeting, the groups’s stance came on the heels of recent reports that APC leaders in Ogun West district,  are making frantic efforts to prune down the number of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants from the area. He said the group, which consists of practicing and retired professionals cutting across both the public and private sectors within and outside the state, is interested in the continuation of Amosun’s sterling performances.

    “We are professionals in various fields. We are indigenes of this state and we have seen Amosun’s performance which remains the best ever in the history of Ogun State. We have examined all the aspirants from Ogun West and we make bold to say if he wants assurance that the good work he is doing will continue, Senator Ibikunle Amosun must endorse Adekunbi, a young, loyal and hardworking politician who is loved across the state, as his successor.

    ““More so, he is the longest serving Speaker in Ogun State. Ogun State has never had it so good. There is no governor that has ever had so much rest of mind to pursue his projects as the present governor. That opportunity for him to continue pursuing his projects without disturbance is basically because the House is peaceful. We are sure that he will make a good governor if given the opportunity,” he said.

     

  • Saraki: Nigeria needs technocrats to achieve potential

    Saraki: Nigeria needs technocrats to achieve potential

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday said Nigeria cannot achieve its full potential if government does not engage technocrats in driving the development process.

    According to him, there is a “mismatch” between what politicians can offer and what skilled experts can bring to governance.

    Both, he said, must work together.

    The Senate President spoke in Lagos when he declared open the 11th Annual Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), with the theme: “Law and the changing face of legal practice.”

    Saraki said it behooves the private sector to push the government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    “I believe there is a misconception by the private sector. We all believe that the responsibility is for those of us in government. That is true. But I believe that you can drive your government. You can make your government do what is necessary to create the right business environment.

    “This is a great country with great potential. But the reason why we’ll never achieve our potential is that there is a mismatch. This mismatch is that the caliber and capacity of those in government cannot match those in the private sector,” he said.

    Apart from the private sector’s input in governance, Saraki said government alone cannot fund infrastructure deficit even if it has to borrow.

    The Senate president listed several laws that have been passed to boost the economy, adding that the Senate would soon amend the Constitution.

    “We hope to finalise the Constitution review. This is an area the budget has been holding us back. Now that the budget has been passed, our main priority when we resume is constitutional review. The report is ready,” he said.

    Lagos State governor Akinwumi Ambode, represented by the Attorney-General Adeniji Kazeem, urged lawyers to help develop laws that will enhance the ease of doing business.

    “Legal practice must support legislation that will support law and order and improve ease of doing business,” he said.

     

  • Technocrats, scholars brainstorm at Imo public lecture

    Technocrats, scholars brainstorm at Imo public lecture

    Owerri, the capital of Imo state hosted captains of industries, scholars, technocrats, citizens and statesmen at the commemorative lecture of Imo at 40.

    The occasion offered the eggheads, entrepreneurs, politicians and youths the platform to engage in intellectual discourse for the future of the nation.

    The theme of the event organised by Nigerian Eye News Paper in conjunction with GCFN Consult was: Analysing the future of socio-political persuasion in today’s Nigeria: The way forward.

    There were several paper presentations of the theme of the event.

    In his presentation, Prof Benedict Nwoke reminded the leadership of the nation and the older generation that mentorship is important to the growth and development of human race.

    He made allusion to Jesus Christ, who nurtured 12 disciples to achieve what He couldn’t wait to do on earth.

    Bemoaning the fate of the younger generation, Nwoke said all hope is not lost in building positive mindset that would aid them achieve better and more productive society.

    He reminded participants of the exploits and excellence of some Igbos in the past through entrepreneurship, discipline and focus, urging the youths to move-on towards positive change.

    Founder of the Soren Keikergard Society West Africa, Rev Fr Prof. Ogbonna, which is the first philosophical minded academic society in entire sub sahara Africa took the gathering on the meaning and role of a teacher.

    He also spoke on the place of education in human development and character building.

    All of these, he said, are important in developing good leadership that steers the ship of nation to prosperity.

    He called for a rethink among youths, parents/guardians and the government operators at various levels.

    Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof Adaobi Obasi, stated entrepreneurship is necessary to arrest the current situation bedeviling the nation with its population in favour of the youths.

    She lamented that many youths have been forced to join militant and kidnap groups as well as cross Mediterranean Sea in pursuit of elusive wealth.

    This desperation, she said, would never address the raging issue of unemployment without constructive approach in the education sector.

    Obasi said the education sector should influence the younger generation to passionately define their future by dreaming big, starting small and doing same now.

    She commended Governor Rocha Okorocha’s free education philosophy in Imo State.

    Prof Chidi Osuagwu took the audience on Igbo true position in today’s Nigeria as well as measures to take the future by storm.

    He extolled the race’s abilities to solve problems before they surface.

    According to him, an understanding of the Igbo identity and what they could do remain the turning point to achieving greatness.

    Dr Ibeneme McGinger, a medical practitioner, called on the leadership of the nation to swiftly undertake a re-structuring process that would see citizens have faith and also, love the nation.

    Representative of Imo State Governor, Engineer Chidi Ibe, called the Igbos “living catalysts”, saying they have consistently found solutions when and where it mattered most.

    He also called for elevation of merit, character and integrity in all spheres of life.

    After the lecture, an award ceremony took place.

    Imo First Lady Nkechi Okorocha was honoured for her positive influence in defining the women folk and downtrodden through She Needs A Roof Project Initiative (SNARP).

    Others include: Dr Ibeneme got an award for his health initiatives during the Ebola outbreak and Cliff Ayozie of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    CEO of Ceecon Energy Oil and Gas Chima Anyaso, bagged Southeast entrepreneur of the year.

    Hon. Chike Okafor, Hon. Mere and others were also honoured.

    Publisher and editor in Chief of Nigerian Eye Newspaper, Cookey Iwuoha, commended the participants and guests for taking out time to be at the event.

    He reiterated the publication will remain committed to its goal of redefining Nigeria to the world.

    According to him: “As an Imo son, I and my team of journalists have come to the realisation that this journey that started seven years ago in Ghana need to take a turn home.

    “Redefining Nigeria to the world will not be a complete exercise without Nigerians in Nigeria sharing in this educative and thrilling experience that rekindles devotion and patriotism in the spirit of Nigerians for their nation.

    “So, we decided to take this step and make our contribution in nation building via  bringing our people together in discussing the strongest challenge our nation is facing today.”

  • Appoint technocrats, expert urges Buhari

    Group Managing Director, NANET Group, an hospitality firm,  Ini Akpabio, has urged the President-elect,  Muhammed Buhari to appoint professionals in key government positions.

    Akpabio, made the appeal in a chat with journalists in Lagos at the weekend.

    He said  the down-ward trends witnessed in most sectors of the Nigeria economy, are as a result of the absence of technocrats in government’s positions.

    “Most of the people appointed into leadership positions are not professionals or expert in such sectors given to them to manage.

    “Politicians appoint people based on relationship not on experience and professionalism. If such  is not corrected, no sector of the economy will work because the right people are not in the right positions,” he said.

    The Managing Director also advised the incoming government to revitalised  abandoned historical monuments, government built hotels and tourism sites across the country.

    He said there were lots of abandoned government hotels, monuments and tourism sites that are not in good condition.

    “The incoming government should focus on the abandoned historical sites, hotels and monuments to boost the sector.

    “The country is blessed with enormous tourism and hospitality assets that can be used  to raise revenue for the government .

    According to him, the incoming government need not spend much in establishing tourism sites or monument but to reawaken  abandoned ones, “ he said.

    Akpabio advised the Buhari led administration to exploit hospitality and tourism sector as alternative means to oil sector.

    “Government should diversify the economy through the tourism and hospitality industry as it poses less hazard to the environment unlike the oil sector.

    “Hospitality and tourism sector is the third employer of labour after agric sector and government offices, “ he said.

    He further stated that the industry is capable of employing over one million citizens annually, thereby, reducing employment challenges in the country.

    “The industry will help to increase the nation gross domestic earnings by 50 per cent and also help in poverty alleviation,” Akpabio said.

    Akpabio appealed to the Federal Government to create good road networks to tourism sites across the country and also provide infrastructure to aid the sector.

  • ‘Why incoming government must use technocrats’

    ‘Why incoming government must use technocrats’

    Comrade Seyi Gambo, Convener, Good Governance Group and the former Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in this interview with Justice Ilevbare sets agenda for the incoming government

    What is Good Governance Group is all about?

    It all started during a discussion at a friend’s house in Ikorodu mid last year. We discovered that we need a non partisan group that can work with government at all levels to achieve socio-economic development and qualitative service delivery to the Nigerian people. It is a fact that we can’t all be in government, but we can all contribute to the success of same. For anybody in position of influence in Nigeria, we have at least one hundred people qualified to man that ministry or institution.

    So what we seek to do is through our network of specialists and intellectuals, develop alternative policies, or reinforce the prevailing policies where needed. We will also inform the public about what they should expect from government, be it federal, state or local government. When those in position know that the people have an expectation, they will be compelled to act more responsibly. The local government’s chairmen will use their budget for what it is set for; internally generated revenue will be closely monitored.

    However, the group is still at its consultation stage. We held talks with former president Olusegun Obasanjo late last year, and it was an experience of a life time. He demystified our so called leadership challenges. Other prominent Nigerians who have been privileged to serve in government are also billed to be interviewed by the group as we seek to know the reasons behind our monumental failure as a people.

    Need for technocrats in key sectors

    Technocrats and professionals with proven records should be appointed to man key ministries and departmental agencies (MDAs). ?Like in the case of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the incoming government should appoint a policy bias individual – someone who knows about policy formulation and an analytical mind. Probably someone with sound Monetary Policy background and an Economist, probably with a PhD will do. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and His Royal Highness Sanusi, we’re very good. Sanusi as you’ll agree with me was not a core banker; he was more of a regulator in the system. Commercial Banking is totally different from Central Bank role. CBN job is not deposit and lending, it’s a policy thing.

    The president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari might need to look in the direction of research institute, World Bank and indigenous consultant with sound policy background. We have a lot of them – we need to get this right. We need people who “think globally and act locally” they must have a sound knowledge of Nigeria market or environment.

    On the oil and gas sector

    In my view to start with, oil revenue should no longer form major revenue to fund the budget. Revenue from the crude should go to a special fund or a sinking fund as reserve fund. Effective tax system should be put in place using Lagos as model. Citizens paying taxes will now be demanding for value for money and system of “national cake” will no longer be there. Agriculture should be subsidised by the federal government.

    A lot have been said about how to get the refineries working and removal of subsidy. What is your take on this and profile of the personalities needed as minister of petroleum?

    Transparency of this sector is very important. Nigerians are looking forward to a credible individual as the Petroleum Minister. Deregulation should be done and FG should probably sell like 30% of their stake in the JVs and deploy the proceeds into critical sector of the economy.

    Fall in oil price provides ample opportunity for the subsidy to be removed. FG should put the current refineries into good shape and then sell off. However, the unions should be part of the process from the beginning to the end as partners not observers. We have seen where government under BPE got core investors that ran hitherto profit making government agencies aground, stripping them of their assets and sending the workforce away with peanuts. A perfect is example is NICON insurance. Hence, the type of privatisation, the choice of buyers should be debated with the union representatives. Greenfields should be encouraged as well as Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) should be passed to law.

    This is even more important than the restructuring as recommended in the Steve Oronsaye report, especially for critical government regulatory agencies in the hydrocarbon industry. This will keep government away from removing one problem and creating more problems on the other hand, the Nigerian way.

    Fighting corruption

    One man alone cannot fight corruption in Nigeria, but one man can lead the crusade. Office of the Nigerian Head of State is a very powerful one and therefore body language of the President gives the direction. Corruption with impunity was at all-time high during the administration of GEJ as all the anti-corruption agencies were moribund as a result of perceived GEJ’s body language to fighting corruption. The system is already responding to emergence of Buhari as the President-Elect and consequently everybody is sitting up. His zero tolerance for corruption is already getting people jittery. We are going to witness institution functioning with all anti-corruption agencies ready to go for kill. He who must come to equity must come with a clean hand. It takes one without history of corruption to fight corruption.

    On security

    Most of the security challenges in Nigeria can honesty be attributed to a self induced and self destruct process. Terrorism in the United States of America as a perfect example is more of offshore driven by people or what we can say ideologies that see America as a subversive nation-state, Islamic fundamentalists and others, who now have sympathisers within the system. However, in the case of Nigeria, we have a critical mass of people that are disenchanted with the way the country is being run. Suffering in the midst of plenty with attendant poverty. So we have millions of jobless youths who are idle hands and minds, prey to politicians and hate preaching religious clerics. In the religious fanatism example, we have youths whose disillusion in leadership have made them a ready army in the hands of wealthy African nations who are envious of Nigeria’s status, like Libya under Gaddafi. In the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, for years our armed forces were overwhelmed by a rag tag cult. Like it’s said in the IT world, garbage in, garbage out. Our men were ill equipped physically and mentally, whereas the defence budget kept soaring.

    We need to get seasoned and patriotic Nigerians to look into operations of our security agencies. Take the Department of Secret Services (DSS) for example, the spokesperson of that highly respected organisation have brought the DSS into disrepute by her often times outlandish  statements which are not followed with arrest and persecution in the courts. You say people are Boko Haram sponsors and they are not arrested? The worst thing I have ever heard the head of an arm of the nation’s security network said was when the Director General of DSS said the service have decided to move on by forgiving the murderers of ten DSS operatives along with  forty-six  policemen. If DSS operatives can be killed in cold blood while carrying out a national assignment by Ombatse cult members, what is the fate of the common man?