The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UK

  • Election: US, UK warn against interference in collation

    Election: US, UK warn against interference in collation

    The Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom have warned against any attempt to distort the will of Nigerians as expressed at the polls.

    While noting that there are no evidence of systemic manipulation of the electoral process for now, both countries however said there are disturbing indications that the collation process—here the votes are finally counted—may be subject to deliberate political interference.

    According to a joint press statement signed by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.K. foreign Secretary Philip Hammond‎ said any interference contravenes the letter and spirit of the Abuja Accord, to which both major parties committed themselves.

    The statement reads; “Our governments welcome the largely peaceful vote on March 28. The Nigerian people have shown a commendable determination to register their vote and choose their leaders.
    “So far, we have seen no evidence of systemic manipulation of the process. But there are disturbing indications that the collation process—where the votes are finally counted—may be subject to deliberate political interference.

    This would contravene the letter and spirit of the Abuja Accord, to which both major parties committed themselves.

    “The Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom would be very concerned by any attempts to undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission (INEC), or its Chairman, Professor Jega; or in any way distort the expressed will of the Nigerian people.”

  • Politicians who stoke violence won’t escape, say U.S., UK

    Politicians who stoke violence won’t escape, say U.S., UK

    Nigeria is under world’s focus as it holds presidential and national assembly elections on Saturday, the United States and the United Kingdom said yesterday.

    This follows the broadcast on Monday, by U.S President Barack Obama to Nigerians urging peaceful and fair elections.

    Yesterday U.S Secretary of State John Kerry, and U.K Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, reaffirmed the message of peace and crisis-free elections in a joint statement.

    They also warned of dire consequence for politicians who stoke violence.

     They said: “The elections must be decided in accordance with the rule of law. It follows that any person who incites violence at any stage in the electoral process, or who seeks power through unconstitutional means, should be held accountable and should understand that the consequences will be severe, both domestically and internationally.

    “After an election, it is natural to focus attention on the winner, but in any democracy, the unsuccessful candidates also have critical roles to play.

    “No one expects any political leader to retreat from firmly-held policy positions or beliefs, but a losing candidate owes it to his or her country to acknowledge defeat as soon as the popular verdict is clear, to urge supporters to accept the outcome, and to advocate unity in the face of national threats. That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.

    “A free, fair, and peaceful presidential election does not guarantee a successful democracy, but it is nevertheless an essential ingredient—especially now in Nigeria.

    “There are good reasons why the international spotlight is firmly fixed on Nigeria during this critical period and why we have come together to support an open and credible electoral process

    “Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and what happens there will have an impact well beyond its borders. A successful election, free from violence and with wide participation, accurate vote counting, and responsible leadership from the candidates would inspire the region and spur future progress and prosperity.

     “As friends and democratic partners of Nigeria, we urge that the voting for president and parliament go forward as scheduled on March 28; there should be no further delay of this crucial vote

     “In 2011, more than 800 people died in post-election clashes, and a recent survey shows that half of Nigerians are concerned about political intimidation this time around,” they said.

    “The good news is that President Jonathan and General Buhari have repeatedly and publicly stressed their commitment to non-violence before, during, and after Election Day.

    “Both candidates have affirmed their intent to act solely through legal channels in pursuing any concerns that might arise regarding the fairness of the vote.

    “It is imperative that they—and their backers—live up to this pledge. Elections should be decided at the ballot box and, if necessary, in the courts; not through efforts to coerce others.

    “Respect for the constitutional process and the independence of Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission, (INEC), is the right approach, and the only one that offers a sustainable way to address Nigeria’s many challenges.

    “The countries we represent, the United States and the United Kingdom, strongly support the pledges articulated by the Nigerian candidates.

     “This is a country rich in resources and blessed by a creative and dynamic population. Its leaders can be extremely effective as evidenced by their swift action to prevent Ebola from establishing a foothold in their nation—thus saving thousands of lives.

    “Overall economic growth rates are healthy and parts of the country are doing well. And yet, Nigeria has been held back by local tensions, a wide disparity between rich and poor, the lack of an adequate safety net for the disadvantaged, shortages of electricity, a rigid bureaucracy, and widespread corruption.

    “These challenges have made the country vulnerable to internal conflict including kidnappings, murders, and other atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram.

    “Nigeria’s next government will need the support of all its citizens to address these challenges, and its unity will make it easier, on the security side, for regional neighbours and the larger international community to provide necessary help.

    “We urge all eligible Nigerians to vote, to resist those who attempt to incite violence, and to come together as one country to defend against terrorist threats and to build the shared prosperity and enduring freedom all Nigerian citizens deserve.”

  • UK support for China-backed Asia bank prompts US concern

    UK support for China-backed Asia bank prompts US concern

    The United States has expressed concern over Britain’s effort to become a founding member of a Chinese-backed bank that could rival the likes of the World Bank.

    The UK is the first big Western economy to apply for membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

    The AIIB will fund Asian energy, transport and infrastructure projects.

    However, the US has raised questions over the bank’s commitment to international standards on governance.

    In a statement, UK Chancellor George Osborne said the UK had “actively promoted closer political and economic engagement with the Asia-Pacific region” and that joining the AIIB at the founding stage would create “an unrivalled opportunity for the UK and Asia to invest and grow together”.

    The hope is that investment in the bank will give British companies an opportunity to invest in the world’s fastest growing markets.

    But the US sees the Chinese effort as a ploy to dilute US control of the banking system, and has persuaded regional allies such as Australia, South Korea and Japan to stay out of the bank.

    In response to the move, US National Security Council spokesman Patrick Ventrell said: “We believe any new multilateral institution should incorporate the high standards of the World Bank and the regional development banks.”

    “Based on many discussions, we have concerns about whether the AIIB will meet these high standards, particularly related to governance, and environmental and social safeguards,” he added.

    Osborne Joining the AIIB would help the UK and Asia invest and grow together, UK Chancellor George Osborne said.

    Some 21 nations came together last year to sign a memorandum for the bank’s establishment, including Singapore, India and Thailand.

    But in November, last year, Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered lukewarm support to the AIIB and said its actions must be transparent.

  • Nigeria to overtake UK, France by 2030, says report

    The economy has been billed to overtake France and United Kingdom by 2050, PwC economists have forecast in its latest report: titled: The world in 2050: Will the shift in global economic power continue?

    According to the report, China will be the largest economy by 2030, while India may challenge US for second place by 2050 while forecasting that the emerging economies of Nigeria, Indonesia and Mexico could push the UK and France out of the top ten economies of the world by 2050 provided they are able to build their institutions to global standards, diversify their economies and sustain growth friendly policies.

    It stated further that Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia are set to be notable risers with Colombia and Poland growing more strongly by 2050 than Brazil and Russia.

    The PwC Nigeria’s Chief Economist and co-author of the report, Mr. Andrew S. Nevin, said: “Over the past decade, Nigeria has boasted superior economic growth and, with the right reforms and investments, Nigeria could become one of the world’s leading economies by 2030, with further progress by 2050.

    “Nigeria’s potential advantages for future growth include a large consumer market, a strategic geographic location, and a young and highly entrepreneurial population.’’

    With drop in oil price which could thwart this possibility as a result of the attendant pressure on fiscal policy, he said Nigeria will need to manage the oil price decline effectively at all levels of government and create a sustainable platform for diversification into the sectors.

    “We are all aware of the significant headwinds created by the rapid drop in the oil price, putting pressure on the fiscal and monetary systems, as well as reducing economic growth in the short term. To achieve its long-term economic potential, Nigeria will need to manage the oil price decline effectively at all levels of government and create a sustainable platform for diversification into the sectors that we know will drive the economy in the future – including power, agriculture, manufacturing, telecoms, hospitality and real estate,” said Nevin.

    With a long-term projections of potential GDP growth up to 2050 for 32 of the largest economies in the world, covering 84 per cent of total global GDP, the PwC report projects insist that the current global economic power shift away from the established advanced economies in North America, Western Europe and Japan will continue over the next 35 years – despite a projected slowdown in Chinese growth after around 2020.

    Insisting that the world economy is projected to grow at an average of just over three per cent per annum from 2014-50 – doubling in size by 2037 and nearly tripling by 2050, the report which tipped China as the largest economy by 2030 on any measure, however stated that it expect China’s growth rate to slow markedly after around 2020 as its population ages, high investment rate runs into diminishing marginal returns.

    It stated that China needs to rely more on innovation than copying to boost productivity. “Eventual reversion to the global average has been common for past high growth economies such as Japan and South Korea and we expect China to follow suit,” it stated.

    Other highlights from PwC’s projections are that India has the potential to sustain its higher growth rate for longer and become a $10 trillion economy by around 2020 in purchasing power (PPP) terms, or around 2035 at market exchange rates.

    This prediction is however, predicated  on India making sustained progress on infrastructure investment, institutional reforms and boosting education levels across the whole population while emerging  economies like Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico have the potential to be larger than the UK and France by 2030, with Indonesia possibly rising as high as fourth place in the world rankings by 2050 if it can sustain growth-friendly policies the report added.

     

     

  • Okocha hails capacity- enhancing trip to UK

    Okocha hails capacity- enhancing trip to UK

    Nigeria legend Jay- Jay Okocha has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for organising a nine–day capacity-building programme in the United Kingdom for a number of coaches and ex-internationals.

    The new chairman of the Delta State Football Association, who played for Nigeria at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, told thenff.com at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, that the exercise will be hugely beneficial to Nigeria’s football development.

    “The football fraternity in Nigeria should applaud the move by the NFF to enhance the capacity of these persons in the interest of Nigerian football. To the best of my knowledge, we have never had anything like this.

    “Everyone should praise the NFF for this. I see Coach Amodu, Kanu, Yisa Sofoluwe, Dahiru (Sadi), Ann (Chiejine) and Florence (Omagbemi). This is wonderful. I believe what we are going to learn will be very useful for our country’s football.”

     

  • Nigeria lacks capacity to tackle Boko Haram, says UK

    Nigeria lacks capacity to tackle Boko Haram, says UK

    UNITED Kingdom’s (UK) Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire has alleged that Nigeria lacks the capacity to deal with terrorism despite its huge resources.

    Swire spoke while addressing the British Parliament on what UK had done over the growing insurgency in the Northeast as well as contributions towards emplacing developmental infrastructure to reduce poverty and illiteracy.

    He described allegations of corruption in the military as untrue.

    According to the minister, the UK donated £250 million to Nigeria last year through the United Nations (UN) Safe School Initiative to enable over 800,000 children, including 600,000 girls, in the North have access to education.

    Swire said the UK contributed £1.7 million to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) and European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department Programme, adding that the money expended by the British government in Nigeria alone was about £250 million.

    His words: “We have been stepping up to the crisis. We have approximately £250 million per year expended in Nigeria with other additional packages. With the wealth within Nigeria, they should have the capacity to handle these problems, but the reality is that they don’t.

    “That is why a lot of UK support programme is in building up these capacities, which they need through direct tactical training for Nigerian forces. I agree they should have it; but currently, I do not agree they do.

    “UK aids goes to other organisations within Nigeria. Yes, we should continue to help, but like I said, you have to justify it. Aid is contentious issues.

    “We hope on giving aids government to government. But also, when we look at a country like Nigeria with its huge division of wealth between the North and the South, we think there is a role and in the British interest, to help build capacity and strengthen institutions within the country so that the nation can handle its issues itself; that we will continue to do whether the cameras are on us or off us.”

    Asked if the UK could deploy its counter-terrorism team to support Nigerian soldiers should Nigeria foot part of the bill, Swire said no British troops would be deployed to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram, because there were grave human rights issues in the police and armed forces in Nigeria.

    “We would have liked to see a more robust attitude from the army and the military to what is going on in the Northeast, but it is a very complicated and extraordinarily difficult to actually find out what is going on.

    “We have heard some stories about people changing sides and equipment being ceased. But it is absolutely certain that the Nigerian Army needs better training to combat the absolutely and incredibly violent terrorist organisation as Boko Haram. But this cannot be done overnight.

    “There are issues about equipment going on and about money not reaching the right places, but all these allegations I find untrue, unfortunately. That is why we have training teams in Nigeria and we are trying to build institutional capacity by building a better military.

    “There should be a regional solution. Some of these countries are on the borders with Nigeria and are affected already. Also, you cannot offer help if the country you are offering it to does not want it. We have to hear more from the Nigerian government as to how the international community can assist, particularly locally,” he said.

    The minister, however, explained that the financial aid to Nigeria were not just to alleviate poverty or address the huge dispute between the North and South, but also to help build robust institutions.

    Answering a question on corruption in Nigeria, he said it was important to highlight that the nation had the largest economy in Africa and spent only 20 per cent of its budget on security, adding that if properly run, Nigeria should be able to do a lot on its own.

    Swire also expressed concerns about violence marring next month’s elections, just as he wondered over the possibility of conducting the polls, when “an area the size of Belgium is under Boko Haram”.

    “Twenty thousand and fifteen  is an important year for Nigeria’s future. Presidential and state elections will take place in February. It is crucial that these are free, fair and credible and that all Nigerians are able to exercise their votes without fear or intimidation,” he said.

    On the activities of Boko Haram sect, the minister noted that the group continued to wreck havoc across Northeast, with the latest attacks occurring last week.

    The Shadow Foreign Office Minister, John Spellar, who also spoke on the issue, said there was need for solidarity across continents in the face of terrorist attacks.

  • Greece spends more on pensions than UK

    State pensions are one of the biggest expenses for the British government. However, new figures from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) showed that the United Kingdom (UK) spends less on pensions than most other developed countries.

    In 2011 Britain spent less than 12pc of its total government budget on state pensions, putting it below the 18pc average across OECD countries.

    The countries spending the highest proportion of their public money on pensions are Italy at 31.9pc, Greece at 28pc and Portugal at 26.4pc.

    This is down to these nations’ ageing populations and the economic meltdown they have suffered since the financial crisis, which has caused other state spending to shrink.

    Iceland spent the lowest proportion of its government funds on pensions in 2011, at 4.5pc.

    Tim Reay of accountancy firm PwC said countries in northern Europe tended to have smaller, “welfare-style” state pensions that benefited the poorest most. Across Southern Europe, however, state pensions were more generous and provided a percentage of people’s salary, much like a final salary private pension.

    According to the OECD, pension systems “differ substantially” across its member countries, but face the same main difficulty: remaining financially sustainable while delivering adequate pension income.

    In a report it said: “The economic crisis in 2008 developed into a fiscal crisis in many countries. These difficulties have led to substantial changes and reform of pensions.

    “The current need to reduce government debt to more sustainable levels and the high level of public pension expenditure in many OECD countries imply that additional pension reforms are likely to figure prominently on the policy agenda.”

    As a result of these challenges, most of the OECD countries have been very active in reforming their pension system over the past two-and-a-half years, it said.

     

    •Culled from Telegraph

  • Greece spends more on pensions than UK

    State pensions are one of the biggest expenses for the British government. However, new figures from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) have shown that the UK spends less on pensions than most other developed countries.

    In 2011 Britain spent less than 12pc of its total government budget on state pensions, putting it below the 18pc average across OECD countries.

    The countries spending the highest proportion of their public money on pensions are Italy with 31.9pc, Greece (28pc) and Portugal (26.4pc). This is due to their ageing populations and the economic meltdown they have suffered since the financial crisis, which has caused other state spending to shrink.

    Iceland spent the lowest proportion of its funds on pensions in 2011, at 4.5pc.

    Tim Reay of an accountancy firm, PwC, said countries in northern Europe tended to have smaller, “welfare-style” state pensions that benefited the poorest most. Across southern Europe, however, state pensions were more generous and provided a percentage of people’s salary, much like a final salary private pension.

    According to the OECD, pension systems “differ substantially” across  its member countries, but face the same main difficulty: remaining financially sustainable while delivering adequate pension income.

    In a report it said: “The economic crisis in 2008 developed into a fiscal crisis in many countries. These difficulties have led to substantial changes and reform of pensions.

  • UK varsities’ £1m scholarship for Nigerians

    UK varsities’ £1m scholarship for Nigerians

    A consortium of leading UK Universities (NCUK) has launched a £1m scholarship scheme aimed at attracting the brightest Nigerian students to UK. The scheme will also develop their leadership skills in addition to creating leadership opportunities for Nigerian students.

    Chair of the Trustees for NCUK and Vice President of the University of Manchester Prof Colin Bailey students that undergo NCUK programmes turn out hot cakes

    Said he: “Students that come through the NCUK programmes are well sought after by our universities.  They provide a valuable contribution to campus life here in the UK, integrating not only with our UK students but also other international students.  We believe our universities offer the best education in the UK”

    The competitive scholarship scheme is open to all Nigerian students who enroll on an NCUK pathway programme, designed to prepare students for university study in the UK, Baily said.

    According to him, students who are eligible for the scholarship scheme can study at one of the study centres in Nigeria and thereafter be awarded the university scholarship to study in the UK when they graduate from the programme in 2016.

    The scheme, he added, includes 57 UK scholarship of up to £20,000, offered by 16 of the UK’s most prestigious universities, the opportunity to join a world-class leadership training programme and additional awards of £2,000 offered by study centres in Nigeria.

    NCUK was first established internationally in 1987 and began working in partnership with its study centres in Nigeria over 10 years ago.  Today NCUK programmes are run in Calabar, Kaduna, Lagos and Port-Harcourt by Oxbridge Tutorial College, Chrisland Pre-Degree College, Executive Business School, Lagos, Zamani College Kaduna, Access Group of School Calabar and Brookstone School Port-Harcourt respectively.

    The university consortium offers a one year international foundation programme (IFY) and an international Diploma.

    In addition to the 57 scholarships, the winner will also be eligible to compete for 20 places on a training programme which will be offered by the international leadership development organization and common purpose founded in 1989, which runs scholarship development programmes that enable people from different backgrounds, sectors and geographies to work together to solve common problems through globally oriented programmes that give participants the inspirations, skills and connections to become better leaders both at work and society.

    Country Director of the British Council, Connie Price said: “This collaborative £1m  scholarship scheme is excellent news for young students.  The UK Government has always valued Nigerian students highly and we are delighted by NCUK’s initiative.  It will provide many opportunities to the most talented Nigerians who have their sights on an international career”

     

  • Restriction in UK airspace, passengers stranded

    A computer failure at the United Kingdom’s (UK) air traffic control centre has left UK bound passengers facing widespread flight.

    The BBC Nats confirmed a “technical problem” at its Swanwick control centre in Hampshire and said airspace remained opened but restricted.

    It said “every possible action” was being taken to resolve the issue.

    Heathrow reported delays and Gatwick said all its departing flights had been grounded. Other UK airports reported knock-on effects.

    They said:

    • at Heathrow Airport flights are “currently experiencing delays” and planes could be turned away
    • Incoming flights to Gatwick are continuing to land and all departing flights grounded
    • Stansted say it is currently working with Nats to find out how it will affect the airport

    Manchester Airport said it was unaffected by the incident and was ready to accept diverted flights.

    Thus, many UK bound passengers have remained stranded at various airports around the world as EasyJet confirms being affected by the restriction.

    Passengers are therefore advised to contact their airliners for specific details as regards their journey.