Opinion I Setting Impeccable Agenda For Buhari

By Fred Nwaozor




The long awaited Presidential polls have eventually come and gone to the Glory of God who made it possible, and a victor has consequently emerged to the people’s delight.
At the moment, it is obvious and unarguable that come May 29, 2019, the incumbent President of Nigeria in the person of Muhammadu Buhari would be enthroned once again to lead the country for another four-year term.
In view of the aforementioned fact, it has become pertinent and ideal for any right thinking citizen within the shores of the Nigerian State, or anyone who thinks well of Nigeria at large, to be deeply concerned and jittery over what the country’s fate would entail in the impending tenure of President Buhari.
Such a feeling as stated above is not unrelated to ‘fear of the unknown’, which has hitherto been not uncommon fever that invariably greet the mindset whenever a certain era is strongly being awaited by the human race. Hence, that of Nigeria’s political system wouldn’t be an exception.
As a true and rational citizen of Nigeria, I’m of the view that what’s rudimentarily actually expected of me as an individual is to candidly wish the incoming government well as well as think on its behalf towards making the needed progress.
If this assertion holds water, or anything to go by, then it would be reasonable to, in my capacity, assist the awaited administration in setting a concrete agenda for the good of all concerned. It was on this premise I thought it wise to come up with this analysis.
For a formidable agenda to be set, we must critically consider what we can currently boast of, or have really achieved so far. Either as an individual or entity, you cannot set an agenda, or formulate a policy, without looking inwards with a view to acknowledging your immediate possessions coupled with the efforts being made thus far toward actualizing the lofty goals you set previously.
Since the impending government is equally expected to be led by the same man who is leading the present government, before an agenda would be set for the former, it’s imperative to cross-examine what has been accomplished in the latter.
It’s worthy of note that there was an agenda set upon the inception of the ongoing administration. So, for a subsequent agenda to be set, it’s ideal to consider if there was any reasonable and tangible effort made or step taken towards accomplishing the previous one or the one currently in use. This measure would guide the persons involved to set a sound and better agenda for the days ahead.
I’m here to set a concrete agenda for the awaited government having painstakingly considered the aforesaid parameters and rudiments. It’s noteworthy that the ongoing administration is predicated on a change mantra, which entails anti-corruption, security and economic boost. So far, how far?
Having taken a candid note of the above question, I want to begin by urging President Buhari to ensure that the incoming government is built with a good and sound foundation. The foundation in this case is centered on the kind and nature of individuals that would make up his cabinet. This ought to be the first agendum to be seriously put into consideration on the agenda list.
It’s worth noting that no policy or motive, as might be the case, would be achieved if the president’s cabinet is porous. Hence, he is urged to look inwards toward recruiting the best and reliable brains that are tested and trusted. It’s on this premise I enjoin him to consider contracting only technocrats with proven integrity.
Secondly, Mr. President ought to consider disintegrating the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. The ministry is required to be split into two or three. Power supply remains the bane of the country’s economic stride, hence should be given a whole and critical attention.
In view of the above, a separate ministry ought to be created for the power sector. Such a step would enable the government tackle the electricity quagmire with all the needed measures. Additionally, such a ministry must be manned or overseen by an apt and well-experienced hand. Technicalities mustn’t be taken for granted if the needful must be done.
Thirdly, the downstream subsector of the petroleum sector needs to be seriously looked into headlong. It’s high time Nigeria boasted of at least a functional world-class refinery within the shores of the acclaimed giant of Africa. We can’t continue to import what is being drilled or generated in the country.
This ongoing practice is an aberration, hence must be tackled without much ado. Thus, the president should be very willing to appoint someone to man the petroleum ministry, and such a person must be eligible, trustworthy and fully experienced.
All in all, the upcoming Buhari-led government must beware of sycophancy. The aforementioned cankerworm is a societal menace that blows no leader any good and has eaten deep into the bloodstream of our political system.
The worst is that most of the leaders herein are yet to acknowledge the existence of the aforesaid uncalled behaviour let alone comprehending its dangers inherent. Mr. President must, therefore, not overlook the ugly trend if he truly desires success all the way.
Time and space might not permit me to tender all the needed approaches expected to be taken by Buhari, but he must take into cognizance that the expectations of the citizenry are very high. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor is the National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
_________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

Tech I On Criminalizing Estimated Electric Billing

By Fred Nwaozor




If you are a resident or citizen of Nigeria but yet to realize that blackout has overtime been synonymous with the country, then probably you have been outside minded.
There’s no day passed, you wouldn’t find a certain group in a given arena deeply discussing the excruciating effects of epileptic power supply endlessly faced by the teeming Nigerians in all corners of the country.
The acclaimed giant of Africa has thus far, to assert the least, suffered an untold hardship in the hands of electricity, yet no one can currently foresee when the affected populace would start singing a new song as regards the public utility in question.
It sounds not unlike a paradox, but it’s real, that a country that has continually generated electricity for some of her neighbouring ones cannot presently boast of uninterruptible power supply. This is the sole reason many concerned individuals cum entities are sensing something fishy regarding the ordeal.
The unfortunate situation being discussed can’t be aptly and wholly x-rayed without mentioning some key stakeholders that are involved in the day-to-day management and sustenance of the limited resources.
The three prime segments of electricity supply, which include generation, transmission and distribution, have severally been analyzed on this column. It’s noteworthy that ‘billing’ as inscribed on the topic, is not unrelated to the distribution section.
The above background signifies that only Distribution Companies (DisCos) are statutory charged with the responsibility to provide as well as issue electric bills to the electricity consumers within their respective jurisdictions.
It’s equally worth noting that billing system could acceptably be of two major forms namely, the prepaid billing and the postpaid billing. A prepaid item or service is paid for in advance, whilst a postpaid one is paid after the item/service has been purchased or rendered, as might be the case.
In Nigeria, over the years till date, electricity consumers have been used to the postpaid billing system whereby the bills of the services rendered or energy consumed are issued to them at the end of every month via the aid of the electric meter installed in each of their households, or business premises, by the concerned authority.
Through this methodology, the stipulated bill of the exact utility consumed is being provided for the consumer by the relevant distribution firm. It’s needless to enthuse that by the aid of the electronic device (meter) mentioned above, the apt bill would be worked out at the end of each month.
This has been the case even prior to the emergence of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) that was formerly in charge of electricity distribution within the shores of Nigeria. The pattern was rightly inherited by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) till it was sent packing by the Federal Government (FG) under the watch of the immediate past administration led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to pave way for the private investors.
The practice continued unabated not until lately when the FG instructed the DisCos, whose services are currently ‘enjoyed’ in the distribution section, to provide and issue prepaid meters to the electricity consumers across the federation towards implementing the ‘Pay as you go’ policy presently witnessed in the telecommunication sector.
This recent directive has apparently fell on deaf ears as it could be fully observed that only a few entities, not even individuals, could at the moment boast of the prepaid meters. Taking note of this derailment, a worried mind domiciled in the country may then want to know what the way forward entails.
It’s imperative to acknowledge that prepaid pattern of billing enables a consumer to pay for only the amount/quantity of electricity he intends to use within a stipulated period by purchasing and consequently slotting a prepaid card into the installed prepaid meter. This method, therefore, is widely adjudged to be very accurate, concise and devoid of any form of imposition or pranks.
Aside its merit to the consumers, the prepaid billing pattern is equally noted to be of high advantage to the DisCos as it’s meant to be labour effective. The measure would drastically reduce the degree of stress currently experienced by their employees as it’s foreseen that they wouldn’t anymore need to go from house to house towards penalizing defaulters as regards bills’ payment.
Survey rightly indicates that over 97% of Nigerians are still facing the postpaid pattern of billing, perhaps owing to the inability of the DisCos to do the needful or pay heed to the directive of the government.
It’s appalling to realize that these consumers aren’t only faced with postpaid electric bills but estimated ones, whereby the DisCos do the billing without the aid of any meter. So, as the citizens decry the high level of blackout being experienced in the country, the random method of billing adds more salt to the injury already incurred.
This unspeakable condition could be what occasioned the Bill to Criminalize Estimated Electric Bills recently passed by the Green Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS). The document, which is targeted to amend the Electric Power Reform Act, is meant to prohibit and criminalize the ongoing estimated billing of consumers.
The bill sponsored by the House Majority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, graciously scaled through third reading at the Lower Chamber. It is in protest against the ‘crazy bills’ invariably issued by DisCos to their teeming subscribers and will hopefully put to an outright end any kind of estimated billing system when eventually passed into law.
The House Committee in charge of energy consumption reported on the bill, following a public hearing held on it precisely on June 5, 2018. The report was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers present at the plenary via voice votes, hence the document was approved overwhelmingly.
The bill, which will ensure that prepaid meters are installed in all houses and what have you upon the request of the consumers, has reportedly been transmitted to the Upper Chamber (Senate) for concurrence. If the Red Chamber passes the bill, it would be subsequently transmitted to the Presidency for assent as required by the Constitution.
Mr. Gbajabiamila had, at the public hearing, strongly opined that any regulation that allows estimation of bills when the actual consumption rate could easily be ascertained “is against natural justice and equity and should not stand”.
It’s imperative to comprehend that there is nowhere across the global community where consumers of electricity, or any form of energy, are billed arbitrarily as it is the case in the country. This is to say that Nigeria is obviously operating in isolation in terms of electricity billing.
We must take into cognizance that in postpaid billing system, estimated billing can only be employed in situations where the installed meter of the consumer cannot be accessed by the service provider, perhaps due to technical hitch or whatever.
But around Nigeria, the concerned authorities can barely provide the consumers with the required meters let alone installing them. This implies that DisCos have, however, deemed estimated billing to be normal and acceptable; a belief that is highly condemnable by any right thinking individual.
The operators of this unacceptable not unusual tradition being harboured in the country, unequivocally deserve to be holistically prosecuted for a criminal act, hence the compelling need for the aforementioned bill to be hastily passed by the senators headlong.
As we keep our fingers crossed, it’s ideal to remind all relevant authorities that this lingering norm is anti-human, therefore shouldn’t be allowed to continue showcasing its inhuman muscles. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Tech Expert,
is the National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

Opinion I Why Imolites Must Handle Imo With Care

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

The last time I checked, Imolites in their entirety were apparently filled with mixed feelings, perhaps owing to what transpired at the just concluded gubernatorial poll in the state.
And as I write, the aforementioned set of persons is still preoccupied with same feelings. In some quarters, some are engaged with discussions regarding the outcome of the said election. Whilst, in other areas, some are deeply concerned about what the fate of the state would entail after the next political transition.
As we variously undergo or participate in this myriad of discussions bordering on the impending interregnum, we are expected to think more of the interest of Imo or be more concerned about what would happen to the state as we pass through this circumstance.
This piece, therefore, is informed by the compelling need for each of us to candidly handle Imo with care; the need for us to guard the state with absolute care as we discuss, argue, wail, or rattle over the outcome of the state’s guber election that took place on 23rd February 2019.
Imo must be well guarded with all our might because there’s absolutely no other province we can truly call Imo. We mustn’t do anything to jeopardize the interest of the Eastern Heartland. Imo really cares about us, thus we are expected to boldly and proudly safeguard her welfare at all cost.
We might have felt shortchanged in one way or the other, but that isn’t enough reason to indulge in any activity that would in any way mar the interest or progress of the state in general. Irrespective of our grievances, we must not overlook the state’s interest as we react.
Imo as a state has been impartial concerning our wellbeing regardless of the circumstance, so we are required to reciprocate such a lofty gesture in whatever dealings we indulge ourselves in.
In view of the above facts, it would be pertinent to do anything we intend to do with all manner of maturity. We must be well-behaved and well-mannered in our inactions, actions or reactions. It’s only a mature attitude that can guarantee safety in any society.
For instance, considering a nuclear family as a society, it’s only mature behaviours invariably displayed by the man of the house that can guarantee peace or calmness in the home. Thus, if the man decides to behave childishly, he would have himself to be blamed in the long run.
So, if a man of a certain house truly wants his home to remain safe and become better, he mustn’t resort to selfish attitudes or behaviours that would jeopardize the overall interest of the family. He must be willing to place the interest of the family first before considering any personal interest.
The progress of any home is predicated on the way and manner it is being handled by its overall members. And in any family, the members remain the husband, wife and of course the children. Any of these individuals has a distinguished role to play towards ensuring that the family is well protected at all times.
Now, in the case of Imo as a state, it is the statutory duty of each of the citizens to handle it with absolute care and maturity if they actually look forward to embracing a calm, peaceful, harmonized and accommodating state.
Hence, those who want to react over their grievances as regards the outcome of the guber poll or any other election must do so with extreme maturity. We can’t afford to set Imo ablaze due to our individual motives.
What ought to be of paramount important to us as we react is the motives of Imo. The state has its own goals, and it’s noteworthy that her interest is for the good of all. This is the reason we must not relegate the state’s interest to the background as we argue or react on a daily basis.
Imo is seriously in need of our true care at this trial period. We shouldn’t betray her because she has hitherto given us enough. Her love for us has been enormous that we cannot afford to pay her back with betrayal or anything of such.
Let’s individually or collectively consider the state before taking any action. An injury to Imo is definitely and unarguably an injury to all irrespective of our respective statuses. Imo shouldn’t be brought down at a time we are expected to uplift her.
As we await the impending power transition, I enjoin us to remain calm and resilient even if we were not favoured by the outcome of the polls. We must comprehend that only one contender was expected to emerge victoriously at a particular poll, hence the need for us to be rational.
Whatever our interest was prior to the elections, at the moment, we are required to throw our support behind the person whom has been declared the winner of the competition by the electoral umpire. But if we wish to object the outcome, or the declaration, we must do so lawfully as stipulated in the Constitution.
Imo has so far gone too far to be truncated by a mere interest of a certain group embedded in the state. It’s on this premise I urge us not to shortchange the state as we go about with our support, objection or what have you, as the case may be. We need to sincerely think Imo in our various dealings; this is the only way we can witness a stronger entity called Imo.
No matter the level of provocation we might be experiencing right now, I must tell us without equivocation that our actions or reactions would solely determine the wellbeing of Imo at large, hence the compelling need to act or react maturely. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, is the National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement

Tech I CBN's Move On Moribund Textile Industry

By Fred Nwaozor

In a few decades ago, Nigeria as a nation could boldly and proudly boast of a globally-recognized textile industry, which was then conspicuously the pride of the citizenry economic wise.
The Nigeria’s textile industry, which was the third largest on the African continent – following Egypt and South Africa, used to employ over 350,000 individuals when all the textile mills were functional.
The aforementioned figure as regards workforce was about 25% of the overall workers in the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. It was of an indisputable note that the said industry was then the second highest employer of labour, following the country’s civil service.
Between 1985-1991, record has it that the sector had an annual growth rate of 67%. Survey showed that the number of mills in operation as at then was about 180 and they were all reportedly doing very well, especially the Kaduna Textile Limited (KTL) and Nigerian Textile Mills (NTM) in Lagos, which were the oldest having been established as at 1957.
It’s therefore needless to assert that the now comatose textile industry was one of the booming subsectors of the nation’s economy during the post-independent era. The current pathetic state of the industry could not be unrelated to the level of neglect experienced by it in recent times owing to the overwhelming dependence on oil revenue.
The obvious decline in, or depreciating effect of, the textile industry could be aptly traced to influx of cheaper textile fabrics from China and India, among others, sold at prices the local mills can’t compete with. This ugly trend has resulted in a drastic downfall of the industry.
It would be recalled that in 2010, the Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government (FG) placed ban on importation of textile fabrics. This approach – like other restrictive trade policies as at then – failed to yield the needed result.
Rather than bringing relieve in the industry as expected, the above measure regrettably ended up making the ‘smuggling industry’ to grow more wings. This unfortunate resultant effect made it possible for continued influx of textile materials into the country. It’s noteworthy that at the moment these materials have virtually zero revenue for the government’s coffer.
In a bid to alleviate the excruciating effects of the present realities, in early March 2019, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led by Mr. Godwin Emefiele made a frantic move on the moribund textile industry by adding textile materials to the list of the currently restricted items regarding foreign exchange (forex).
It would be recalled that 41 items were initially on the list, not until late last year – precisely December 10 – when the apex bank announced to the public that it had yielded to recommendations to add fertilizer to the existing list, and the item was consequently added making the total number as at then to be 42.
This implies that by subsequently including textile materials to the list, the items barred from direct access to forex have presently been increased to 43, and we have equally been reliably informed that the items would soon be up to 50.
Mr. Emefiele who disclosed this latest development penultimate month while in a meeting with the textile industry stakeholders, informed that the restriction would awaken the sleepy industry and ensure that the required growth was actualized.
The CBN’s boss, however, disclosed that – as part of the apex bank’s intervention for the industry – it would currently support the importation of cotton lint for use in textile factories with a view that the concerned importers shall start sourcing all the needed cottons locally, commencing from 2020.
He further stated that as part of the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the bank would also assist local growers of cotton towards enabling them meet the entire need of the textile industry domiciled in the Nigerian State. Additionally, he notified that the Mother bank would support the Nigeria’s cotton farmers to source high yield cotton seedlings with a view to meeting global benchmarks.
It’s worthy of note that the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), alongside the Senior Staff Association of Textile (SSAT), has applauded the Emefiele-led CBN over its restriction of forex to textile importers, saying it would go a long way in rejuvenating the moribund industry.
In a related reaction, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has however cautioned the FG over the strong move. In his statement, the Director-General of the body Mr. Musa Yusuf opined that there was need for a strategic approach before such policy pronouncement is made.
Mr. Yusuf argued that given the position of Nigeria in Africa as a leader in fashion, the range of fabrics being produced by the Nigerian textile industry could not favourably support the industry in terms of the quantity and quality required by the consumers. He therefore urged the government to reconsider the CBN’s ‘harsh’ move.
In his swift response to the argument, Mr. Emefiele clarified that the recent measures as announced by the apex bank were targeted to revive the Cotton, Garment and Textile sector. According to the boss, “the measures were well thought out to reposition the sector for job creation and economic growth”.
To assert the least, the recent inclusion of the textile materials into the list of restricted items regarding forex couldn’t have come at a better time than now when the textile industry is almost going into extinction and the FG is intensifying its diversification mantra.
It suffices to enthuse that the frantic move is, without equivocation, a welcome development and a round peg in a round hole. I’m even of the candid view that the austerity measure ought to have been implemented long before now. If it were initiated earlier prior to this time, we probably may at the moment be witnessing a slight or colossal improvement in the affected subsector.
Nevertheless, it would be imperative to appraise a few facts that are likely to serve as barrier in regard to the anticipated progress of the policy in question. Taking into cognizance the about-to-be discussed parameters would enable the concerned authorities to aptly and timely arrive at the desired destination.
Knowing full well that epileptic power supply has hitherto been an overwhelming plight in the manufacturing sector at large, it’s preposterous to remind the FG that efforts need to be thoroughly intensified towards boosting the said source of energy. This will help tremendously to encourage the prospective cotton millers.
Similarly, towards encouraging the cotton growers, the farmers ought to be made to easily assess funds or low-interest loans to enable each of them purchase the needed machinery. It’s not anymore news that the continual deployment of crude pattern of cultivation and harvest has overtime bedevilled the Nigeria’s agricultural sector in general.
In the same vein, the governments at all levels should equally assist in providing adequate irrigation system for the farmers domiciled in their respective jurisdictions. The enabling environment must holistically be provided by the governments for business to strive.
Inter alia, acknowledging that policies of this kind are often, in the long run, frustrated by the forex black markets littered all over the country as well as importation smugglers, the FG must seriously implement measures to tactically checkmate these markets and our various borders, respectively.
The CBN’s move to resuscitate the Nigeria’s moribund textile industry is unequivocally a lofty one, but the relevant authorities mustn’t hesitate to do the needful towards making the policy yield a concrete result in the nearest future. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, the National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement writes via
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I The Collapsed Buildings In Lagos, Ibadan

By Fred Nwaozor

On 13th March 2019, Nigerians were shocked to their bone marrow when they were notified that a certain 3-storey building situated on the Victoria Island of Lagos State abruptly collapsed, thereby claiming about twenty lives and inflicting different degrees of injury on countless others.
It was consequently reported that the third floor of the collapsed structure was being occupied by primary school pupils who were already unfortunately present for their usual studies prior to the bad omen.
As if that wasn’t enough, barely forty eight hours after the ugly and unspeakable incident, it was learnt that another 3-storey building in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital equally collapsed unannounced, injuring a lot of Nigerians, though no life was reportedly lost.
Building collapse has conspicuously been a thing of tremendous worry and a recurring decimal in the contemporary Nigerian society over the last decade, that, only drastic attention is required towards addressing the societal menace.
The aberration, which has claimed hundreds of innocent souls, maimed thousands as well as rendered scores of families homeless, has caused a colossal harm to not just the engineering-technology sector but Nigeria at large. In some quarters, it has made most residents to now sleep with one eye open on a daily basis.
Statistics indicate that within the aforementioned period, countless buildings situated across Nigeria have collapsed unceremoniously as if a structure can be brought to the ground at any time by mere freeze or thunder storm.
In March 2006, the top nine floors of a 21-storey building belonging to the Bank of Industry, located on the famous Broad Street – still on the Lagos Island – caved in, killing two and injuring twenty-three others.
In August 2010, a 4-storey uncompleted building at Ikoli Street in Garki, Abuja brings the Federal Capital Territory’s name into the list, thus claimed not fewer than twenty-one lives and endangered nine.
Survey reveals that between 2012 and 2016 alone, Nigeria recorded about fifty-four building collapse. Though the unfortunate situation is not peculiar to the country, its recent alarming rate calls for an apt and urgent attention.
First, we need to comprehend the rudimentary factors that invariably constitute the quagmire. Building collapse is mainly attributed to substandard products, quackery, mediocrity, cheating, and/or soil texture cum topography, coupled with other environmental factors, as the case may be.
The dangers inherent in the use of substandard building materials cannot be overemphasized. These materials such as brick blocks, cement, sand, and rods, are not in any way meant to be used in constructing mere boys’ quarters let alone deploying their services in storey building constructions.
Regarding blocks, it’s either the cements used in the moulding weren’t good enough, or that the sand utilized was nothing to write home about. There are specified sands meant for moulding but most block industries don’t bother going for them, probably owing to the cost of conveying it to the moulding site.
Since people, especially those residing in cities are often in a hurry, they are invariably left with no option than to patronize such block firms as stipulated above, hence posing danger for the proposed structure.
Quackery and mediocrity cannot be left out. It’s worth noting, perhaps shocking, that most of those who claim to be structural engineers, architects, or what have you, never attended any engineering or architectural class even for a day let alone becoming professionals. These amateurs go about causing avoidable harm to their respective jurisdictions.
They are just mere quacks parading themselves as chartered technologists. Pathetically, some of them who had the privilege to pass through a higher institution didn’t obtain the required training or expertise, thereby constituting structural defects when contracted to handle a certain building project.
A sound and qualified contractor is expected to thoroughly inspect the site for the proposed building, adequately advise the prospective landlord, tactically implement the project, complete it within a stipulated period, as well as know what to do while converting a mere bungalow to a storey building. When any of these professional functions is missing, it becomes a burden to the affected building when purportedly completed.
Away from substandard products and quackery, soil texture or topography, as might be the case, has equally been a thing of great concern while discussing building collapse. Houses are usually built on swampy sites in reverie areas like Lagos and Port-Harcourt without carrying out the required preliminary design, thus leading to collapse in the nearest future.
The aforementioned type of land is not strong. They are sandy or loose, but contractors build on them using templates that are meant for better compacted lands. Sometimes the contractor would know what to do but rather than doing the needful, would be only interested in his money or what he stands to gain as long as the contract lasts. This aspect of cheating or insincerity is currently on the rampage in the present days’ Nigeria.
Similarly, an architect is expected to thoroughly ascertain the nature of the land where the proposed building is to be sited before putting up the required design. The kind of structure to be erected on a certain site is directly dependent on the type of soil or land topography. It’s even more appalling to realize that most of these structures are erected without a building plan.
There must be a plan before a proposed house or building is eventually built. And an eligible civil engineer is needed to inspect the design or building plan before it would be implemented by the site contractor who should be a builder or structural engineer. These professionals are meant to work hand-in-hand towards erecting a formidable structure.
The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) must take a drastic and severe step toward ensuring that substandard materials are no longer smuggled into the country as it has reportedly been the case in recent times. Hence, our various borders need to be holistically strengthened headlong. The SON ought to also properly regulate the locally made ones.
On the other hand, relevant professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), ought to respectively employ a stiff measure towards addressing the crisis.
When any building is under construction, they should in their, individual or collective, capacity endeavour to ascertain the contractor handling the project to ensure his credibility as well as inspect the site and plan being utilized.
And, if a building eventually falls, they must ascertain the root causes of the collapse and not hesitate to issue the apt sanction to the affected contractor if found guilty. They should equally go beyond sanctioning; any culpable individual ought to be arraigned without any fear or favour, so that, he will face the wrath of the law.
Inter alia, the authorities on physical planning or development control situated in the various states across the federation must be very proactive and professional in their respective dealings with prospective landlords and developers.
It has overtime been reported in various quarters that most of these government agencies often times pay attention to frivolities to the detriment of priorities. The concerned governments must therefore look inwards with a view to addressing this kind of illegitimate and uncalled acts.
Intending landlords are also advised to consult aptly whenever they intend to erect a building. Don’t just jump to any so-called contractor you find on your way. And if you succeeded in contracting any, endeavour to confirm his/her authenticity by enquiring from the relevant authorities.
Eligible structural contractors, on their part, ought to feel free to consult their colleagues for any professional assistance when need be. And, they ought to regularly be research-oriented towards enhancing their expertise.
All in all, every structural professional mustn’t be reminded that foundations and pillars remain the basic factors that determine the validity or wellbeing of any building, thus should be taken very seriously at all times. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor
(TheMediaAmbassador), is a Policy Analyst,
Rights Activist & Tech Expert -
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

Tech I As Ihedioha Wins, Technocrats Celebrate Madumere

By Fred Nwaozor

Imo as a state, and Imolites as a people, are at the moment conspicuously in jubilation mood owing to the emergence of Chief Emeka Nkem Ihedioha as the democratically-elected governor of the Eastern Heartland.
Prior to the election, his candidacy was obviously popular, which resulted in his notable victory at the Imo guber poll. The popularity in question, however, wasn’t unconnected with the origin of the race and the parameters that surrounded it.
Anyone who’s deeply concerned about this euphoric moment in Imo cannot painstakingly mention the progenitors behind this well-celebrated victory without mentioning the current Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Eze Madumere; a well-celebrated politician and technocrat who made reality to dawn on countless Imolites when it seemed they have all been deceived or misled.
The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Ihedioha who had been a well-known player in respect of the Imo guber game, is now widely and popularly recognized as the incoming Executive Governor of the ancient state.
The erstwhile legislator, who ventured into politics as a technocrat, was amazingly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at about 12am on Tuesday, 12th March 2019 as the winner of the March 9 election and returned elected, having polled a total of 273,404 votes under the aegis of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to defeat his closest rival, Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (AA) who polled a total of 190,364 votes.
Lest I forget; I earlier pointed out in strong terms in one of the previous paragraphs that Prince Madumere was one of the prime reasons behind Chief Ihedioha’s victory at the just concluded Imo guber poll. I want to revisit that assertion for the sake of clarity, and posterity too.
It would, therefore, be very pertinent to throw more light in regard to that succinct remark, though it ought to be in a nutshell since this piece isn’t targeted to analyze politics or political intrigues that transpired but the numerous technical values that are likely to accompany the awaited enthronement of the former federal lawmaker as the next governor of Imo come May 29, 2019.
It would be recalled that a faceoff was, perhaps instigated by nature, between Prince Madumere and the incumbent Imo governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha. This was owing to the duo’s political differences, or precisely the latter’s dogmatic approach to make his son-in-law Uche Nwosu his successor to the detriment of the former who had already been tipped or endorsed by many as the most preferred, dependable and eligible man for the governorship position.
When the teeming discerning Imolites, comprising mostly members cum followers of Okorocha’s camp, realized that an unjust treatment was meted out to the easy-going Madumere, they were compelled to dump the governor for his deputy, towards throwing their unalloyed weight behind the latter to enable him secure the gubernatorial slut.
Unfortunately or fortunately, when the Imo guber ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) couldn’t in the long run go to Prince Madumere, most of the uncountable allies and supporters – consisting of millions of Imolites – abruptly decided to rather shift their solidarity to the candidate of the opposition party (the PDP) Chief Ihedioha than that of the APC, Sen. Hope Uzodinma.
Their major reason for supporting Ihedioha wasn’t reportedly unconnected with the opinion that the PDP candidate was another well qualified, reliable and experienced person, among other aspirants for the Imo number one post as well as the belief that he hails from the zone (Imo East) that had been presumably marginalized as regards the leadership structure in the state. It’s worthy of note that Madumere is equally from Imo East.
Hence, these countless supporters and/or followers of the deputy governor who eventually joined the Ihedioha’s camp – mainly in their bid to secure a mandate that would be well and largely acceptable by Imolites and in the best interest of Imo – are the real basis of this well-celebrated victory recorded by the Mbaise-born politician.
This is to assert that the victory in question was devoid of politics or had nothing to do with the political cum social affiliation of the victor, but could be basically attributable to Prince Madumere’s wide acceptance by the people.
Lest I digress; this piece is informed by the reason to inform us that technocrats in Imo are at the moment rejoicing or joyous over the recent emergence of Chief Ihedioha as the next Executive Governor of the Eastern Heartland. And as they rejoice, they are in their number celebrating Madumere who they believe is the genesis of the ecstasy.
In this context, the term ‘technocrats’, which means technically-inclined individuals or other experts belonging/affiliated to a group that possesses political power, could be said to be ambiguous; ambiguous, in the sense that, it encompasses everyone or entity that’s knowledgeable enough to carry out or execute a certain task.
It’s ambiguous because it has to do with not just tech experts but people who truly believe in technicalities irrespective of their respective fields of endeavour. So, it’s all about individuals within the political circle who acknowledge the language of expertise, techniques, technical values, technicalities, or what have you.
Aside the indisputable fact that Chief Ihedioha is a technologist by profession, having duly bagged a bachelor degree in Food Science and Technology from the prestigious University of Lagos (UniLag), he joined politics – or was contracted to be part of Nigeria’s political happenings – based on his professional prowess in media and communications.
As he emerges victoriously at the guber poll, Imolites – home and abroad – who really have keen interest in tech-driven issues, or technicalities in general, are variously rejoicing over the victory because they are of the strong view that the victor wouldn’t hesitate to embrace technocracy – rather than ‘familiocracy’ – the moment he enters into the Imo Government House.
It’s opined in various quarters that Imo is presently in need of serious technically-oriented initiatives with a view to resuscitating her lost glory, especially in the area of education, health, public utilities and agriculture. And well-meaning Imolites are of the view that the incoming governor has all it takes to do the needful.
There’s a great believe in most quarters that Chief Ihedioha is imbued with the required features and expertise to positively turn Imo around in no distant time. It is hinted in virtually all nooks and crannies of the state that his successful emergence at the poll is apt and timely. Every wall within the shores of the state could feel the wide acceptance of the victor.
This could be the reason the technocrats in the state are already blowing their trumpets to herald the arrival of the awaited number-one citizen of the ancient state, as those who could aptly trace the origin of the victory cannot stop celebrating Prince Madumere who’s equally a technocrat.
Subsequently, on this column, I’ll extensively do a piece to exclusively assist in setting a tech-driven agenda for the impending Ihedioha-led government, because it’s my utmost desire that the victor who comprehends the language and essence of technocracy utilizes this great and golden opportunity to the fullness.
So, as I candidly congratulate this fine, young and vibrant technocrat over the well-deserved victory, I pray these hopes already raised by the teeming Imolites – particularly the technocrats – wouldn’t be dashed in the long run.
Hence, this skillful hand must be ready to take practical steps towards rigorously rebuilding Imo. Think about it!


Comrade Nwaozor
- Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Tech Expert -
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
___________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

Tech I On Forensic Scrutiny Of The Polls

By Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, the scheduled Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential polls have eventually come and gone, to the glory of God who made the all-inclusive national ritual possible.
Though the historic and remarkable event had been successfully conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ripples and mixed feelings created by its outcome still conspicuously linger.
The news is everywhere that Presdient Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was returned elected by the INEC as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for another period of four years.
In a related development, the news is equally at all corners of the country and beyond that the closest rival to the recognized victor of the poll, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has alongside his party leadership refused to accept the outcome of the keenly contested election, citing irregularities at the polls, despite the strong plea from some quarters to concede defeat in good faith.
According to the aggrieved candidate, he was robbed of his presumed victory, thus vowed to “retrieve the mandate” through the court, which is widely believed to be the “last hope of a common man”.
Naturally, it’s common among the human race that when a victor or the second to none in a certain competition emerges, the second best would invariably feel bitter and may end up putting the blame of his/their failure on the umpire.
Such a feeling is natural, in the sense that nobody or competitor wishes to become a loser at the end of any contest, hence that of the PDP isn’t an exception. It’s indisputable that every participant or contestant in any competition definitely looks forward to grabbing the trophy at the end of the show.
In this case, the PDP who has been publicly declared as the best loser is strongly of the view that it deserved to emerge victoriously or as the winner, at the Presidential poll that was reportedly observed by both local and foreign observers.
It’s not anymore news that the aggrieved party has lawfully approached the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, as was clamoured by its teeming allies as well as followers who share same sentiments with the party’s leadership.
We were equally reliably notified that the plaintiff, who had made a plaintive sound, pleaded with the court for a forensic investigation to be carried out on the sensitive materials used for the said election, in addition to its prayer for the INEC to reverse the declaration in favour of the PDP.
On 6th March 2019, the tribunal consequently rejected the request of the candidate of the PDP, alongside his party, to be allowed to conduct forensic analysis and scanning of the electronic gadgets – such as the computers, card readers and servers, among others – deployed for the conduct of the February 23 Presidential election.
The tribunal declared that such a request was beyond the scope of the provisions of Section 151 (1) and (2) of the Nigeria’s 2010 Electoral Act, as amended, which permits the inspection of election materials coupled with allied documents upon the request of any concerned individual or entity.
In a unanimous ruling on an ex-parte application tendered by the PDP, a 3-man panel of the tribunal stated “Section 151 of the Electoral Act, which allows an intending petitioner to inspect materials used for an election, only allows inspection and obtaining of certified true copies of such materials” and nothing more.
In the lead ruling by Justice Abdul Aboki, who led the panel, the tribunal granted the prayers that allow the applicant the permission to only inspect the materials and obtain their Certified True Copies (CTC). It also granted the applicant’s prayer for leave to be allowed to bring such application at the pre-hearing stage of the tribunal’s sitting.
It reiterated that the request by Atiku and PDP to call experts to engage in forensic analysis and scanning of INEC gadgets, among other materials, was outside the scope of the meaning of inspection under the aforementioned section of the Electoral Act.
It’s noteworthy that the section in question, which talks about inspection of documents, stipulates as follow:
“151 (1) An order for an inspection of a polling document or an inspection of a document or any other packet in the custody of the Chief National Electoral Commissioner or any other officer of the Commission may be made by the election tribunal or the court if it is satisfied that the inspection is required for the purpose of instituting, maintaining or defending an election petition.
“(2) A document other than a document referred to in subsection (1) of this section relating to an election and which is retained by the Chief National Electoral Commissioner or any other officer of the Commission in accordance with this section shall be open for inspection on an order made by the Election Tribunal or a Court in exercise of its powers to compel the production of documents in legal proceedings, but shall not otherwise be open for inspection.”
Since the section is obviously silent regarding forensic inspection or investigation, and doesn’t also stipulate whether only manual pattern should be deployed, it’s therefore the statutory obligation of the court to determine the apt line of action prior to amendments in respect of that.
As I appreciate the tribunal for exercising its lawful duties without bias, it’s equally pertinent for the relevant authorities to henceforth consider some key issues for the sake of effectiveness and efficiency as well as way forward in electoral matters.
As a tech expert and activist, I’ve overtime analyzed and advocated on the need for the Nigeria’s political system to join the rest of others globally as regards technology, particularly matters pertaining to elections.
Nigeria is arguably of age to follow suit concerning the issue at hand. The required brains or hands are readily available to initiate the project. But the acclaimed giant of Africa is unequivocally still lacking the enabling environment to strive.
The fact, irrespective of who is aggrieved or victorious, is that forensic audit or means of inspection into matters of public interest enables apt and timely outcome, and equally saves cost. It’s, therefore, cost and labour effective. It creates room for the needed work to be done with ease or effortlessly.
So, considering electioneering issues, it would be wise and ideal for Nigeria to key into such a tech-driven initiative in order to share the numerous benefits enshrined in it. Involving forensic measures in pre, during and post election matters would undoubtedly write the country’s name in gold in regard to her political system and democracy in general.
In view of this professional counsel, the INEC is expected to hold the bull by the horn with a view to thinking towards making all activities or cases pertaining to elections tech-driven. Four years from now, prior to the next general elections, is enough space and opportunity to plan aptly ahead of the awaited lofty approach.
However, such a measure wouldn’t be effective or lawfully acceptable by the system if the relevant laws aren’t amended to suit the quest. Hence, the lawmakers shouldn’t hesitate in doing the needful without much ado.
The recently reviewed Electoral Act, that’s yet to be assented to by the Presidency, ought to therefore be further reviewed to accommodate all the required parameters regarding forensic measures. The time to act is now. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist
& Tech Expert, is National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
___________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I As Buhari Reemerges, Tech-Driven Projects Continue

By Fred Nwaozor

Unfavourable suspense and intrigues ostensibly heralded the conduct of the Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections. It suffices to assert that the circumstance that lately led to the exercise instilled perturbed mood in Nigerians.
The national ritual, which was initially billed for 16th February 2019, was eventually unannounced postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), hence rescheduled to hold the following Saturday.
It’s not anymore news that the elections were consequently successfully conducted on 23rd February 2019 across the nooks and crannies of the Nigerian State. The event conspicuously witnessed the presence of both foreign and local observers.
It’s equally no longer news that the victor as regards the just concluded Presidential polls has finally emerged as was graciously and publicly declared by the INEC in the early hours of Wednesday, 27th February 2019 via its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The current President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari who keenly contested under the auspices of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was announced as the winner of the election at about 4am on the said date.
President Buhari, who reportedly polled a total votes of 15,191,847 to defeat his closest rival Alhaji Atiku who garnered a total votes of 11,262,978, had elatedly appreciated the teeming Nigerians for finding his candidature worthy to be returned reelected as the next democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It’s worth noting that the Certificate of Return had since 2pm on the very day of the declaration been handed over to the victor alongside his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo by the INEC boss. Since then, it has been jubilation galore in some quarters as other Nigerians contrarily showcase their grievances over the outcome.
Whatever the case might be, the fact remains that the citizenry are at the moment filled with mixed feeling as regards the impending second term reign of President Buhari. Such a feeling has been a natural phenomenon among the human race whenever something is being awaited.
Many who have candidly wished the current administration well and currently celebrating over the recent victory are apparently jittery in regard to how the incoming reign of Buhari/Osinbajo would look like.
Some discerning mindsets are no doubt deeply yearning for continuity concerning some ongoing projects of the Buhari-led government across the federation. This set of individuals cannot wait to embrace the finishing stage of these capital intensive projects.
It’s understandable that government is a continuum, meaning literally that whosoever or whatever team/party that succeeds the other is expected to continue from where their predecessor stopped. But in Nigeria, the case has overtime been different; successive governments don’t usually have the interest to continue from where the previous one(s) stopped.
In view of the above, as President Buhari reemerges victoriously for a second term in office come 29th May 2019, well meaning and patriotic Nigerians – both home and abroad – are of the view that definitely the various ongoing projects in the country would get to completion.
As rational citizens of the country clamour for continuity of these ongoing projects, particularly the economically-oriented ones, I’m more concerned about the tech-driven initiatives coupled with the related ones yet to be initiated by the Federal Government (FG).
It’s only a non-Nigerian that’s not yet informed that construction of numerous roads, cutting across all the six geo-political zones in the country, has been duly approved and the required funds have already been released for the projects by the FG.
On the wake of 2019, the FG graciously released the sum of N100bn from the proceeds of the Sovereign Sukuk Fund for immediate construction of 28 federal roads within the shores of the federation as was captured in the 2018 budget. And in his words, the Minister of Works Mr. Babatunde Fashola who received the fund, assured that the approved projects would commence immediately on the affected roads.
As he stated that “time has gone when contractors go to sleep when they are contracted to initiate and complete a certain contract”, I earnestly look forward to seeing an era when Nigerians in their number would release a sigh of relief regarding the current ugly state of the federal roads in their respective jurisdictions.
We are equally not unaware that a tremendous railway project is ongoing across the Nigerian State. It’s worthy of note that if duly completed, this very tech-driven project would go a long way in cushioning the excruciating effects of conveying bulk goods from one locality to another within the country.
Aside its anticipated impact on the area of transportation of commodities, it will also help enormously to supplement the functions of other transport systems – such as road, water and air – as regards the human race.
Hence, it is the wish and prayer of virtually all citizens of Nigeria that the political will that instigated the commencement of the railway project should endeavour to facilitate its apt and timely completion without much ado.
Inter alia, we are equally informed that the rehabilitation of the second Niger Bridge is already ongoing. Nigerians were reliably notified by the FG that a total sum of N302bn has been budgeted towards the reconstruction of the said remarkable edifice. We are appealing that politics shouldn’t be played with this very economically-oriented project.
In the same vein, it’s high time the River Niger is properly dredged by the FG, as it’s being agitated by the people, towards aiding economic activities. A seaport ought to also be created therein to boost importation of goods and services within the region.
Lest I forget; in the spirit of eventually completing the Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik) mausoleum situated in Onitsha that was abandoned by previous governments for almost thirty years, the citizenry are equally awaiting a holistic clean-up of the ancient Ogoni land – that has been ignored for donkey’s years by past administrations – as earlier proposed by the Buhari-led government.
It’s very crucial to counsel Mr. President that new bloods are required to be introduced into his administration whenever its second term commences with a view to ensuring that more wholesome tech-driven projects are initiated into the system for the good of all. Issues such as power supply, or what have you, can only be aptly addressed if the right hands or cognoscenti are engaged.
Towards ushering in an all-inclusive government as already promised by President Buhari come his second term, he shouldn’t be reminded that Nigerians are expecting these ongoing projects, and the ones yet to be initiated, to come to completion soonest.
So, as we collectively congratulate Mr. President for reemerging victoriously at the polls, it’s imperative to notify him that Nigerians as a people cannot wait for the apt and timely completion of these numerous ongoing projects.
It’s noteworthy that the people’s expectations can only be fulfilled if the incoming administration firmly sticks to the political will that instigated the commencement of the aforementioned initiatives. Think about it!

Comrade Fred Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
___________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I NEMSA And the Commissioned Electricity Lab

By Fred Nwaozor

Is there anyone who’s domiciled in Nigeria that’s yet to realize what the country has overtime been passing through as regards electricity supply? The apt respond to the candid enquiry ought to be ‘No’.
It’s not anymore news that Nigerians in their entirety have hitherto been experiencing untold hardship when it calls for electricity across the nooks and crannies of the acclaimed giant of Africa.
Aside the fact that the Nigerian State cannot boast of a steady power supply, it’s noteworthy that even the available one is densely characterized by myriad of irregularities alongside poor service delivery by the authorities in charge of the said public utility.
This could be one of the reasons that resulted in the emergence of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), the government authority that sees to the day-to-day standardization of power supply and other related technical issues across the federation.
NEMSA was established to carry out the functions of enforcement of technical standards and regulations, inspection, testing and certification of all categories of electrical installations, meters and instruments, to ensure efficient production cum delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable power supply as well as guarantee safety of lives and property in the Nigerian electricity supply industry coupled with allied matters.
The regular supply of power in any locality around the globe is characterized by three major segments, namely: generation, transmission and distribution. In each of these segments, it’s worth noting that different gadgets or machines are being utilized towards enabling effective and efficient services.
To guarantee apt functionality of these technical materials, an electricity laboratory, or otherwise known as ‘electricity lab’, is needed in the process by the relevant authorities. It’s the said lab that would assure the genuineness and adequacy of the gadgets before they are duly installed in the localities where they are required.
Similarly, whenever any of the instruments broke down or malfunctioned, the same lab is still being used to run some needed tests, or technical diagnoses, to ascertain what is/are actually wrong with them as well as map out strategies on how best the anomalies could be addressed. After the needed ‘diagnosis’, and due corrections afterwards, the equipment would further be installed for onward usage.
It was perhaps the keen quest for such a well-equipped testing unit that informed the practical gesture displayed by NEMSA penultimate month. In the aforementioned period, precisely on 25th January 2019, the agency graciously commissioned an electricity lab in Ijora, Lagos State to aid further testing cum confirmation of the commercial viability of these gadgets used by Generating Companies (GenCos), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Distribution Companies (DisCos), virtually on a daily basis.
Commissioning of the upgraded ‘Chemical and Engineering Laboratory’ received tremendous accolades from numerous stakeholders in the power sector, particularly the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola who was physically present at the epochal occasion.
In his words, Mr. Fashola who commended the leadership of the NEMSA for adhering to safety compliance and enhancing the growth of the industry, elatedly stated “This is now an upgraded and properly fitted laboratory to help the agency in enforcing compliance in the power sector. This will also make them do their jobs effectively now that they have tools. We hope there will be improvement in all the operators’ compliance conducts”.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NEMSA Mr. Peter Ewesor proudly disclosed that the remodelling of the lab would help the agency to curb substandard equipment in the power sector.
He said “The facility is a specialized analytical laboratory for inspection, sampling, testing and analysis services for transformer insulating and lubricating oils. Others include greases of various grades, turbine oil, and hydraulic oil, used in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and allied industries as well as potable and effluent water resources.”
Mr. Ewesor, who is a chartered engineer, further revealed “This laboratory has been operating as a reference quality control laboratory for the entire power industry since the era of the defunct NEPA and PHCN, and now in the post-privatization era when NEMSA took it over in a dilapidated state in 2014. NEMSA, in realization of its key role in furthering its mandate as enshrined in NEMSA Act-2015, embarked on the upgrading and remodelling of the laboratory to provide accurate tests and analyses.”
He added that the electricity lab was equipped with a wide range of world-class test equipment, instruments and devices, including Dissolved Gas Analyzer (DGA) – a diagnostic machine. According to him, it equally contains equipment for detecting, indentifying and evaluating incipient faults within transformers and reactors, such as Dielectric Strength Tester (DST) to determine oil viscosity.
NEMSA may have done novel by thinking it wise to come up with this milestone, but I’m bothered over a certain cankerworm that has overtime bedevilled the Nigeria’s system, which remains sustainability syndrome. The country’s sustenance culture has colossally deteriorated that it has eaten deep into her blood stream.
It’s on this premise I urge the leadership of the NEMSA to ensure that this electricity lab is secured and safeguarded at all cost, so that, it would thoroughly succeed in actualizing the core motives for which it was established or upgraded.
Hence, the authority must, therefore, be prepared to fish out saboteurs in their midst. It has been proven that in any clime or entity, there must be a Judas, thus the NEMSA wouldn’t be an exception. The unpatriotic Nigerians or unscrupulous elements found in the agency need to be shown the way out without much ado if its management is truly ready to soar beyond expectations.
Inter alia, as concerned authorities strive towards improving power supply across the federation, the NEMSA alongside the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), needs to became more proactive in their day-to-day bid to monitor the activities of the GenCos, TCN and DisCos by respectively setting up various mobile technical teams.
So, as we celebrate the emergence of this milestone, let’s not forget that the teeming Nigerians are variously suffering from an untold hardship in the hands of these stakeholders that are meant to serve and protect them. Think about it!

How Do You Rate The Card Readers?
The long awaited Presidential and National Assembly elections were eventually conducted across the Nigerian State on 23rd February 2019. As a tech expert, whenever such a national ritual is being carried out, my optimum interest invariably lies in the tech-driven processes involved.
It’s not anymore news that the electronic Smart Card Readers were utilized in the exercise. In my area, what I witnessed indicates that the said device performed as expected. However, some reports I received from other quarters informed that the gadgets malfunctioned.
At this point, prior to the impending gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly polls, I suggest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should go back to the drawing board towards ascertaining the variety of technical hitches encountered with a view to forestalling its repeat. This must be handled with all manners of seriousness and rigorosity. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Analysis I On Madumere's Vigour And Ihedioha's Victory

By Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, Imolites have swiftly switched their tentacles and concerns from the current government in the state to the impending one, which isn’t unconnected with the outcome of the just concluded Imo guber poll.

It’s not anymore news that at about 12am on Tuesday, 12th March 2019, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Imo State gubernatorial election held on 9th March, 2019, Prof. Francis Otunta officially declared Chief Emeka Nkem Ihedioha as the Governor-elect of the Eastern Heartland.

It’s noteworthy that the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly’s Green Chamber, Chief Ihedioha who keenly contested under the aegis of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly polled a total of 273,404 votes to defeat his closest contender Uche Nwosu who competed under the auspices of the Action Alliance (AA) and garnered a total of 190,364 votes.

At the moment, virtually every nook and cranny within the shores of Imo is obviously branded ‘Ihedioha’, meaning literally that the victory of the erstwhile legislator is apparently remarkable and acceptable by almost all residents of the state.

It’s equally worthy of note that Chief Ihedioha had been in the guber race for four years now. He was remarkably there during the 2015 general elections but luck couldn’t smile at his person. This is to say that prior to his victorious emergence last two weeks, he was a popular candidate.

Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be misinforming anyone if I assert that his popularity didn’t play the major role towards his election as the next governor of Imo. We cannot finish discussing what truly resulted in Chief Ihedioha’s victory without mentioning the incumbent Deputy Governor of the State, Prince Eze Madumere.

Though Prince Madumere was, and is still, strongly of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his popularity and vigour played a major role towards the victory in question. I would opine that he, advertently or inadvertently, contributed immensely in making the candidature of Chief Ihedioha to be widely acceptable by the electorate. Read my lips.

Let’s swiftly revisit the political history in Imo to enable us fully acknowledge the picture I’m trying to portray herein. We may have forgotten in haste but those who are keen in politics or political trending would invariably recall that Prince Madumere and the state’s sitting governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha recently displayed their muscles to each other owing to the duo’s political differences.

The faceoff wasn’t unconnected with the governor’s insistence on installing his ‘anointed’ son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as his successor. The number one citizen remained resolute and dogmatic in his dream, ignoring the popular call from the Imo People to consider reversing his decision to favour the loyal and pleasant deputy governor who they believed has all it takes to govern the state.

In the long run, the APC’s guber ticket wasn’t grabbed by the governor’s candidate, nor Prince Madumere who had an overwhelming support from the Imo residents. Although the latter candidly, deeply and obviously supported the eventual guber flag-bearer of the party, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, his teeming allies and followers abruptly made a u-turn, defecting to the camp of Chief Ihedioha of the PDP who they believed was the only alternative candidate that could be wholly entrusted with the welfare of the overall Imolites.

According to these countless supporters and lovers of the deputy governor who seemingly meant well for the state, Chief Ihedioha was well qualified compared to any other aspirant and hails from the zone (Imo East) who they were of the view had been marginalized as regards the Imo leadership structure or Charter of Equity since the inception of the state. It’s worth noting that Prince Madumere is equally from the Imo East senatorial district whilst Sen. Uzodinma hails from Imo West.

The above candid analysis implies that what really led to Chief Ihedioha’s victory at the Imo guber poll was devoid of politics, or had no political undertones. Prince Madumere’s outstanding and astonishing acceptance by the Imo People, irrespective of party affiliations, was apparently the main reason for the current season.

It suffices to assert that as Imo is presently awash with celebrations, millions of well-meaning Imolites are equally celebrating the number two citizen of the state, even though the royal prince isn’t of the PDP extraction that secured the mandate.

One might then enthuse that the nature and features of Prince Madumere, of the APC, have succeeded in making the majority of Imo People, both home and in the Diaspora, to bear one indivisible voice regardless of their socio-political and religious inclinations. Politics and humanity undoubtedly have no meeting point.

This is the reason it’s currently opined in various quarters across Imo that, had it been Madumere clinched the APC’s guber ticket, he would have effortlessly emerged successfully at the polls as the Governor-elect of the state.

People are, therefore, predicting that Ihedioha would perform very well when enthroned as the Imo governor come 29th May 2019, since his victory is likened to divinity. According to them, considering that his successful emergence at the poll wasn’t apparently as a result of politics or politicking, but humanity, “he is destined to lead Imo”.

As Madumere’s vigour has eventually yielded Ihedioha’s victory in a grand style, it’s imperative for the victor to acknowledge that power comes from the Creator, or that power is being given by the people, not taken as wrongly opined in most quarters.

Acknowledgement of the above fact would enable him to be so magnanimous in victory. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

Opinion I After the Blame Game, Winner Emerges

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

Life generally is conspicuously characterized by tremendous intrigues and intricacies. This is the reason some persons who truly comprehend the features of nature don’t seemingly hold anything firmly.
They do so, believing that whatever one beholds can depart at anytime, and in most cases, it happens unannounced. This set of individuals, that’s invariably found anywhere across the globe, is often referred to as a group of realists.
Realism is simply the ability to face any ongoing circumstance or trending events squarely as they appear without making any effort to twist their real outlook or value. This school of thought enables mankind to be rational and real at all times.
In elections or electioneering era for instance, several intrigues are usually observed by the onlookers. Taking Nigeria as a case study, each time any election approaches, the concerned aspirants or political parties are – rather than dwelling on issue-based campaign – relentlessly involved in exposing their dirty lilies in the public domain.
An aspirant or candidate who is expected to inform the people what he/she intends to do towards ushering in the anticipated good governance when he emerges victoriously, would end up telling the electorate why they shouldn’t vote for his/her rival(s), thereby contradicting the scenario.
In a situation whereby the ruling party is contesting for a certain position or reelection and its closest rival happens to have tasted the leadership seat in the past, the two parties – both the ruling and opposition – would be mainly involved in castigating each other as they go about their day-to-day campaigns towards gaining the people’s votes.
They invariably concentrate on this wayward style of campaign, and they do so vigorously and doggedly, forgetting that what the voters really need to hear from them is their plan on how to position or reposition the country/state positively if they became elected at the polls.
This character assassination as mentioned above, popularly known as “blame game”, has currently eaten deep into the bloodstream of the Nigeria’s political system and its likes. It has hitherto continued unabated as being witnessed in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country.
Such a game was keenly, though ‘shamefully’, played by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that happened to be its closest rival, towards the last presidential polls that eventually held on 23rd February 2019. And it is still occurring across the country as we await the Gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly elections come 9th March 2019.
At the moment, it’s obvious that after the blame game that heralded the 2019 Presidential election, a victor has consequently emerged as was publicly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, 27th February 2019, precisely at about 4am.
The INEC through its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, having painstakingly studied the overall outcome of the elections as was separately tendered by the states’ Returning Officers, graciously announced Muhammadu Buhari of the APC as the winner of the keenly contested poll. The Certificate of Return was given to the victor at 2pm on the same day.
Millions of people the world over are currently celebrating with the victor as some others are reportedly aggrieved with the pronounced outcome of the poll. Whatever the case might be, the bone of contention remains that a winner has finally emerged from the blame game after the suspense and intrigues that transpired.
At this juncture, I want to candidly appreciate Nigerians for the maturity and patience displayed thus far. Election as an exercise is a process, hence entails various sections. The first part of it is for the electorate to collectively cast their votes; Nigerians participated in this phase with extreme maturity.
The second phase entails awaiting the pronouncement of the outcome of the election. This section equally requires to be participated with patriotic mindset imbued with patience. Nigerians in their number also did as expected while in this very phase.
The third phase involves declaration of any of the contenders as the victor of the exercise or competition. It’s noteworthy that the victor is constitutionally the candidate who garnered the maximum number of votes as against his/her co-contestants.
I equally commend the citizens for accepting this section in good faith as we appeal to the defeated candidate(s) who wish(es) to query the outcome or the declaration to use the apt channel, which remains the legal means. The PDP has already approached the Election Tribunal; we therefore enjoin them to remain calm and mature till the entire proceeding is over.
Similar appeal goes to the candidates or political parties who were reportedly defeated at the various 29 states that experienced the recent conduct of the gubernatorial elections. They must endeavour to use the right and lawful channel in showcasing their respective grievances.
So, as I congratulate Mr. President alongside his entire team for reemerging as the next democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I also congratulate the teeming Nigerians for the fantastic and remarkable role they have variously played so far towards ensuring that peace and harmony are maintained across the shores of the Nigerian State.
Above all, as I appreciate the INEC for eventually concluding this labour and cost intensive task, I enjoin the commission to look inwards to ensure that whatever lapse(s) experienced in the last polls isn’t/aren’t witnessed in the impending ones.
Hence, the electoral umpire must tactically go back to the drawing board. The practice of spending up to four days or thereabouts after the election before the final results are announced must, therefore, be reviewed with a view to ensuring that such an inconsequential suspense doesn’t repeat itself.
All in all, as we collectively enjoy this relative peace, I urge us to continually remind ourselves that there’s no other country, aside Nigeria, we can proudly and boldly call our own. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Social Crusader,
is National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement

Opinion I Intrigues of Elections And Democratic Values

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

The last time I checked, democracy seemingly remained the best system of government. And till this very moment, this generally accepted assertion hasn’t changed.
Many in various quarters have overtime opined that the worst democracy can never be compared to the best autocracy anywhere in the world, meaning literally that the former is far better than the latter.
In view of the above, several persons all over the global community have invariably and rigorously been canvassing for apt sustenance of democratic system and processes in their respective societies. According to them, the said system has convincingly proven to run an all-inclusive pattern of government compared to others.
It’s noteworthy that democracy is conspicuously characterized by two prime recipes namely: elections and freedom of speech. These key factors spice up the regular functionality of any democratic terrain wherever it is found.
An election or electoral process heralds the swearing-in era of the aforesaid government, whereby a set of leaders is constitutionally empowered to be at the helm of affairs of the given nation or province, as might be the case.
The above clause implies that it is through elections the leadership class of any democracy emerges. It suffices to say that it’s only by the conduct of an election the people would meet their leaders. When the leaders are eventually produced via the polls, the people or the electorate can be classified as followers.
The bone of contention is that an election is not unlike a pivot on which a democratic state firmly stands. It is, therefore, the progenitor of the system of leadership in question. It is the foundation or basis of this lovable platform currently enjoyed by the majority of countries across the globe.
Elections are simply the rudiments of democratic values; they are invariably one of the paramount reasons people all over clamour for democracies; they are the origin of good governance, which equally is one of the main features of any existing democracy. An election is summarily the engine room of all democratic processes and values.
It’s on this premise people are urged to safeguard elections with all their might. The obvious beauty of an electoral process is why discerning mindsets in every nook and cranny have at all times preached the reason it must be treated with all manners of seriousness.
It’s of note that the peaceful and credible conduct of any election, either national, state or association, does not depend on the electoral umpire alone. That is to say; for any election to be peaceful or for its outcome to be appreciated and acceptable by all and sundry, all hands – such as the umpire, voters, candidates, security outfits, the media, and observers – are required to meaningfully contribute their quota.
Each of the stakeholders mentioned above has a very vital and inevitable role to play towards guaranteeing a well transparent and commendable election, particularly a societal electoral process. Their respective roles are well defined in the Electoral Act guiding the election in question in such a way that they aren’t meant to derail in the long run till the exercise is holistically concluded.
The most basic attitude that’s expected of all participants in any election is to see the overall interest of the benefitting entity as more crucial than the various interests of the individuals that make up the union or group.
Considering the interest of the province, nation or association, or collective interest of the members, as sacrosanct would enable all participating parties to render contributions that are devoid of pranks or what have you. Placing the people’s general interest ahead of their personal gains remains the best way indisputable credible polls could be witnessed in any clime that upholds or understands the language of democracy.
Taking Nigeria as a case study, it’s needless to assert that the acclaimed giant of Africa is presently undergoing a serious trial period as regards elections and their possible outcomes. As well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians are at the moment apparently perturbed, there are key facts they are required to embrace with a view to ensuring that the country isn’t in any way marred by any form of crisis, irregularity, or mayhem.
If any right thinking Nigerian truly looks forward to seeing a more peaceful and greater country called Nigeria, then he/she shouldn’t be told or reminded that the citizenry are expected to remain calm, rational and law abiding throughout the conduct of the entire scheduled polls and as they await the outcome of the exercise.
The candidates or political parties involved need to bear the national interest in mind as they variously receive the results of each of the elections. Thus, if the results aren’t in their favour, they must be willing and ready to accept them in good faith.
They shouldn’t see victory after the elections as a “do or die affair” or an anticipated outcome that must come to past. It’s imperative to comprehend that, among the numerous contenders, only one of them is meant to emerge victoriously at the polls.
It’s pertinent to acknowledge that not being successful at a certain poll doesn’t signify you can’t succeed subsequently, or no more room for you to excel. We must always take into cognizance that election is a continuum, hence remains endless. In other others, if the outcome of today’s election isn’t in your favour, tomorrow’s might make you grin again.
It’s undoubtedly our collective civic responsibility to at all cost defend the sanctity of this country and the human life at large. To adhere to this mandate, we must at all times be fully prepared to accept our individual fates in good faith.
If it’s ideal that a certain election outcome ought to be disputed, let the aggrieved party endeavour to head to the election tribunal. Mind you; if you incite your followers against your rival, you’re equally doing so against Nigeria. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement

#PresidentialPoll: APC Wins PDP With 170,800 Margin @Kwara

The statistics as collated and announced by the Vice-Chancellor of FUTMinna are as follows:
APC - 308,984
PDP - 138184
Cast votes - 486,254
Rejected votes - 36578
Valid votes - 449,676

#PresidentialPoll: PDP Wins APC With 107,773 Margin @FCT

Statistics of the results as were collated and announced by the Vice -Chancellor of the University of Lafia, are as follows:

APC - 152, 224
PDP - 259,997
Votes rejected - 67,457
Votes cast - 451,408
Votes valid - 383951

#PresidentialPoll APC Wins PDP With 10,257 Margin @Osun

At Osun State the statistics of the results as was collated by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UniLag) are as follows:

APC - 347,634
PDP - 337,377
Total votes cast - 731,882
Total votes rejected - 17,200
Total valid votes - 714682

However, the INEC boss Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has instructed stakeholders to reconvene at 2:30pm on Monday, 25th February 2019.

Stay tuned to Rostrum365 for the bit to bit reportage.

#PresidentialPoll: APC Wins PDP with 68,199 Margin at Ekiti

In the ongoing results collation at the national Result Collation Centre, Abuja, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the People's Democratic Party (PDP) at Ekiti State by polling a total votes of 219,231. Find the statistics below:

APC - 219,231
PDP - 151,032
Total Votes cast - 393,709
Total rejected votes - 12,577
Total valid votes - 381,132

Opinon I As The Elections Are Rescheduled, What Next?

By Fred Doc Nwaozor


The last time I checked, Nigerians – Imolites in particular – were apparently unhappy. The said countenance was not unconnected with the bad omen that befell the country over the weekend.
Just exactly as one, who had impatiently waited to participate in a certain ancient cultural festival but later learnt that the scheduled event has been abruptly shifted to another date, would feel, that’s how the teeming Nigerians felt in the early hours of Saturday, 16th February 2019, precisely at about 2:30am.
On the wake of the aforesaid date, the citizenry were unfortunately informed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the scheduled national ritual – otherwise known as elections – had been postponed by one week after the long wait.
It’s no longer news that the Nigeria’s long awaited general elections were initially billed for 16th February and 2nd March, 2019 for the Presidential cum National Assembly (NASS) and Governorship cum States’ Houses of Assembly, respectively. It’s equally not anymore news that the polls were eventually postponed to 23rd February and 9th March, 2019, accordingly.
In his words, the INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who on the aforementioned time briefly addressed the Nigerian State as regards the postponement, cited problems surrounding “logistics and operational plan” as the reason behind the commission’s abrupt decision.
In his further clarification at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the INEC boss who disclosed before the election stakeholders, and of course the general public, that the unforeseen postponement was devoid of external influence contrary to the people’s speculations, lamented that the commission was lately faced with tremendous challenges pertaining to logistics.
He revealed the plights to include burning of 13 INEC offices across the federation, numerous ongoing litigation filed by various political parties against the commission, coupled with other related issues. He, however, promised that the authority would address the anomalies prior to the rescheduled dates.
We can’t forget in haste that this latest development, which had been described as unfortunate and bad omen, came barely a few days after the electoral umpire notified Nigerians in strong terms that they were fully ready and prepared to conduct the general elections, hence assured of free, fair and outstanding polls as expected.
I blame the INEC for mentioning litigation as part of the reasons for the so-called postponement. We are not unaware that only names of political parties, not candidates, are inscribed on the ballot papers. So, even if any court judgement regarding substitution eventually comes up after the elections, it won’t stop the commission from adhering to the order.
At such an ugly time like this, what do you expect from those who are eligible to participate in such an awaited national ritual? Being human, Nigerians in various quarters have expressed their disappointment over the unannounced occurrence. In their number, they have variously trooped to the streets to register their displeasure.
According to some of the citizens, the INEC could not come up with any tangible and convincing reason that resulted in such unspeakable circumstance. They opined that, by so doing, the commission had made the electorate to express some doubts over its readiness cum willingness to conduct credible and peaceful elections.
It’s also worth noting that most of the opposition parties who had ‘scolded’ the INEC for not meeting up with the requirement as earlier pledged, had blamed the development on the Federal Government (FG) led by President Muhammadu Buhari who they accused of seeking for avenue to win the presidential election by all means.
The truth of the matter remains that the citizens are at the moment filled with mixed feelings over the unexpected experience. In view of this, one might assume that most of the people have been compelled, by this action, to lose interest in the impending events having ostensibly lost confidence in the INEC.
As a concerned and patriotic Nigerian, I can’t agree less with the above presumption, considering the fact that the INEC’s notice regarding the postponement wasn’t timely. Even if the move was apt and needed, I personally fault the idea of issuing the information on the very day the election was made to take place.
Taking a critical look at what transpired, one might, without equivocations, opine that the polls in question were aborted, not postponed, because the purported postponement occurred at the time of commencement.
It’s unarguable that this isn’t the first time elections would be shifted to fresh dates in the Nigerian society, but it is very unequivocally disgusting and disheartening that this very one took Nigerians unawares. There wasn’t previously any sign of unpreparedness from the INEC, only for the electorate to wake on the day of the election to be rudely greeted with the news of ‘postponement’.
We shouldn’t be told that many had already travelled for the exercise whilst some of them respectively covered tremendous distances, before the news of the postponement filtered in. It’s even more saddening that most of these voters borrowed money to enable them embark on the journey. This is needless to assert that these affected patriotic Nigerians are currently stranded in their various localities or political wards.
If I must not shy away from the truth, I would say the INEC had no good reason to postpone an election of this kind, having in mind that the commission has a whole four years to prepare towards the national consignment.
Be it security, logistics, contingencies, or whatever, four years are enough for any person or entity to have a sound preparation toward any scheduled event let alone a national election that’s usually observed by not just members of the concerned country but the global community. In other words, a development of this kind triggers an international embarrassment.
Notwithstanding, I want Nigerians to acknowledge that it’s better to abort, cancel, or postpone the elections severally than to end up conducting one characterized by several irregularities. We ought to therefore, be well informed that any form or loophole can create room for all forms of malpractice, which will never augur well for the polity.
It’s on this premise I urge the electorate to conduct themselves in such a manner that wouldn’t bring any kind of shame to the country’s name. if the interest of Nigeria truly maters more than our individual interests, then I expect us to variously preach to the people around us the need to remain calm, law abiding, patriotic, resilient, and discerning.
And, on the part of the participating political parties, they needn’t be reminded that the voters are seemingly marred by apathy by this development, hence the need not to involve themselves in any act, inaction or reaction that would further cause more harm to the entire system. It’s our collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity and sanctity of this country, thus we must do so with all our might and exuberance.
Inciting the voters against the government or any constituted authority isn’t the way forward. This is a test Nigerians cannot afford to fail. Mind you, this might be a blessing in disguise. Think about it!