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