Mbaka kicks against Stingy Peter Obi becoming Nigeria’s next president.

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Read Time:1 Minute, 52 Second

Passionate Enugu-based Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has declared that the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, can never become Nigeria’s president.
Mbaka, who made the declaration at his Adoration Ministry ground in Enugu, said unless God ceases to exist, Obi would never lead Africa’s most populous nation as it better to have an old man as president than a ‘stingy young man’.
“A stingy man that cannot give people his money, with this hunger ravaging the land, and you are saying he is the one you want; you want to die of hunger? Are you people insane? Where is the Holy Spirit?
“It is now that [PDP candidate Abubakar] Atiku is seriously contesting for president; now that he is contesting without Peter Obi; it is now that he is serious. We want somebody that is serious. Unless Peter comes here to kneel, if he becomes president, he will close down this ministry. What we are doing is spiritual,” said Mbaka.
“Listen, a good old man is better than a young wicked man. Peter Obi is going nowhere as far as God lives. If Igbos want a representative, it is not someone like Peter Obi.

“I should not have talked but I saw my video going round everywhere as if Fr. Mbaka wholeheartedly came out and apologized. No, I didn’t apologize wholeheartedly, it was out of duress. I had to obey my Bishop, in obedience I had to; it is not of my volition. I did it because I am a Catholic priest. My Bishop said, ‘do it’, my own is ‘Yes my Lord’.
“I did not say he is a bad man; I said he is a stingy man. A hungry man wants someone that is generous; the man has so much money, but he is ‘I, me, myself’. But that money will not be useful to him. I am very happy now that I have spoken out. That apology is a poisonous curse against Peter Obi.

“If he is wise he should have come here after that apology to say he is sorry but he waited. Anybody supporting him is wasting his money, he is going nowhere.”

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About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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The News flow Controversy -Onwutalobi Anthony-Claret

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Read Time:13 Minute, 25 Second

The News flow Controversy: Evaluation of Imbalances, Inadequacies, distortions in International news flow and how it affects African development and democracy.

Information is power and the most critically sought commodity in today’s world. Those that control the information are usually seemed to be the most powerful in our contemporary society. Therefore, for the past thirty years, there has been a controversy resulting from accusation and counter accusation of imbalance flow of information from the west to south. The purported victims which are the developing nations have been raging bitterly over the news coverage of events in their continent and have denounced western newspapers, journals, and television outlets for their alleged sensationalism and anti-development bias (Legum & Cornwell, 1978). Due to this controversy, on several accounts, developing nations have attempted to engage the western nations through different channels to address the issue of global information inequality. One that may readily come to mind is the UNESCO meetings in 1969 (Sean , Elie, Sergei , & Somavia, 1980), 1974 (Mowlana, 1985), 1976 (Bandopadhyay, 2006) and 1980 (Tokunbo, 2000) consecutively, where the UNESCO group of experts on mass communication and society noted in its disturbing but revealing report that: What has come to be known as the free flow of information at the present time is often in fact a one way rather than a true exchange of information.


In retaliation, western world has equally charged the developing world of seeking to obstruct the free flow of information and insist to make no change in the information flow which they regard as a threat to the freedom to report, to print, and to broadcast news (Legum & Cornwell, 1978). This charge and counter-charge is far from abating and in fact is gathering momentum as it persists in many developing countries as they are well aware of the value of information in speeding material development and in maintaining power. In this paper however, the author will be discussing the developing world perception of new world information order, seeking to find what changes they expect from it. The essay will also attempt to identify the positions taken by these disputants by closely looking at the exchange of charges and counter-charges between those demanding balance in the news and those demanding journalistic freedom. And finally we will explore the issues underlying the dispute and attempt to proffer solutions where necessary.

 A Historical Perspective: News flow before World War II

The concept of imbalance in the media coverage and controversy over the international flow of news had been an important starting point in many of the deliberations concerning the national and international flow of information, culture and news. However, the significance of this controversy can be understood only be grasping the extent of the revolutionary changes that have been eroding the international system for the last thirty years.

Taking cognizance of the fact that in recent days, the world communication technology and the management of world information resources are clearly in the favor of the industrialized countries. (Legum & Cornwell, 1978), in their compiled report argues that western domination was actually the cause of disparity in both the economic and information order which they believed started after the World War II as described as the post imperial era. It was during this period that new ideas and forces took shape and power shift decisively to the west. They recounted that before the World War II , that western nations has no political power to impose their will on the non-western world and that the great power struggles of the European imperial era were all fought among the western nations themselves making it impossible for the west to dominate (Legum & Cornwell, 1978).

However, they believed that the industrial revolution had given the west a head start over the rest of the world in creating new wealth and accumulating great military power, which in turn resulted both in the expansion of European imperialism and in the rise of the United states, but one thing that stood very obvious within those period was also subsequent rapid growth of emerging powers like Soviet Union and China. These duos also become players in the center stage making the technological advances of the industrial revolution not remain exclusive to western possession.

News Flow after World War II

After the World War II, more events continue to unfold, developing countries began gradually to assume role in the central stage as major factor in world affairs. Suffice to note that the developing nation’s first encounter in dealing with the western world was recorded to be hostile, as they experienced the western domination on almost every international affairs which Roger Tatarian, former vice-president of United Press International (UPI), acknowledged then by stating that the imbalance in economic and information order is due to the military, economic and political power distribution in the western world. (Tokunbo, 2000). As things unfold, It becomes more clearer to the developing world that the western domination and control of information is not beneficial but later unhealthy to their growth given that this one- way flow of information inevitably reflects only the point of view, mentality, values and interests of these developed nations (Ochs, 1986).

Most importantly, they saw also repressive act of the western world where the major western media tend to treat the cultures of the industrialized nations as superior and place them at the top of this imaginary hierarchy, while the cultures of the developing nations are placed at the bottom of the hierarchy (Einer, 1965). For instance, we always see the journalist lump together the 54 nations of African continent as one while the continent is often portrayed as a crocodile-infested dark continent where jungle life has perpetually eluded civilization (Tokunbo, 2000). These gross misrepresentations and imbalance in the inter-national news flow was a big concern to the developing countries, therefore there was a burning desire for a radical overhaul of the present international information system to a new information order where free flow of information will be equitable and balanced. They wanted the world communication system to reflect the diversity and equality of all human races more just and more beneficial to the whole community of mankind. It was on this background that the New World Information and communication order (NWICO) debate was born. It was the greatest debates in the field of international communication in the 1970s and 1980s (Tokunbo, 2000).

NWICO debate: Objective of NWICO debate

From documented report of several media experts, they all noted that the fundamental objective of NWICO debate was to seek for transnational flow of information, to resolve inequality in information resources, to promote cultural and commercial values of information and maintain fairness in the news distribution (Tokunbo, 2000). It was indeed a hot debate as summed up by different sources. According to one document complied by one German scholar on this NWICO debate, He wrote that there was a consensus from the participants resulting in adopting the resolution at the 19th General Conference of UNESCO in Nairobi in 1976 and at the 31st United Nations General Assembly which was aimed in promotion of the development of national communication systems in the developing countries (Kleinwachter, Nordenstreng, Gerbner, & Mowlana, 1993).

Outcomes of NWICO debate

From the documents emanating from the debate, we assume that the case of the developing world was well presented, noting that some major powers were complacent but not completely satisfied of the decision made in the meeting which we believe was among the reasons that made the realization of the demands a tall dream. Aside this unsatisfactorily disposition of the west, some other issues cast doubt on the realization of the decision for example, within the framework of the resolution, there were some questions unanswered. Firstly, there was no proper definition of how the implementation process of the NWICO debate was to be carried. Secondly, the censorship and media accountability clauses of the NWICO were too ambiguous. (Tokunbo, 2000), (Fore, 1982).

Furthermore, there was underground quibbles and grumbling among the attendants from the west that, the NWICO demands were seen as purely the sole views of Souths elites. Immediately after the release of the resolution to the public, U.S. press reacted with rage, panic and considerable bias. Even the U S. newspapers accused UNESCO of encouraging censorship, state control of the press, licensing of journalists by the state, and, in general, of being the arch-enemy of freedom of the press. (Fore, 1982).

This confusion reinvigorates the western nations suppressive desire to lead, who are already fearing that the hegemonic and monopolistic ownership and control of international communication systems and patterns of information flow were about to be destabilized and disestablished (Okigbo C. C., 1996). This fear prompted the infamous speech by Ronald Reagan the President of United States who spoke as quoted in the New York Times of September 22, 1987 saying that we cannot permit attempts to control the media and promote censorship under the ruse of a so-called new World Information Order, therefore confusion broke and Britain and the United States revoked their membership of the UNESCO and then walked out of the NWICO debate. Their withdrawal immediately weaken the organization political and financial strength as both countries are the largest financiers of the UNESCO.

On this account, the NWICO debate then suffered a big blow. Although UK later joined back to UNESCO in 1996 while US rejoined the organization in 2003, in a practical sense, some media expert claimed that the NWICO debate was a failure. But on paper, it was a success. Owning to the fact that all media outlets restored to status quo. Seeing this development, it was clear that it will not be acceptable by the developing countries. Therefore, the debate was far from over, considering the crystal evidence/facts that the Western media never deviated from their distortion of news and use of the pejorative adjectives and stereotypes when reporting news from developing world. (Fore, 1982).

Post NWICO debate

With the heat and attention generated by the NWICO debate, one may think that the western mass media may surrender to the pressure to at least engage the developing countries in a more acceptable standard, but on the contrary the Western media made no concrete effort to present the developing countries in its full flower. For example, we observed that the news of the Africa is still being infected with the prevailing wisdom of the 19th century. As re-cried by Tojo in his essay he opined that, it is quite disheartening to still see that at the dawn of the 21st century, the North and South are still living in Many Worlds, One Voice. The one voice is the one the industrially rich North has imposed through its claim to economic and technological superiority and hegemony. Thus, the new world order does not seem to guarantee economic rights, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, cultural pluralism, autonomy and sovereignty of the nations of the South. It is perhaps a new world order of military intimidation and bashing of the weaker nation states of the South (Sean , Elie, Sergei , & Somavia, 1980), (Fore, 1982).

Contemporary Perspective: What Next?

Is the demand for free flow of information by the developing world a legitimate one? Before rushing to a conclusion that the western mass media have indeed been above reproach in their handling of sensitive international issues, we would like to seek for more justification of the claim and know exactly what is meant when we talk about improving the free flow of information and what impact it could make in the developing world. Therefore it will be more logical to argue in the line of the importance of balance and free flow of information. On this ground, we should bear in mind that media has enormous influence in shaping the public perception and imagination of the situation in or around the world. So ignoring these facts will always cause a serious impediment to the international cooperation.

From many materials we have seen, we noticed that developing countries are not seeking for patronizing information to be disseminated about them but rather they seek for a balance and free flow of information where both good and bad sides of their stories are reflected in the information shared to the public. Since we have establish these fact, then it may be damaging to continue marrying developing nation with stories of economic degradation and political unrest which we believe will only continue to exacerbate the current mistrust and undermine the essence of professional journalism and inter-cultural communication that supposed to exist in professional journalism (Kleinwachter, Nordenstreng, Gerbner, & Mowlana, 1993).

Conclusion & Recommendation

It is a fact that the world’s communications system is dominated by western institutions. The reason for this imbalance as mentioned above is partly because those with greater power tend to exercise greater influence. Today, developing worlds are attempting to redress the balance in the flow of information. And the stronger the developing world grows, the greater will be its ability to achieve essential changes in the international communication system. But it is not enough to say the third world must wait patiently until it is strong enough to compel change. More serious attempt must be made to improve the situation without waiting for the balance in world power to change. Therefore, a more renewed effort should be in place to help redress the balance in the flow of information because the present system is unjust, and those who are champion of freedom must equally be champion of justice and therefore it becomes a necessity that they should lead in helping to reduce manifest inequalities in information flow.

Furthermore, it is obvious that we cannot afford to continue to ignore the fact that the present imbalance in the flow of information is a serious impediment to international harmony and cooperation so every effort must be made to see that these dispute is resolved in a manner that will be helpful to both participants.

References

Bandopadhyay, S. (2006). Fighting Homogenization: The global infiltration of technology and the struggle to preserve cultural distinctiveness. Noudettu osoitteesta http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=saptarishi_bandopadhyay

Einer, O. (1965). Factors Influencing the Flow of News. Journal of Peace Research, 1-60.

Fore, W. F. (1982). A New World Order in Communication. Noudettu osoitteesta http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1305

Kleinwachter, W.;Nordenstreng, K.;Gerbner, G.;& Mowlana, H. (1993). Three Waves of the Debate” The Global Media Debate: Its rise, fall and renewal. Norwood New Jersey: Ablex Publishing Corporation.

Legum, C.;& Cornwell, J. (1978). A Free and Balanced Flow. Report of the 20th Century Fund Task Force on the International Flow of News. Massachusets: D C: Lexington Books.

Mowlana, H. (1985). International Flow of News: An Annotated Bibliography . Haettu 2010 osoitteesta unesco.org: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0006/000653/065314eb.pdf

Ochs, M. (1986). The African Press. Cairo: The American University.

Okigbo, C. (1987). The News/low Controversy: Professional Journalists* Evaluation of News Imbalance. Noudettu osoitteesta http://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/African%20Journals/pdfs/africa%20media%20review/vol2no1/jamr002001009.pdf

Okigbo, C. C. (1996). International Information flow and the challenge of the 21st century to communication research.” North-South Information Culture: Trends in the Global Communications and Research Paradigms. Ed. Uche, L.U. Lagos: Longman.

Sean , M.;Elie, A.;Sergei , L.;& Somavia, J. (1980). Many Voices, One World. Towards a new more just and more efficient world information and communication order. Paris: The UNESCO.

Tokunbo, O. (2000). Post-NWICO debate: Image of Africa in the Western Media. Noudettu osoitteesta Media in Transition: http://web.mit.edu/cms/Events/mit2/Abstracts/TOjo.pdf

Uche, L. U. (1996). North-South Information Culture: Trends in the Global Communications and Research Paradigms. Lagos: Longman.

About Author:

Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi is a Nigerian activist and blogger Onwutalobi Anthony-Claret discusses the Imbalances, Inadequacies, distortions in International news flow and how it affects African development and democracy.

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About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria Business news

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Read Time:6 Minute, 32 Second
The Nigeria Business – we provides latest business news, technology political banking financial business travel and economic news in Nigeria. Also – an insight into Nigerian Investment, Governance, property as well as a discussion forum for Nigeria business news articles.

Why is Nigeria an important market?

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with a population of 150 million. This makes one in every six Africans a Nigerian. It is also one of the largest oil producer on the continent creating huge inflows of foreign income. Without question it holds enormous commercial potential as recent administrations have focused on developing the non-oil economy and tackling corruption and red tape. The explosion of industries such as the mobile telecoms market and the unparalleled success of foreign companies such as South Africa’s MTN have also demonstrated that potential can be turned into reality. Despite persistent problems of corruption and bureaucracy the international business community increasingly sees Nigeria as the central driver of a vast African market that remains the last under-developed commercial market in the world.

How do I set up a company in Nigeria?

There is no restriction on foreign nationals or foreign entities doing business in Nigeria, however, they must incorporate a local vehicle before commencing business. Companies are set-up through and regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission. The local entity must then register with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) before commencing business. It is possible for a foreign entity to appoint a local qualified solicitor to act as the agent who may hold shares in the local entity on appointment by the principal. Once all registration formalities are complete the power of attorney of the appointed solicitor should then lapse and the principal takes over.

Contacts for setting up a business in Nigeria:

Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission www.nipc.gov.ng
Corporate Affairs Commission www.cacnigeria.org

What incentives are there for investing in Nigeria?

The Nigerian government has created numerous incentives to try and increase foreign direct investment to Nigeria. Go to our incentives section and search by sector for the pertinent incentives.

Is Nigeria a dangerous country?

Nigeria is a huge country with a turbulent political history. Despite being constitutionally stable since 1999, political power still affords opportunity for huge influence and wealth and therefore remains an intensely competitive arena where political positions can be a matter of life and death; however, contrary to popular opinion the country for the average business visitor is certainly no more dangerous than most African countries and substantially safer than many. Violent crime does exist but the vast majority of visitors have a safe and crime free experience.

Niger Delta

The spate of kidnappings in the last few years have almost exclusively been limited to the area known as the Niger Delta where specific political tensions have spilled over and threatened the civilian and in particular the foreign worker population.

The Niger Delta is a vast area of creeks and waterways in the far south of the country where Nigeria’s oil industry is based. Most kidnappings have taken place in remote locations but more recently the region’s major city Port Harcourt has seen a number of incidents. While it is little comfort that the vast majority of these kidnapping have ended without the victims being harmed, the underlying cause of the political crisis is the extent to which the people of the Niger Delta have been amongst the most marginalised in Nigerian society despite the region being the source of Nigeria’s staggering oil revenues. Kidnappings are seen as the most effective weapon in bringing international awareness to the region’s problems and bringing pressure to bear on the Federal Nigerian Government to ensure a more equitable deal for the Delta’s indigenous population.

Religious tensions

The other most common cause of trouble in Nigeria has been religious tensions in the north of the country. Nigeria is broadly split into a sectarian and Christian south and Muslim north. Some of the northern Nigerian States are even run on Sharia Law. From time to time clashes between different religious communities spill into violence but such incidences tend to be very localised and centred on specific issues. For example the hosting of Miss World in Nigeria triggered violent protests in northern cities killing scores of people.

Road safety

By far the most dangerous aspect of travelling in Nigeria is driving. The country has a horrendously high accident rate due to the poor quality of the roads, the poor repair of vehicles and poor standards of driving. Most business visitors will spend their time in either Lagos (the commercial centre) or Abuja (capital). The country operates a substantial airport network and those travelling further afield will nearly always fly to local destinations. Should your visit require substantial road travel outside the main cities (and this should be avoided if possible) then it is essential to ensure you are provided high quality vehicles and recommended drivers.

Will I have to pay bribes to get anything done?

Categorically untrue. Yes, corruption is a major problem in Nigeria. It has been an endemic and institutional problem for many years but the common held assumption that you can’t do successful business without offering bribes is wholly untrue. Millions of Nigerians in the public and private sector every day execute their jobs without contemplating soliciting bribes. Never offer bribes and never agree to them. If anyone indicates they would like something in return just politely ignore the request or, if appropriate, suggest a genuine commercial incentive.

How do I find a reliable and honest business partner?

Getting a local business partner in Nigeria is highly recommended but finding the right partner is critical. Your biggest risk will not be ending up with a fraudulent partner but an ineffectual one – the same risk as you would find in any other country. Make sure potential business partners come recommended by someone you know and trust. Do proper research into the people and companies that you are dealing with and be sensible and cautious in making decisions. Your local Nigerian Trade Commission and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council both offer screening services to validate the authenticity of companies.

What about ‘419’ email and fax scams? Should I avoid giving email or other contact details?

Absolutely not. There is no more danger in disclosing your email address in Nigeria as there is anywhere else in the world. People who fall victim to 419 scams do so because they fail to recognise simple and obvious warning signals.

These are the golden rules:

1. Never respond to unsolicited emails or faxes suggesting financial reward for providing assistance.
2. Never respond to unsolicited emails requesting money or spurious assistance.
3. Never send money on the promise of receiving money.
4. Never send money back to someone who has sent you money by cheque.
5. Always ensure your bank authenticates the source and clearance of any funds received.
6. If a business proposal looks too good to be true, it probably is!

None of the above should make you nervous or suspicious about doing business in Nigeria. Millions of people every day interact by email with genuine Nigerian businesses and conclude genuine business deals. Just be vigilant and sensible.

Doing Business in Nigeria – the summary guidelines:

1. Authenticate potential business partners through official channels or people you know.
2. Never pay bribes.
3. Foreigners shouldn’t travel in the Niger Delta without sufficient security organised by your hosts. 
4. Be patient – establishing long-term relationships and mutual trust are the key to success in Nigeria.
5. Avoid inter-state road travel if possible. Virgin Nigeria and Arik Air are recommended for internal air travel around Nigeria.
6. Be aware of religious sensitivities – particularly in the north.
7. Go to Nigeria and meet your partners. Don’t expect success without making the effort to establish proper relationships.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Crime, Justice and Punishment: Bode George as a Case Study

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Read Time:14 Minute, 37 Second

Since the BIG news broke, I have been agonising. I don’t know whether I should consider this as a victory, justice, retribution, or insult. Like many Nigerians, home and abroad who heard or read the news of Bode George and his co-conspirators’ conviction and sentencing, the news was met with mixed feelings.

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About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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