Goodluck Jonathan gets (slight) nod for Nigeria presidential run – Governors from 19 northern states in Nigeria issued a statement Wednesday acknowledging southerner Goodluck Jonathan’s right to run for president in January elections. It’s potentially a big step in the racially divided country.
Powerbrokers in Nigeria’s north may have flashed a faint green light for Goodluck Jonathon to run in January’s presidential election, despite an unwritten agreement in their political party to rotate the presidency back to a northern-born candidate.
Governors in 19 northern states on Wednesday issued their most substantial collective statement to date concerning the future of Nigeria‘s acting president and probable top candidate.
“The [governor’s] forum acknowledges the right of President Goodluck Jonathan and indeed any other Nigerian to legitimately and constitutionally contest for the office of the president,” they said in what was seen as a tepid endorsement.
Mr. Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party has dominated Nigeria’s Fourth Republic since 1999, in part by following an unwritten rule that the presidency should rotate every two terms between southern and northern candidates.
Next year was supposed to be the North’s second term. That presumption fell to shambles when President Umaru Yar’Adua, a northern-born Muslim, died in May, bequeathing the nine months left in his term to Jonathon, a southerner who turned out to be more ambitious than one might expect from an accidental president.
“He’s fairly new to politics and has been presenting himself as quite a reformist,” says Elizabeth Donnelly, Africa Program Manager at the London-based think tank Chatham House. “He came onto the scene with confidence and a sense of purpose that you wouldn’t expect.”
The opposition has yet to put forward a striking candidate for the vote, making it a convoluted question as to whether Nigeria’s would-be transformational president can win over, buy out, or do without Nigeria’s northern governors in order to secure a second term.
But Ms. Donnelly says Jonathan’s political career is a sign that “politically, things are really shifting” in the country where the most telling divides aren’t necessarily between north and south.”
“There’s a new, reform-minded younger generation coming up, causing tension between them and the old guard, which is mostly based around the north,” she says.
But one might be naive, she cautions, to safely count Jonathon in that vanguard generation lobbying for change.
“It’s difficult to say,” she says. “Everybody owes somebody.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two major types of marriage exist in Nigeria: monogamy, a marriage of one man to one woman, and polygyny, a marriage of one man to two or more wives. Continue reading →
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.
Lagos — The organisers of Carnival Calabar last week updated the media on its preparation for this year’s event. The commission explained that there are lots of innovations and new programmes in this year’s carnival, writes MARY EKAH
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.
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.
Tampere (Codewit) 9th – 10th Oct 2009 “The Nigerian students in Scandinavian had their first conference at the University of Tampere, Finland to discuss issues pertinent to the National image of the country and a way forward for Nigerian students in Diaspora.
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.
Rebranding Nigeria: Role of the Nigerians in Diaspora presented by Mr. Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi at the occasion of Nigeria Independence Day organized by People Democratic Party Finland Chapter on the 4th October 2009
The Chairman, Sir, fellow Nigerians, our friends and wives, our special guests of honor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
A very good afternoon to everyone.
First and foremost, On behalf of the People Democratic Party Finland Chapter, I welcome you all to this august occasion. I am very delighted to see that you honor our invitation today to join us in celebrating, our country independence day – the day we became Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is also the day we commemorate nationwide our freedom from the colonial masters.
It was just 49 years ago that this nation was born, Born or freed in a literary sense,yet as a young nation, we are still struggling to recover from the menace perpetuated by the marauders and to re-orientate our politicians and citizens on a part to nation building . That is why today, we have chosen this gathering as a best platform where we can discuss on serious note how to rebrand our nation.
Rebranding Nigeria simply means to redefine our concept of Nationhood and engage wholly in the process of National renewal to attain a height where National Interest must be exalted far and above personal, ethno-religious and regional interest. In other words, it connotes the renewing of our dreams, hopes and aspirations. It is total re-dedication and re-commitment to the dictates of our National anthem and our pledge and recognizing these lines we recites everyday as sacred oath of allegiance to our Country. Rebranding Nigeria is also to rekindle the fire of patriotism not as a conditional loyalty and love to a Nation, but as an unflinching and unconditional love and loyalty to same. This will become our own task where, the domestic and international image of the Nation matters to all and sundry.
Our Role as Nigerians in Diaspora: I always believe that it is the Nigerians in Diaspora that will rescue our nation. This group is what I call the external within. Because I believe that they have tasted both sides of aisle, and are well formed and informed to bring in their valuable experience and expertise to the Nigerians at home, the group I also called the Internal within. In essence, I strongly believe that our problem must be solved by us. we do not need any stranger to help us in clearing our mess. Secondly, I must note that the Nigerians in Diaspora should realize that we have a rendezvous with destiny and that, the task of reshaping our individual and collective destinies is our sole responsibility and that, we owe the next generation a duty to craft a well projected, practical and workable blueprint for Nation building or we may be, in former US president Ronald Reagans word: at the edge of “sentencing our children’s children into a thousand years of darkness. Now is the right time for us Nigerians in Diaspora to overhaul his value and believe systems by discarding the imperialist ideology of Nationhood that was transferred by the colonial masters to our unsuspecting founding fathers. Who were psyched at Pre-independence, Independence and Post-independence into believing that once the British flag was brought down and replaced by the Nigerian flag and that once the people mumbled through the hurriedly composed and learnt anthem and that once the British army matched past the newly elected black man in caricature military uniform and offered a half-baked salute. Behold, a Nation was born. They never thought that Nation building was not a destination, but a journey. Our innocent founding fathers never suspected that, the polarization of our Country along regional path by the colonialist was deliberately targeted at dismantling our pre-colonial inter-dependency on one another’s commerce, distinct culture and traditions, which dates back prior to the amalgamation of the Northern and the Southern protectorates by Fredrick John Dealtry, (later, Lord Lugard of Abinger) in 1914. They never realized that the colonial masters made sure that at Independence, they got only Togetherness and not Unity, Confidence and not strength.
At these defining moments in our National lives, We, Nigerians in Diaspora and our youths should be very conscious of the fact that despite our seemingly National challenges, what binds us together is far greater than what drives us apart and that it is about time we left our self-created comfort zones on a desperate search for a new and formidable National identity. We should note that, although our stories might differ from one person to the other and from one region to another, but our common National destiny is shared and that it is now in our respective hands. We need to start as a matter of urgency, replace the Imperialist administrative structure inherited by our founding fathers from the colonialist which has thus far been recreated and promoted by some us here in foreign land. Which is described as Dichotomy: Imo/Anambra dichotomy, Hausa/Yoruba dichotomy, Christian/Muslim dichotomy, Military/Civilian dichotomy, Majority/Minority, Rich/Poor dichotomy, Male/Female dichotomy, Young/Old dichotomy, to mention a few. And from which ever perspective you look at Nigeria, this is what stares you at the face. This dichotomy has become a menace that characterizes our biggest National challenge and deters National growth. And by this dichotomy, none of us have been able to capture a bigger picture of Nigeria as a sovereign Nation, rather than as a mere regional formation.
We should begin to uplift our political commitments above the ancestral political jingoism. That way, we will learn to still see and accept those who do not share our political ideologies and sentiments as enemies, but as friends with different political views. We can start this process here. For example, let us start today to talk more positive things about Nigeria and about ourselves. We can condemn our system of government and our leaders for their political failures but let us not dwell in painting ourselves blacker than we are. Let us be our brother’s keeper and desist from back-biting one another or talk ill of one another. This I believe will terminate the ancient political deadlock embedded along party, tribal and religious lines
It is about time that we Nigerians aligned with John F. Kennedy’s statement during his inaugural address on January 20th 1961: “Ask not what your Country can do for you, ask what you can do for your Country. By so doing, we will fortify our once existing unity and with a common sense of purpose; rediscover the virtues of hard work, patriotism, personal responsibility, optimism and faith. Let us draw a clear margin between the Nigeria we have and the Nigeria we desperately need. Let us as true patriots see through the tiniest hole, an enlarged picture of a United States of Nigeria, the picture of a glorious nation where men and women alike are not judged by tribe, religion or geographical placement, but in Martin Luther King’s word: …by the content of their characters.
At this crucial moment of National re-birth. Let the Nigerians in diaspora be ready to contribute to the nation building. Those who have expertise in different fields must be ready to go home and help rebuild our nation. We must begin to demand transparency, question our democracy. We must bring with us the refined democracy we enjoyed here in foreign land to our people at home. Now is the time, we must be bold enough to say that no matter what, Nigeria is my country and that, every government policies affects me directly and that, if my voice must be heard, then I need to invest my input into governance. Let us bear in mind that, in spite of the fact that we have been nourished by a generation of broken promises, we can still be able to cultivate a tradition based on the simple principle that, we have stake on one another, if National Interest is still seen as a tool for a meaningful National development. Then we must not rest in our oars to fight for what we believe in.
As Nigerians in Diaspora, It is time we should see ourselves as political architects that would rather build into our National future than political archeologist that will concentrate on digging from the relics of our past political failures. More importantly, We should also see Nation building as an opportunity of a lifetime given to us to discharge our obligations to a beloved Country. Mindful of our enormous challenges as a Nation, we still have the faith that we shall get to the Promised Land someday. Let us in the face of trouble share president Obama’s conviction that, “I have no doubt that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their Country can change it. Let us convince ourselves that, if at this trying time in our history, we will collectively starve our doubts of a new Nigeria to death and regroup with a renewed mind-set of rediscovering, recreating, redefining and rebranding Nigeria, then we can boldly explore a new National creed in obama’s slogan: ‘Yes we can’.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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.
Just some random musing. What determines where a person is born, the type of parents one has and the country where one is born to? Is there any possible rational explanation for the nationality one comes from? Is there any reasoning to the selection of people in a country or even continent? Continue reading →
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.
I feel compelled to write this rejoinder in response to the recent interview by our erstwhile anti-fake drug czar and Nigeria’s current mouthpiece. Continue reading →
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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