Nigeria holds US woman
09/10/2007 23:03 - (SA)
Lagos - Authorities are holding a longtime American resident in Nigeria without bail on alleged violations of state security laws, with prosecutors saying the woman helped two filmmakers take images of petroleum installations in the lawless southern oil region.
Judith Asuni, an American charity worker who has lived in Nigeria for more than three decades, was arrested on September 26 with two German filmmakers and a Nigerian after the Germans filmed oil installations in the Niger Delta, court papers showed.
The two Germans, Alexander Orpitz and Andy Lehman, were granted bail on Friday. But Asuni, who's believed to be in her 60s, and the Nigerian, Danjuma Saidu, have been kept in detention and were again denied bail by a judge in Abuja on Monday.
Face long jail sentences
The defendants, who have pleaded innocent to the charges, face at least seven years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutor Saliu Aliu said in court on Monday that he had documents showing Asuni, who is married to a Nigerian, was a security risk, but the contents weren't released. Aliu refused comment on the documents, citing security regulations, and said it was the court's decision to grant only the Germans bail.
The US Embassy has expressed concern at the detention of Asuni, who runs a non-governmental organisation that seeks to promote peace in Niger Delta, where competition for oil riches has sparked violence.
"Doctor Asuni is an aid worker and longtime resident of Nigeria who is recognised for her efforts to promote understanding, conflict management, transparency, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta," the embassy said in a recent statement.
Nigeria's southern Niger Delta region has suffered serious security problems as militants stepped up activities in recent years, sparking a wave of hostage takings and battles between gunmen and security forces.
The new government of President Umaru Yar'Adua has stepped up efforts to calm the region and violence has waned since he took power May 29, but Nigeria has long been sensitive to the portrayal of the region by international media.
No filming allowed in military areas
While reporting in the Niger Delta region isn't expressly illegal, journalists are officially prohibited from filming in military or other prohibited areas.
Nigeria otherwise has a relatively free press, with more than a dozen mass dailies and several private television and radio stations routinely unearthing official corruption and human rights abuses by security forces.
Article taken from: News24.com
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Nigeria 'mired in violence'
Nigeria 'mired in violence'
10/10/2007 10:07 - (SA)
Lagos - Politics in Nigeria remain mired in violence and corruption eight years after the end of military rule, says Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a report.
"Eight years since the end of military rule .. the conduct of many public officials and government institutions is so pervasively marked by violence and corruption as to more resemble criminal activity than democratic governance," said the report.
The New York-based rights watchdog continued: "Many of Nigeria's ostensibly elected leaders obtained their positions by demonstrating an ability to use corruption and political violence to prevail in sham elections."
In some states of the federation, unelected but immensely powerful "godfathers" dominated the political scene, having gained control over politicians.
Criminal gangs hired
The godfather provided protection for the elected politician and did his dirty work. In return, the politician turned a chunk of the state budget over to his sponsor and gave him a say over political appointments at state and local level, the report continued.
It cited among other examples, the southern states of Oyo and Anambra. The report also highlighted the tendency for political figures to "openly recruit and arm criminal gangs to unleash terror upon their opponents and ordinary members of the public".
In the southern Rivers state, criminal gangs initially hired to rig the 2003 state governorship elections had since become a law unto themselves, it noted.
Former Rivers state governor Peter Odili had not so far faced any formal investigation or sanction for his alleged role in sponsoring the gangs who plunged the whole of the Niger Delta into chaos, the report continued.
It said: "Public officials in Nigeria can usually expect to enjoy complete impunity for any crimes they may commit, however egregious."
On the rare occasions when a politician was sanctioned, it was normally an opposition politician rather than a member of the ruling party.
Such a long time after the country's return to civilian government "rampant official, corruption and human rights abuse can no longer be dismissed as the lingering after-effects of military rule", warned the report.
HRW said: "Violence, corruption and impunity are not just problems that government has failed to tackle; they are systemic abuses that flow from the heart of the very same government institutions that should be working to combat them."
Article taken from: News24.com
10/10/2007 10:07 - (SA)
Lagos - Politics in Nigeria remain mired in violence and corruption eight years after the end of military rule, says Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a report.
"Eight years since the end of military rule .. the conduct of many public officials and government institutions is so pervasively marked by violence and corruption as to more resemble criminal activity than democratic governance," said the report.
The New York-based rights watchdog continued: "Many of Nigeria's ostensibly elected leaders obtained their positions by demonstrating an ability to use corruption and political violence to prevail in sham elections."
In some states of the federation, unelected but immensely powerful "godfathers" dominated the political scene, having gained control over politicians.
Criminal gangs hired
The godfather provided protection for the elected politician and did his dirty work. In return, the politician turned a chunk of the state budget over to his sponsor and gave him a say over political appointments at state and local level, the report continued.
It cited among other examples, the southern states of Oyo and Anambra. The report also highlighted the tendency for political figures to "openly recruit and arm criminal gangs to unleash terror upon their opponents and ordinary members of the public".
In the southern Rivers state, criminal gangs initially hired to rig the 2003 state governorship elections had since become a law unto themselves, it noted.
Former Rivers state governor Peter Odili had not so far faced any formal investigation or sanction for his alleged role in sponsoring the gangs who plunged the whole of the Niger Delta into chaos, the report continued.
It said: "Public officials in Nigeria can usually expect to enjoy complete impunity for any crimes they may commit, however egregious."
On the rare occasions when a politician was sanctioned, it was normally an opposition politician rather than a member of the ruling party.
Such a long time after the country's return to civilian government "rampant official, corruption and human rights abuse can no longer be dismissed as the lingering after-effects of military rule", warned the report.
HRW said: "Violence, corruption and impunity are not just problems that government has failed to tackle; they are systemic abuses that flow from the heart of the very same government institutions that should be working to combat them."
Article taken from: News24.com
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
On Independence
Nigeria at 47
By Sun News Publishing
Monday, October 1, 2007
By Sun News Publishing
Monday, October 1, 2007
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Erapi G.E |
Today, the symbolism of Nigeria’s political independence which it gained from Britain 47 years ago is being reenacted. Over time, it has become an annual ritual which reminds Nigerians of the significance of the lowering of the Union Jack, the British colonial insignia, and its replacement with our national flag.
In real, concrete terms, October 1 of every year is a day which Nigerians ought to set aside for reflection and re-appraisal. Having liberated themselves from the clutches of colonialism, and having attained independent statehood, Nigerians owe themselves an obligation to tell themselves the truth about the state of affairs in their fatherland. As an independent country, Nigerians need to ask whether they have piloted the ship of state towards progressive attainment.
Nigerians, no doubt, have never failed to tread this familiar trajectory. But the sad fact is that they have never felt flattered about the state of affairs in their country. Every passing year, they return a verdict of lack of progress or at best a wobbly movement towards progressive statehood. Certainly, the mood in the seats of power in the country today would reflect this state of affairs and more. The government at the centre and the component units that make up the Federation will, through one ceremony or another, remind us that we have attained the age of 47 as an independent nation.
But 47 years after independence, how has Nigeria fared? Can the people thump their chests and declare with confidence that Nigeria is on the road to progressive nationhood? This is the issue before us today as we remind ourselves of the gains and joys of independence.
We can hardly deny the fact that things have not been what they should be in Nigeria. The country has lost a number of opportunities and chances of becoming great. The situation is one that can make a people lose confidence in themselves and approach the future with trepidation and a feeling of despondency.
However, it is gratifying to note that Nigerians do not think of despair. Instead, they are full of hope and vitality. Regardless of our many slips and somersaults, the people have continued to trudge on with Spartan courage. With their resilient spirit, Nigerians are keeping hope alive. They are looking forward to the day their country would rise from its deep slumber and strut into the world community with the boldness to achieve and excel.
This is certainly not an impossible height to attain. What is required for Nigeria to be where it ought to be is for the country to be governed by patriots. Nigeria is in dire need of men and women who should put the nation above selves. Rather, it has, over the years, been held hostage by a self-seeking, visionless and opportunistic cabal who do not care a hoot about how the country and its peoples can grow and develop.
To get it right therefore, Nigeria has to have the right people in positions of authority. Indeed, the real problem Nigeria faces is that of inept leadership. If we reflect, as we must do on a day like this, on the quality of leadership we have been having, we cannot but admit the cold fact that leadership in this country has been on the decline.
What we have been saddled with since the return of civil rule in the country some eight years ago is a leadership that did not and could not envision where Nigeria should be in the years ahead. In the absence of a sense of direction, the country groped in the dark to no end.
The monumental malpractices and irregularities that attended the 2007 general elections and the on-going crisis in the leadership of the lower chamber of the National Assembly do not offer hope for positive change. Rather, they are indicative of a porous and permissive system where no meaningful progress can take place. There does not, as yet, appear to be any end in sight to this barren and vacuous leadership.
Thus, as we mark yet another independence day, those at the helm of affairs and the people themselves need to spare a thought for this slumbering giant whose much touted greatness has remained in a state of potency. We need to reflect on what can be done for Nigeria to make real progress as recognized by global indices of development. We should ask ourselves when we should have a leadership that will be concerned about the decay in social infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery and other necessities that a modern state must have. It is not enough for us to roll out the drums and make merry. It is also not enough for us to take stock annually as we are doing today. What matters is for us to take action on some of the observed and acknowledged areas of failure with a view to addressing them. Lamentations alone cannot do.
On Independence
Nigeria at 47
By Sun News Publishing
Monday, October 1, 2007
By Sun News Publishing
Monday, October 1, 2007
|
Erapi G.E |
Today, the symbolism of Nigeria’s political independence which it gained from Britain 47 years ago is being reenacted. Over time, it has become an annual ritual which reminds Nigerians of the significance of the lowering of the Union Jack, the British colonial insignia, and its replacement with our national flag.
In real, concrete terms, October 1 of every year is a day which Nigerians ought to set aside for reflection and re-appraisal. Having liberated themselves from the clutches of colonialism, and having attained independent statehood, Nigerians owe themselves an obligation to tell themselves the truth about the state of affairs in their fatherland. As an independent country, Nigerians need to ask whether they have piloted the ship of state towards progressive attainment.
Nigerians, no doubt, have never failed to tread this familiar trajectory. But the sad fact is that they have never felt flattered about the state of affairs in their country. Every passing year, they return a verdict of lack of progress or at best a wobbly movement towards progressive statehood. Certainly, the mood in the seats of power in the country today would reflect this state of affairs and more. The government at the centre and the component units that make up the Federation will, through one ceremony or another, remind us that we have attained the age of 47 as an independent nation.
But 47 years after independence, how has Nigeria fared? Can the people thump their chests and declare with confidence that Nigeria is on the road to progressive nationhood? This is the issue before us today as we remind ourselves of the gains and joys of independence.
We can hardly deny the fact that things have not been what they should be in Nigeria. The country has lost a number of opportunities and chances of becoming great. The situation is one that can make a people lose confidence in themselves and approach the future with trepidation and a feeling of despondency.
However, it is gratifying to note that Nigerians do not think of despair. Instead, they are full of hope and vitality. Regardless of our many slips and somersaults, the people have continued to trudge on with Spartan courage. With their resilient spirit, Nigerians are keeping hope alive. They are looking forward to the day their country would rise from its deep slumber and strut into the world community with the boldness to achieve and excel.
This is certainly not an impossible height to attain. What is required for Nigeria to be where it ought to be is for the country to be governed by patriots. Nigeria is in dire need of men and women who should put the nation above selves. Rather, it has, over the years, been held hostage by a self-seeking, visionless and opportunistic cabal who do not care a hoot about how the country and its peoples can grow and develop.
To get it right therefore, Nigeria has to have the right people in positions of authority. Indeed, the real problem Nigeria faces is that of inept leadership. If we reflect, as we must do on a day like this, on the quality of leadership we have been having, we cannot but admit the cold fact that leadership in this country has been on the decline.
What we have been saddled with since the return of civil rule in the country some eight years ago is a leadership that did not and could not envision where Nigeria should be in the years ahead. In the absence of a sense of direction, the country groped in the dark to no end.
The monumental malpractices and irregularities that attended the 2007 general elections and the on-going crisis in the leadership of the lower chamber of the National Assembly do not offer hope for positive change. Rather, they are indicative of a porous and permissive system where no meaningful progress can take place. There does not, as yet, appear to be any end in sight to this barren and vacuous leadership.
Thus, as we mark yet another independence day, those at the helm of affairs and the people themselves need to spare a thought for this slumbering giant whose much touted greatness has remained in a state of potency. We need to reflect on what can be done for Nigeria to make real progress as recognized by global indices of development. We should ask ourselves when we should have a leadership that will be concerned about the decay in social infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery and other necessities that a modern state must have. It is not enough for us to roll out the drums and make merry. It is also not enough for us to take stock annually as we are doing today. What matters is for us to take action on some of the observed and acknowledged areas of failure with a view to addressing them. Lamentations alone cannot do.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Nigeria sues Pfizer for $8.5bn
Nigeria sues Pfizer for $8.5bn
30/09/2007 12:25 - (SA)
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Kano - A court case brought by Nigeria against Pfizer resumes on Tuesday with the US drug maker saying it answered a call for help to save the lives of African children during a meningitis epidemic.
Nigeria alleges Pfizer deceived patients and caused the death of 11 children in 1996 when it performed clinical trials for a new drug. With the northern state of Kano, it is suing the company for $8.5bn.
The meningitis outbreak killed more than 12 000 children in six months near Kano, a predominantly Muslim metropolis with a history of conflict with the West. Meningitis is an infection of the nervous system that can kill in hours if left untreated.
Ngozi Edozien, managing director of Pfizer in West Africa, said the company brought the experimental drug, Trovan, to Nigeria in response to an international plea for help.
"There was a compelling reason to look at Trovan because it was an oral formulation, it was known to have shown efficacy in meningitis and was a five-day treatment so it was perfect for an epidemic setting," she told Reuters.
The test involved 200 children, half of whom received Trovan while the other half received a proven meningitis treatment.
Nigeria alleges Pfizer was responsible for the deaths of 11 children and permanent health problems for many others. It says it failed to obtain all the required approvals for the test and did not get proper consent from the patients.
Pfizer rejects all the charges. It says Trovan saved lives and the alleged victims were affected by meningitis, not the drug.
The case was first brought in the United States, but thrown out in 2005 by a judge who said it should be heard in Nigeria.
On Tuesday, Pfizer will be in two courts for civil and criminal proceedings brought by the Kano state government. The federal government has also brought civil and criminal charges.
Testing
Trovan had already been tested on 5 000 people before it was used in Nigeria, Edozien said.
It was licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration for use on adults a few months after the Kano trial, and briefly became one of Pfizer's top-selling drugs.
However, the authorities imposed severe restrictions on its use three years later when it was found to cause serious liver injuries in some patients.
Mustapha Maisekili, the father of two alleged victims in the Kano trial, said his two daughters were walking and talking when he took them to the Infectious Diseases Hospital suffering from flu-like symptoms typical of meningitis.
They died a few weeks later.
"Most of the victims lost hope of getting any form of justice on the issue," he said.
"If we are compensated through the court judgment we shall be relieved somehow. Most of us are living hand-to-mouth."
Pfizer faces a hostile reception in Kano, a focus of Islamic radicalism in Nigeria with a history of religious bloodshed and rejection of Western medicine.
The state government banned vaccines against polio for nine months in 2003, alleging they contained HIV and were spreading infertility. The Kano boycott fuelled a resurgence of the crippling virus across Africa.
Civil rights groups say they are planning demonstrations against Pfizer in the city next week.
The Annual Nigerian Indpendence Day Celebration in N.Y.
New York, New York, October 1, 2005: Nigerians from across the United States were joined by other Africans and Americans to celebrate their 45th Independence Day. Nigeria is one of the African countries colonized by Britain. It obtained its Independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. Nigerians Come Together Cross Section of The Crowd |
| Some of the artists that performed at the event HOW IT HAPPENED: The event started with a parade down the streets of Manhattan, New York and ended with a celebration at the Nigerian House on 44th street. Turn out was massive as streets were cordoned off going several blocks. The color of Nigeria's green-white-green flag dominated the entire area as Nigerians, both young and old donned in assorted combinations of green and white, cheerfully waved the Nigerian flags and interacted with each other confirming the survey that said that Nigerians are the happiest people in the world. There were speeches and addresses by several Nigerians concerning Nigeria's independence as well as the way forward. There were several cultural performances and a lot of Nigerian and African fanfare to go around. The event was to continue with an all night after party in Brooklyn, but we sadly report that authorities abruptly ended the after party because of some youths who taught fighting makes a party. In all, happy independence celebration/anniversary to Nigeria, the African giant! | |
Nigerian Independence Day
October 1st is Nigerian Independence Day. This year was Nigeria's 47th Anniversary. Across the seas in Nigeria, this Monday was honored in a variety of ways ranging from a National Holiday where no one went to work, to house parties and special meals.
At Dordt College there are four students with Nigerian roots, and although they had to attend classes and work they still made small attempts to recognize this day. Their efforts may have gone unnoticed by the Dordt Sudent population at large but they played Nigerian music in their rooms, ate a traditional Nigerian meal, and wished each other a "Happy Independence." They also wore clothes made out of Nigerian material or donned green-white-green attire that alluded to the colors of the Nigerian flag.
Statuses changed on Facebook as people verbalized their pride, dreams, and congratulations of Nigeria as students across the globe affiliated with Nigeria mentioned that it was liberated Nigeria's birthday.
Text messages traveled across the United States with the ones I received spanning from Iowa to Georgia to Tennessee, to New York.
Independent Nigeria turned 47 on Ocbtober 1st, 2007, and although many were none the wiser, to those whom it mattered to, it was a celebration of culture, freedom, and national pride.
At Dordt College there are four students with Nigerian roots, and although they had to attend classes and work they still made small attempts to recognize this day. Their efforts may have gone unnoticed by the Dordt Sudent population at large but they played Nigerian music in their rooms, ate a traditional Nigerian meal, and wished each other a "Happy Independence." They also wore clothes made out of Nigerian material or donned green-white-green attire that alluded to the colors of the Nigerian flag.
Statuses changed on Facebook as people verbalized their pride, dreams, and congratulations of Nigeria as students across the globe affiliated with Nigeria mentioned that it was liberated Nigeria's birthday.
Text messages traveled across the United States with the ones I received spanning from Iowa to Georgia to Tennessee, to New York.
Independent Nigeria turned 47 on Ocbtober 1st, 2007, and although many were none the wiser, to those whom it mattered to, it was a celebration of culture, freedom, and national pride.
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