Godfathers in Nigerian politics don't usually run for office themselves, but many believe they are the ones who decide the election winners and losers.
With campaigning well under way for general elections on 16 February, these are the men - and they invariably are men - who pull the strings behind the scenes.
They are political sponsors, who use money and influence to win support for their preferred candidates.
Their "godsons", it is believed, are not always selected for their political acumen, but rather on their ability to repay and enrich their godfather.
These arrangements have spawned the term "godfatherism", says Dr Dele Ashiru, a senior lecturer at the department of political science at the University of Lagos.
"It refers to a situation where there's a big man who wields enormous political power and then anoints a godson, who he adopts as a candidate for the election.
"And the godfather will do all that is reasonably possible to get the godson appointed into political office.
"The godfather must be influential, most often they are, or were, a political office holder."
When 'godfatherism' gets messy
In the southern state of Akwa Ibom, the country's largest oil-producer, many people believe the main godfather is Godswill Akpabio, who holds a senate seat.
A former governor of the state, he still wields significant power in local politics.
So powerful in fact that his defection just a few months ago to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is seen as pivotal to the party's hope of winning its first victory in the state since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999.
A hope reiterated by President Muhammadu Buhari when he chose Akwa Ibom to launch his campaign for re-election in December.
And Mr Akpabio certainly seems to deliver in numbers. During a recent rally I spoke to followers who said he would bring more than 300,000 voters over to the APC.
But Senator Akpabio denies he is a kingmaker: "If anyone wants to say that I am a godfather I want to disagree with them.
"The only time you could say I played a godfather-like role was in 2015. I nominated the current governor [of Akwa Ibom] and when I presented him to the people they supported him," he told the BBC.
Yet a member of his own party says that 2015 victory was marred by violence and irregularities, orchestrated by Mr Akpabio.
Umana Okon Umana, who was aspiring to be governor at the time, has accused Mr Akpabio of using state resources, including security forces, to install his candidate.
He describes it as a situation where a godfather sits down with his wife "and writes down all who will contest the governorship elections… all the way down to the house of assembly positions.
"He writes these names before the primaries take place. And then if you're not one of those candidates they make sure that you have no access to the venue [of the primaries]."
A Supreme Court ruling from 2015, however, declared the election in the state to be free and fair.
But "godfatherism" can get messy.
Onofiok Luke, now the speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, was one of Mr Akpabio's former godsons.
A deeply religious man, he attributes his success in politics to God, but many would say he owes far more to his former godfather.
Previously a personal assistant to Mr Akpabio, he admits to having received financial support for his wedding and 40th birthday, and that Mr Akpabio "mentored' him through his rise in politics.
However the relationship has soured and the Akwa Ibom parliamentary speaker, who says he was offered $5.5m (£4.2m) last year and the deputy governorship to switch parties, does not hold back about what he thinks his former boss is capable of.
"I have worked with him, and I know that he knows how to use state power."
In a written response from his media team, Mr Akpabio denied all allegations against him, stating: "We understand that this is a season for campaigns and these wild and unsubstantiated allegations will be thrown about by opponents to gain political mileage."
Battle of the hats
In a very different part of the country, the political future of the majority Muslim state of Kano in the north may also be defined by a larger-than-life godfather.
Kano has the second-biggest number of registered voters in the country, making it a key state for either of the two main parties to secure victory.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor, has built a loyal and dedicated following there, partly built through a free education programme implemented during his tenure. Whichever candidate gets his blessing is guaranteed a lot of voters.
He even has his own political fan club, known as the Kwankwasiyya movement, whose members are easily recognisable in their uniform of red caps and white gowns.
He is backing Abba Kabiru Yusuf, a candidate from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), after falling out with a former ally.
On many campaign posters, Mr Kwankwaso's image is larger than that of the PDP contender.
"In all the states you go today, especially in northern Nigeria, you'll hardly get a house without a member of Kwankwasiyya, either the father or the mother or one of the children, or the worker in the house," Mr Kwankwaso told the BBC.
In the last elections he successfully endorsed Abdullahi Ganduje, his former deputy for governor.
But since Mr Ganduje became governor, he has been locked in a bitter dispute with Mr Kwankwaso.
The feud is so fierce that for some time Mr Kwankwaso avoided the city of Kano where there has been an attempt to counter his popularity with the so-called Gandujiyya movement, whose members wear blue hats.
'Question of ego'
As godsons become political players in their own right, it is inevitable that they fall out with their godfathers.
Mr Ashiru says this is because in developing societies like Nigeria, the state is the most important source of revenue and wealth accumulation, which both will want to access to.
But it is also a question of ego, according to Emmanuel Onwubiko, from Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria.
"Some of the godfathers are not really out to get money, they just want respect, they want to be venerated if they come into the state; they want to be recognised as the most important person in that society," he says.
For Mr Ashiru this is a key problem with godfatherism: "Godfather culture is more about the individual than the collective.
"Democracy is about the people, but here you have a few individuals across the country who take critical political decisions, particularly that have to do with the recruitment of public officers.
"So it goes without saying that such a system cannot make democracy thrive."
All the politicians I spoke to shied away from the term "godfather" as it has become loaded - associated with bullish tactics and undemocratic practices.
And as godsons gain their confidence, it is not clear how much longer godfathers will be able to keep their hold on power.
For Mr Akpabio and Mr Kwankwaso, it will not be long before they find out if their influence is waning.
BBC
Monday, February 4, 2019
Friday, February 1, 2019
Video - 800,000 still out of reach of humanitarian aid in Nigeria
The United Nations has expressed its concern over the insecurity in parts of Nigeria, especially Borno State. The statement came as regional officials concluded their meeting in the Nigerian capital to find solutions to the growing humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad region, which has been the scene of a violent struggle between Boko Haram and security forces. Hundreds of thousands of people struggling to survive remain out of reach of humanitarian assistance in northeast Nigeria and are vulnerable to exploitation by armed groups.
Creating successful products is a challenge in Nigeria
In a bid to diversify its economy following the 2016 recession, Nigeria is looking to boost its manufacturing capabilities.
The "business hub" of Africa, Nigeria is home to the continent's biggest population and biggest economy.
But the challenge lies in convincing Nigerians to pick locally made products over imported goods.
One firm trying to build its brand is food and beverage manufacturer Rite Foods.
The company has a factory located three hours outside Lagos, where it makes a range of soft drinks, mineral water and snacks like sausage rolls.
"If anything, being a Nigerian-owned brand initially would almost become a negative, because people think that what is produced locally just can't be as good, but what we've been able to do in the last 28 months is to show that no, actually you can be a proud Nigerian brand," Rite Foods' managing director Seleem Adegunwa told the BBC.
But manufacturing in the country comes with a whole host of other challenges as well.
"Everything is a challenge. You have to produce the power [to run the plant] yourself, because you're not on the grid," explained Mr Adegunwa.
And then there's gaining access to markets.
In 2015, African consumers spent an estimated $1.4 trillion (£1.1tn), according to research firm McKinsey, and by 2025, consumer spending is expected to top $2tn (£1.5tn).
South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt made up more than half of that total.
Nigeria is home to 200 million people, and its consumer market is estimated to be worth $150bn, which means there's a lot of potential for growth, although there is stiff competition from international brands both in the continent and abroad.
"Nigeria just came out of a recession, and after the recession there were some adjustment policies that took place. The currency lost about 60% of its value," finance expert Bismarck Rewane told the BBC.
"All of this has made homemade goods much more competitive than imported goods, so people will have taken advantage of the currency value, the size of the market, the changing demographic and the fact that there is growth taking place after six quarters of negative growth."
BBC
The "business hub" of Africa, Nigeria is home to the continent's biggest population and biggest economy.
But the challenge lies in convincing Nigerians to pick locally made products over imported goods.
One firm trying to build its brand is food and beverage manufacturer Rite Foods.
The company has a factory located three hours outside Lagos, where it makes a range of soft drinks, mineral water and snacks like sausage rolls.
"If anything, being a Nigerian-owned brand initially would almost become a negative, because people think that what is produced locally just can't be as good, but what we've been able to do in the last 28 months is to show that no, actually you can be a proud Nigerian brand," Rite Foods' managing director Seleem Adegunwa told the BBC.
But manufacturing in the country comes with a whole host of other challenges as well.
"Everything is a challenge. You have to produce the power [to run the plant] yourself, because you're not on the grid," explained Mr Adegunwa.
And then there's gaining access to markets.
In 2015, African consumers spent an estimated $1.4 trillion (£1.1tn), according to research firm McKinsey, and by 2025, consumer spending is expected to top $2tn (£1.5tn).
South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt made up more than half of that total.
Nigeria is home to 200 million people, and its consumer market is estimated to be worth $150bn, which means there's a lot of potential for growth, although there is stiff competition from international brands both in the continent and abroad.
"Nigeria just came out of a recession, and after the recession there were some adjustment policies that took place. The currency lost about 60% of its value," finance expert Bismarck Rewane told the BBC.
"All of this has made homemade goods much more competitive than imported goods, so people will have taken advantage of the currency value, the size of the market, the changing demographic and the fact that there is growth taking place after six quarters of negative growth."
BBC
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Presidential candidate Atiku promises $25 billion infrastructure fund
Abubakar pledged to use some of the money for reforming the power sector, according to an emailed copy of a speech he made in Lagos, the commercial capital, on Wednesday. The 72-year-old businessman and former vice president also said he would increase the infrastructure stock to 50 percent of gross domestic product by 2025.
Abubakar is the main challenger to President Muhammadu Buhari, 76, who is seeking a second four-year term.
Bloomberg
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Lawyers in Nigeria to strike due to suspension of judge
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has decided to embark on a two-day warning boycott of all courts in Nigeria over the suspension of the country's top judge Walter Onnoghen.
The association made the decision at its emergency national executive committee (NEC) meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Monday, The Cable news in Nigeria reported.
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Onnoghen on Friday and replaced him with acting chief justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed weeks before an election in which the judiciary could play an important role.
The chief justice was due to face trial on charges of allegedly failing to declare his assets, which Onnoghen has argued is without merit. But it was adjourned indefinitely on Monday, the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) said.
On Friday, the main opposition candidate, Atiku Abubakar, called the president's decision "an act of dictatorship".
The NBA and local civil society associations held protests in Abuja and southeast Enugu state to reject Onnoghen's suspension, calling it an "attempted coup against the Nigerian judiciary".
Onnoghen has helped resolve electoral disputes in past elections, some of which have been marred by violence and vote-rigging. The chief justice could preside over a disputed election result.
Buhari 'has done no wrong'
Critics say the suspension is an effort by Buhari to weaken Nigeria's judiciary and pave the way for his election to a second term in the February 16 vote.
Amid growing criticism, Nigeria's information minister denied the suspension was related to the elections.
Minister Mohammed Alhaji Lai said it had "nothing to do with the forthcoming elections" and did not "signify the onset of dictatorship or tyranny as some have insinuated".
The chief justice plays a key role in any legal challenge to what could be a disputed vote.
The United States, Britain and the European Union said Buhari acted "without the support of the legislative branch". The US warned this suspension could "cast a pall" over the election.
On Monday, the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said Buhari broke no laws in the suspension and "has done no wrong".
With tensions before the vote, observers warned against election-related violence.
Oil-rich Nigeria struggles against multiple security challenges, including the decade-old Boko Haram rebellion, and Buhari's 2015 election was a rare peaceful transfer of power. Diplomats have urged the top candidates to sign a peace pledge.
Al Jazeera
The association made the decision at its emergency national executive committee (NEC) meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Monday, The Cable news in Nigeria reported.
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Onnoghen on Friday and replaced him with acting chief justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed weeks before an election in which the judiciary could play an important role.
The chief justice was due to face trial on charges of allegedly failing to declare his assets, which Onnoghen has argued is without merit. But it was adjourned indefinitely on Monday, the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) said.
On Friday, the main opposition candidate, Atiku Abubakar, called the president's decision "an act of dictatorship".
The NBA and local civil society associations held protests in Abuja and southeast Enugu state to reject Onnoghen's suspension, calling it an "attempted coup against the Nigerian judiciary".
Onnoghen has helped resolve electoral disputes in past elections, some of which have been marred by violence and vote-rigging. The chief justice could preside over a disputed election result.
Buhari 'has done no wrong'
Critics say the suspension is an effort by Buhari to weaken Nigeria's judiciary and pave the way for his election to a second term in the February 16 vote.
Amid growing criticism, Nigeria's information minister denied the suspension was related to the elections.
Minister Mohammed Alhaji Lai said it had "nothing to do with the forthcoming elections" and did not "signify the onset of dictatorship or tyranny as some have insinuated".
The chief justice plays a key role in any legal challenge to what could be a disputed vote.
The United States, Britain and the European Union said Buhari acted "without the support of the legislative branch". The US warned this suspension could "cast a pall" over the election.
On Monday, the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said Buhari broke no laws in the suspension and "has done no wrong".
With tensions before the vote, observers warned against election-related violence.
Oil-rich Nigeria struggles against multiple security challenges, including the decade-old Boko Haram rebellion, and Buhari's 2015 election was a rare peaceful transfer of power. Diplomats have urged the top candidates to sign a peace pledge.
Al Jazeera
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