Nigeria Clashes Kill Five at Opposition Party Rally in Central Jos

As reported by By Dulue Mbachu - Jan 8, 2011 4:48 PM GMT

Fighting between rival factions of a Nigerian opposition party in the central city of Jos sparked clashes between Muslims and Christians that killed five people, a military official said.

A meeting of the Congress for Progressive Change, whose candidates will run for office in general elections in April, erupted in “a scuffle and it went into the streets,” Brigadier-General Umaru Hassan, commander of the military task force in charge of security in the area, said today by phone from Jos, the capital of Plateau state.

Hundreds of people died in Jos and surrounding areas last year in clashes between Christian and Muslim groups, including 80 people killed in Christmas Eve blasts claimed by a radical Islamic sect.

Africa’s top oil producer and most populous country of more than 140 million people, roughly split between a mainly Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south, has suffered periodic outbursts of sectarian violence. At least 14,000 people have died in ethnic and religious violence since 1999 in Nigeria, according to the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

Security Situation

The Congress for Progressive Change is led by a former military ruler, Muhammadu Buhari. The party defied previous advice “not to hold a congress in Jos because of the security situation,” Dan Manjang, a spokesman for Plateau state Governor Jonah Jang, said by phone from the city. Jang is a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party.

An official who answered a number listed on the Congress party’s website said he couldn’t comment on the Jos incident.

Plateau state lies in Nigeria’s so-called middle belt region between the West African nation’s north and south.

Armed attackers killed six people on their way to a wedding yesterday in Mongu, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Jos, state Police Commissioner Abdulrahman Akano told reporters today. Police detectives are investigating the attack and can’t say yet if it’s linked to sectarian violence in the region, he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Dulue Mbachu in Abuja at dmbachu@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Antony Sguazzin at asguazzin@bloomberg.net.

World Leaders & Nigeria Back Military Intervention in Ivory Coast But Ghana Backs Out. Here's The Reason

Report by Chido Nwangwu, Publisher of Houston-based USAfricaonline.com

USAfrica, January 7, 2011: Ghana's president John Mills has expressed his opposition to any military intervention in Ivory Coast, led by the ECOWAS or the international community, seeking to force controversial incumbent Laurent Gbagbo out of office.

He stated today January 7, 2011 that: ”I do not think the military operation will bring peace to the nation.” This was a jolt to many of the leaders of the west African regional bloc, ECOWAS and to the expectations of the U.S administration of President Barack Obama. Two days earlier, on January 5, 2011, the U.S Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs Johnnie Carson had called for increased pressure on Gbagbo with a stronger demand for him to leave and making the point it is broad fight by the region for democracy and should not be left as a domestic issue. President Mills is strongly arguing the opposite position — to the surprise of the U.S and the international community (supporting opposition candidate Outtarra against Gbagbo).

Mills who hosted the Obamas on July 11, 2009 in Accra, said today that “It is not for Ghana to choose a leader for Cote D'ivoire. I have spoken to both Ouattarra and Gbagbo and I cannot make it public.”

Diplomats, international security experts and interested parties are wondering: what informed Ghana's blunt and clear position against a forced, military attack against Gbagbo's outgoing, stalemated presidency?

I understand President Mills' position as: first, reflecting that west African country's practical and immediate interests. Ghana is a neighbor of Ivory Coast's and has business interests in the country.

Second, Ghana is likely to bear the brunt of a chaotic Ivory Coast, from refugees moving into Ghana.

Ivory Coast has 19million citizens with 60 ethnic groups, a mix of Christians and Muslims; the Baoule is the largest sub-group, the Senoufou, the Mande/Dioula, the Krou, the Yacouba, the Akan (some of who draw their links from Ghana).

Third, Ghana seems mindful of the potential retaliation against its citizens and other migrant workers across Ivory Coast. It will not be helpful to it, in the long run. Again, on local interest, Mills said “We have about one million Ghanaians living in Ivory Coast who could be victims of any military intervention. We do not want the influx of Ivorians into Ghana, which obviously comes with its problems.”

A key adviser to Ghana's President Mills on international affairs informed me/USAfrica that Ghana has also, understandably, “been under some pressure to take a more aggressive position on this issue. But we're the ones who live next door to Ivory Coast….”

Unlike Ghana, Nigeria has backed the use of military force — as an option — against Gbagbo.

Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan is the current chairman of the ECOWAS. There are as many Nigerians in Ivory Coast as there Ghanaians.

Ivory Coast has friendly relations with the U.S (one of the biggest importers of it cocoa products) but Gbagbo loyalists argue that the Obama administration are working with France and the UN against the former radical university professor and grassroots mobilizer.

President Mills said his country has about 500 officially-designated troops in Ivory Coast and that his military officers advised him Ghana could not contribute troops to the much spoken military force against Gbagbo. Mills remains optimistic saying: “Ghana is monitoring it very closely and will ensure that peace prevails,” he added.

But a senior member of the African desk of the U.S National Security Council in Washington DC told me/USAfrica that: “it's obvious Mr. Gbagbo is overplaying his hand. Unfortunately, we think he's trying to tie his personal agenda with those of his country at such a critical and sensitive time. The presidential elections are not only disputed but many in the international community say his opponent Mr. Ouattarra won.” When I asked further as to what will be the next move by the U.S., the official simply said: “The U.S supports free and fair results. We support democracy in Ivory Coast.” Outtarra has called for a bloodless military intervention, especially a local coup.

Pierre Kablan, an activist in the capital city of Yamoussoukro informed USAfrica via phone that ”Ouattarra is the man for France and U.S and the IMF-World Bank for decades. They can control him but not President Gbagbo. That's the point.”

Any major slip and dangerous move in Ivory Coast by the typically patient Obama, the usually brash Sarkozy of France and others in the international community in this once peaceful, idyllic former colony of France with 18million people could be expensive for the U.S and other west Africans.

Very telling is the latest warning from Notre Voie (the pro-Gbagbo newspaper) that any military attack from the regional ECOWAS or the international community would “endanger its citizens living here.”

Is there greater wisdom in Ghana's position? Or is it unreasonable? Or sheer self-interest?

• Chido Nwangwu is the Founder and Publisher of USAfrica, and first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper published on the internet USAfricaonline.com; The Black Business Journal, CLASSmagazine, PhotoWorks.TV, AchebeBooks.com, Nigeria360, USAfricaTV and several blogs, assessed by The New York TImes as the largest and arguably most influential multimedia networks for Africans and Americans. He served on the editorial board of the Daily Times of Nigeria in Lagos and worked for the Nigerian Television Authority (news) in the 1980s; served on a publicity committee of the Holocaust Museum, Houston; recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in May 2009; adviser on Africa to Houston's former Mayor Dr. Lee Brown. Chido appears as an analyst on CNN, VOA, SABC, CBSNews, ABCNews, FOXNews, NBCNews, etc. Chido@USAfricaonline.com. wireless: 832-45-CHIDO (24436). Office: 713-270-5500.

———-
VIDEO of the CNN International broadcast/profile of USAfrica and CLASSmagazine Publisher Chido Nwangwu. http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2010/07/29/mpa.african.media.bk.a.cnn

Nollywood: The Past, the Present, and the Future

Written by Kunle Dole 

Nollywood іѕ a rising star, ѕο tο speak, frοm thе heart οf Nigeria – a movie industry οf Nigeria, bу Nigerians, аnd fοr thе Nigerian people. Nollywood hаѕ gradually become a phenomenon wіth a life οf іtѕ οwn, nοt οnlу bесаυѕе іt mаdе movies fοr Nigerians, bυt bесаυѕе іt mаkеѕ movies thаt аrе distributed аnd еnјοуеd beyond thе shores οf Nigeria, аnd more importantly, іt hаѕ risen іn thе middle οf nowhere tο somewhere.

It’s hard tο see someone frοm anywhere іn African whο іѕ nοt familiar wіth thіѕ Nollywood Phenomenon. Despite thе initial critics whο claimed thе name “Nollywood” smell lіkе another imperialistic inclination, many hаѕ, de-facto, come tο accept thіѕ name; although ѕοmе wіll claim thаt thе coining οf thе name “Nollywood” wаѕ based οn a borrowed concept, a concept thаt іѕ synonymous wіth Hollywood аnd Bollywood, thе fact remains thаt everything аbουt Nollywood іѕ Nigerian – іt’s actors, іt’s genre οf movies, thе plots, thе market, аnd even thе consumers – аll аrе dеfіnіtеlу Nigerian.

It іѕ stimulating аnd аmυѕіng tο note thаt, аt first, more οftеn thаn nοt, thе movies frοm Nollywood wеrе οf such abysmal quality thаt nobody expected аn abrupt climb tο such a sudden fame οf thіѕ proportion; In recent years, hοwеνеr, thіѕ concern nο longer hold trυе Now, Nollywood movies аnd Nigerian Music аrе ranked аѕ first class – both іn maturity οf movie plots, quality οf production, аnd thе extend οf global distribution network аnd distribution capabilities.

Despite thе conditions: epileptic power supply, unstable, deteriorating economic condition, Nollywood hаѕ crawled іtѕ way tο thе third mοѕt visible movie industry οn ουr planet; despite thе several years οf repressive military regime, wreck less political class, uncertain daily-living іn Nigeria, Nollywood manages tο attain a third рlасе, аftеr Hollywood аnd Bollywood, іn thе league οf global movie power-houses. In fact, thеrе іѕ a constant confusion οn whісh one comes second – Bollywood οr Nollywood.

Until thе recent technological advancement, past actors hаνе a difficult time competing οn thе world stage, nοt fοr thе lack οf talent bυt bесаυѕе thе cost οf producing movies wаѕ beyond thе reach οf many; one саnnοt even being tο quantify talents thаt perished іn Nigeria bесаυѕе thеу сουld nοt afford tο partake іn delivering movies tο consumers due tο prohibitive cost. And, аѕ a result οf thеіr financial hinderance, mοѕt Nigerians contends wіth consuming foreign moves despite thе visible lack οf direct connection tο such movies – thіѕ іѕ trυе fοr Nigeria Music, јυѕt аѕ іt іѕ trυе fοr Nigerian Movies.

Notwithstanding thе crushing financial limitation οf producing movies before thе last decade, ѕοmе theatrical groups, through exceptional theatrical skills аnd astonishing performances managed tο rise above stage performance аnd mονе іntο movie productions – mostly based οn thе οld celluloid capability οf thе 70′s. Still nеw іn ουr memories аrе those whο actually championed thе pre-Nollywood era. Grеаt performers such аѕ Ola Balogun, Eddie Ugbomah, аnd late Herbert Ogunde

Thе Music artists delivering cutting-edge Nigeria Music hаνе benefited substantially frοm thе opportunities сrеаtеd bу thе presence οf Nollywood іn Nigeria – thеѕе artists hаνе done exceptionally well considering thеіr skills tο blend music οf local origin wіth οthеr genre οf music ranging frοm Bob Marley tο Jazz аnd ѕο οn. Thеу hаνе benefitted immensely frοm Nigerian business men whο opened successful online distribution channels tο allow Nigerians showcase thеіr talent tο thе rest οf thе world. Nigeria-centric sites such аѕ NaijaMotion.com, lіkе thеіr counter-раrt YouTube.com represents a substantial opportunity fοr Nigerian Musician tο ѕhοw-case thеіr talent tο thе rest οf thе world.

 

Back tο Nollywood: although thе movies wеrе initially сrеаtеd fοr Nigerians living іn Nigerian, іt hаѕ, over thе last decade, become source οf solace fοr Nigerians іn Diaspora – іt іѕ now a known ingredient fοr binding those outside thе country wіth activites οn thе home front; wіth thе pervasiveness οf thе internet, thе еνеr easier аnd fаѕtеr means οf distribution, Nollywood movies аrе now еnјοуеd nοt οnlу іn Nigeria bυt іn several οthеr countries; fаѕсіnаtіnglу enough, nοt јυѕt bу Nigerians, bυt bу citizens οf аll οthеr countries. Nollywood, indeed, hаѕ mаdе substantial progress. Considering future prospect, I see Nollywood becoming a force tο bе reckoned wіth οn thе same platform аѕ Hollywood – аn institution thаt hаѕ dominated thе movie production landscape fοr several decades.

Ex-KC Wizards Star Uche Okafor Actually Committed Suicide - Medical Examiner

By Web Staff

LITTLE ELM, Texas — 

Authorities say former Nigerian soccer star Uche Okafor committed suicide at his Dallas-area home this week. He was 43.

Okafor's body was discovered Thursday afternoon by his wife in their house in Little Elm, a town about 30 miles northwest of Dallas. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office said Friday that he hanged himself in an upstairs hallway.

Okafor played on the 1994 Super Eagles team that won the African Cup of Nations. Nigeria reached the second round of the World Cup that year and again in 1998, with Okafor on the team both times.

Okafor played for the Kansas City Wizards, now Sporting Kansas City, from 1996 to 2000.

According to the Sporting Kansas City website, Okafor was part of the Kansas City roster that debuted in 1996 and he played with the team until 2000, appearing in 119 regular season games and another seven in the postseason. He was part of the Kansas City team that won the MLS Cup in 2000, logging 16 minutes as a substitute in the championship game at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., that year.

“It’s shocking and very sad,” said former Kansas City coach Bob Gansler, who coached the team during the 2000 championship season, in a statement on the Sporting Kansas City website. “One would not have thought that such a tragedy would involve Uche. We are less one outstanding individual today, that’s for sure.”

A physical, 6-foot-3 defender from Nigeria, Okafor started all 30 games during Kansas City’s inaugural season in 1996 and appeared in at least 14 games each season he was in the league. He also appeared in all four of the team’s postseason games during the 1996 season.

"He was very influential for us," said Diego Gutierrez, the current Philadelphia Union head of scouting and player development and a teammate of Okafor's in Kansas City in 1996 and 1997, in a statement. "We had a good, good defensive line, and it was led by Uche. With his experience and his international pedigree, he was the rock for us. Hearing of his passing is a tremendous blow, because he wasn't just a good soccer player, he was a tremendous person. He was always upbeat."

"He would laugh and smile with everybody. He had one of the all-time great laughs in MLS history," said Alexi Lalas, who played on the back line with Okafor during the 1999 season in Kansas City. "But behind that laugh, there was this incredibly tenacious beast of a defender. You didn't want to be on the end of a Uche Okafor tackle, I can tell you that.

"It was a real honor to know him and to play along side him," Lalas added in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Ruling party wins rerun state election

A ruling party candidate who saw his first gubernatorial election win overturned by the courts for irregularities won a rerun election in an oil-rich Nigerian state, officials said Friday.

By JON GAMBRELL

Associated Press

Related

LAGOS, Nigeria —
A ruling party candidate who saw his first gubernatorial election win overturned by the courts for irregularities won a rerun election in an oil-rich Nigerian state, officials said Friday.

Officials with the Independent National Electoral Commission said Emmanuel Uduaghan, a candidate with the ruling People's Democratic Party, clinched the vote Thursday in Delta state. Statistics offered by commission Friday showed Uduaghan won with 275,253 votes out of 433,312 valid ballots cast.

Nigeria's government hoped the election would prove to its citizens the oil-rich nation could hold a free and fair election as an upcoming presidential election looms in April. However, even with more than 20,000 police officers and federal election officials on hand, allegations of ballot box thefts and faked voter cards still persisted.

The closest opposition candidate, Great Ogboru of the Democratic People's Party, pulled in just 138,244 votes.

The state-run Nigerian Television Authority aired the results live Friday. The program even showed video of upset crowds complaining about faked voter registration cards being in circulation during the election.

Attahiru Jega, national chairman of the electoral commission, said officials "took the business of organizing this election very, very serious."

"We did our best to learn from the mistakes of the past," Jega said.
Nigeria, one of the largest crude oil suppliers to the U.S., became a democracy through a presidential election in 1999, but its polls remained mired in vote-rigging, violence and political thuggery. International observers called the 2007 election of the late President Umaru Yar'Adua rigged, even though it represented the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the nation's history.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who took over after Yar'Adua's death in May, has promised a free and fair election in April. However, equipment to register voters was stolen from Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport just after its arrival in Nigeria last month, raising questions about manipulating the voter rolls. Registration is scheduled to begin Jan. 15

UPDATE - Ruling party candidate ahead in Nigeria state vote

* Opposition candidate questions conduct of election

* Analysts fear unrest if PDP candidate wins (Recasts with DPP candidate's quote)

   By Samuel Tife of Reuters

Nigeria's ruling party candidate is ahead in a rerun governorship election in the oil-producing Delta state, the electoral commission said on Friday, but his opponent expressed doubts about the conduct of the vote.

The election is seen as test before national elections in April and voting passed off without serious unrest on Thursday, although there were isolated acts of sabotage.

Delta is one of three main states in the Niger Delta, the heartland of Africa's biggest oil and gas industry and a restive region seen as a potential flashpoint during the presidential and parliamentary elections.

After more than half the votes were counted, results showed Emmanuel Uduaghan of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) was ahead in a close contest with his nearest rival, Great Ogboru of the Democratic People's Party (DPP).

Ogboru hinted he might not accept the result if Uduaghan won. He said some of his party agents had been unfairly arrested and he had doubts about how the election was conducted.

"This injustice must not be allowed to continue because of major irregularities in some (voting) areas," Ogboru told journalists in the city of Asaba, where the results will be announced.

Thousands of armed police and soldiers were drafted into Delta state for the vote, held after a court last year overturned the victory of Uduaghan in 2007. [ID:LDE7050WD]

A Reuters correspondent said military trucks carrying hundreds of soldiers arrived in Warri on Friday and were patrolling the streets.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acknowledged problems, including omissions on the voters' register and the late arrival of election materials, but said they were not enough to call the credibility of the poll into question.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who is from the Niger Delta, flew from Abuja on Tuesday to support Uduaghan's campaign. However, Uduaghan is not universally popular and security experts fear unrest if he is declared the winner.

Nigeria has been shaken by violence in recent weeks, including a New Year's eve bomb blast near an army barracks in Abuja a week after a series of blasts and subsequent clashes killed 80 in the central city of Jos. [ID:nLDE70101O]

* Rerun vote seen as test before national elections in April

Nigerian star Uche Okafor Dies At 43

By George Akpayen of Supersports

 

 

Former Nigeria international, Uche Okafor, was found dead at his Dallas, Texas home in the United States of America (USA) early Thursday.

- Vote for Nigeria's 50 greatest players

Ben Iroha, a former Nigerian team-mate of Uche between 1990 and 1994, told SuperSport.com that he received the shock news via a telephone conversation from the United States that the 43-year-old has died.

“Seriously I still find it hard to believe when I got the call from the US yesterday (Thursday) evening. This is a really sad way to begin the year,” said Iroha.

 

Iroha added that he is yet to know what really transpired up to the death of his former teammate. “I am yet to know what happened. But I feel so sad to hear this because he was a very marvelous friend and brother,” said the former Heartland assistant coach.

 

However, there are still no details concerning surrounding the death of the former winner of the Africa Cup of Nations. The former Nigerian footballer was said to have taken his daughter to school early Thursday and was later found dead in his US home.

 

The police in the United States are said to have cordoned off the home of Okafor, as a coroner is carrying out an inquest into circumstance surrounding his death.

 

Okafor’s professional career began at defunct ACB of Lagos before he moved to KRC Mechelen.

 

The late Nigerian player has also played for Hannover 96 before ending his career at Sporting Kansas City, formerly known as Kansas City Wizards.

 

Late Okafor also featured in one of the four matches of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 1994 Fifa World Cup in the USA. He was also a football pundit on African football for ESPN until his death.

2 Charged In ‘Nigerian Black Money Scam

2 Charged In ‘Nigerian Black Money Scam

Scam Involves Dyed Paper, Phony Inheritance

fox5vegas

WARNING!

Friends be wary of emails promising incredibly

huge sums/easy money. Don't fall victim to 

some unscrupulous elements that are 

everywhere in the web today. If its too

good to be true, disregard and
hit the delete button.

 

LAS VEGAS -- Las Vegas Metro police have arrested two men they said were linked to the infamous “Nigerian Black Money Scam” that e-mail users are often warned to avoid. 

Police said an undercover detective met with 26-year-old Fidelis Oselu Okukpujie and 23-year-old Harrison Doe at an unnamed hotel. The detective said the men were attempting to exchange “black money” for $200,000 in U.S. currency.

The scam involves e-mailing a person to let them know they have inherited a substantial amount of money in Nigeria. Victims are told the money is dyed black to avoid detection in customs and they have to pay to have it washed. Authorities said the “black money” is often just black pieces of paper, but victims don’t know until it’s too late. 

Okukpujie, according to Metro, is originally from Nigeria and lives in Phoenix, while Doe was born in Liberia but is a resident of Coon Rapids, Minn. Both are charged with attempting to obtain money under false pretenses and conspiracy. They are being held in the Clark County Detention Center.

Leicester City line up swoop for Everton striker Yakubu

Leicester City have made an inquiry for 

Everton striker Yakubu.

By rob tanner of thisisleicestershire.co.uk

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Leicester City have made an inquiry for Everton striker Yakubu as Sven-Goran Eriksson continues his search for a big-name signing.

Toffees manager David Moyes has revealed a Championship club had made an approach for the Nigeria international.

However, the Everton boss said it was too early to say whether the move would be a loan or permanent, but the Leicester Mercury understands it is City.

City have also been linked with a move for Aston Villa striker John Carew.

The Norway international has fallen out with manager Gerard Houllier and is almost certain to leave Villa Park during the January transfer window, but sources at the Premier League club say City have not made an approach.

City boss Eriksson is targeting a quality striker and has previously tried to entice Tottenham Hotspur's Robbie Keane and Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz to the Walkers Stadium, and even made an inquiry about Emile Heskey's availability.

Eriksson was promised the financial backing of the club's Thai owners to make the deals happen, but was unsuccessful as neither Keane or Santa Cruz wanted to drop down into the Championship. He will face a similar issue with Yakubu.

One possibility is for Eriksson to offer a contract with a non-promotion release clause should City fail to go up this season.

Everton turned down a £6million offer for Yakubu from West Ham United in the summer but the 28-year-old, who signed a five-year contract with the Toffees in 2007 after his £11m transfer from Middlesbrough, could be available for around £4m as he has struggled to force his way into Moyes' side this season.

Yakubu has scored just one goal in 13 appearances, starting only six, and the Merseysiders may be prepared to cash-in to finance any transfer activity this month as they look to avoid a relegation dogfight.

With top scorer Tim Cahill away with Australia at the Asia Cup, Moyes wants to bring in another striker but has limited funds.

Meanwhile, City will face a fight with Wolverhampton Wanderers to convince defender Curtis Davies to re-sign.

Davies, who Eriksson wants to sign, has returned to Villa after his loan period finished and has said he wants to review all his options during January before committing his future.

Davies has said he wants to stay in the Premier League and Eriksson has admitted City may struggle to sign the centre-back if top-flight clubs make him an offer, but Leicester will be able to match any financial package Wolves offer Davies.

CIA Predicts More Bomb Attacks In Nigeria

As reported by By Ike Nnamdi,

of Sunnewsonline.

Nigeria will experience more deadly bomb attacks this year as extreme militant groups affiliated to Al-Qaida step up their efforts to undermine the government, according to America’s elite spy agency, The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In a memo sent to President Barack Obama and top defence chiefs, the CIA said the long term objective of the groups is the overthrow of “Nigeria’s secular government to be replaced by a strict Islamic administration under Sharia law.

“The agency also concluded that foreign terrorist groups have set up safe havens in the country and are actively recruiting and training youths who they intend to deploy for terror attacks against government facilities.” Officials also warned that some Nigerian security officials have also been compromised by terror groups and could be playing an active part in helping them achieve their objectives.

“The agency predicted the rise of terror groups in Nigeria years ago but the situation now is dire, worsened by the combination of unemployment, the religious and ethnic direction of the present political scenarios”, officials of the Homeland Security Department told Daily Sun. Sources said facilities on the target list of these groups include airports, power stations, oil pipelines, hotels and any place where large number of casualties can be recorded. “The ultimate aim is to cause a large number of deaths and damages”, according to a counter-terrorism official.

The Daily Sun learnt that it was because of the urgency of the Nigerian situation that the administration took the unprecedented step of President Obama and Homeland Security chief Janet Napalitano jointly criticizing the New Year eve bombing in Abuja. “The administration is concerned about the unfolding event in Nigeria and is in discussion with its relevant security agencies for greater security cooperation,” officials stated.

The CIA recommends that Abuja must monitor more closely religious schools, especially in the north and funds sent in by foreign groups as gifts. It also warns that officials who lose out in the elections are likely to play the religious card, which could further raise tension.

Ahead 2011 Africa Youth Championship:Gambia coach sure of victory over Nigeria. How possible?

By Thenation sports reporter

Gambia U20 coach Lamin Sarr is confident that his team will triumph over Ghana and Nigeria after being drawn with the West African giants in the ‘Group of Death’ at the Africa Youth Championship.

The Gambia will also face Cameroon in Group B of the tournament to be held in Libya later this year.

Defending champions Ghana are regarded as the favourites in the group while Nigeria are continental giants in youth football.

But Sarr insists he is happy to have drawn with some tough countries and he is confident they will advance to the knock-out stages of the tournament

“I was expecting anything in the draw and as far as I am concerned this is a normal draw and I am very satisfied with it,” Sarr said.

“All the eight teams reached the finals on merit so there is no easy or difficult side.

“I am not scared of any team as far as football is concerned and we are going there to prove a point.”

The Gambia boss says they have set a target for the side to reach the last four and secure a place at the U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

“We just have to qualify for the semifinals if we hope to play at the World Cup in Colombia. I believe in my players ability to achieve this target,” said Sarr.

Ghana are the Africa champions and made history two years ago when they became the first-ever African side to win the U-20 World Cup.

Nigeria have won the competition a record five times, Ghana are three-time winners and Cameroon have won the competition once (1995), were losing finalists twice (1993, 2009) and were third in 1999.

A New Year prayer for Nigeria

By Miriam Ndikanwu

Thenation

Every new year, the Lagos State Government holds a prayer session to thank God for the year and His mercies. It has become a tradition to hold this interdenomination service to which the cream of society is invited. Clerics from the various denominations officiate at the event. This year’s service was held last Sunday at the Ikeja House, Alausa. The expansive field in the premises where the event was held was filled.

Leading the dignitaries was the host Governor Babatunde Fashola; assisted by his wife, Abimbola. 

In attendance were former Governor Bola Tinubu, Deputy Governor Sarah Sosan, former Governors Lateef Jakande, Ndubuisi Kanu; Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria Chief Henry Ajomale; Senator Olorunimbe Mamora; Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya; Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye; members of the state Executive Council and local government chairmen, among other dignitaries. 

The service started about 5pm when the guest minister and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, arrived at  the venue with Fashola, Tinubu and a few other dignitaries. 

Bible lessons were read by Mrs Abimbola Fashola; Princess Sosan; the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Inumidun Akande, and the Deputy Speaker, Tola Badmus-Olujobi. 

Special prayers were offered for Fashola, religious harmony, successful and peaceful outcome of the general elections. 

The various choral groups from various parishes of the RCCG, Day Star, and House on the Rock, as well as Blessings and the Boys among others put up spectacular performances. They added colour to the celebration as they rendered songs to the admiration of the audience. 

In his sermon, Pastor Adeboye said there was the need to give thanks to the Almighty God for sparing our lives to cross over to a new year.  

He buttressed his point with some tragedies that happened last year, adding:“Those of us still living were kept by His mercy and not because we are better than those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incidents.”

He said the irony of it all is that some people consider their situation as most critical. What they fail to realise is that their situation is still better than that of other people.  

Pastor Adeboye said God Almighty has remained faithful to Nigeria over the years by ensuring that evil doers do not triumph over the country. 

Earlier, Fashola sued for peace and brotherly co-existence among residents.

The governor said while the different modes of worship distinguish people, it should never divide them or sever the common bond of humanity that is represented by the fact that they share the same water, hospitals, market and ride the same buses. 

“Our consumption of meat, the giving and taking of money, transfusion of blood for medical emergencies are not distinguished by religious distinctions. Our drinking of water is blind to our faith,’’ he said. 

He reiterated that religious preferences are matters of choice and freewill which the Creator gave to all mankind without conditions. 

He listed some of the ways by which humanity can be promoted as renewing and enriching those values that promote the dignity of man and avoiding those that diminish man. 

“We must seek to enjoy life and its pleasures with restraint on one hand and plenty of love at every time. By love, I mean respect and care, compassion, empathy and values of that type. 

“It is the abundance of such values that will enrich our state and nation. They will transform our electoral processes from a do-or-die affair to a legitimate expression of desire for public service and leadership of God’s people.

“It is the abundance of such values that will reduce the incidence of insecurity that is characterised by the kidnapping of adults and children in desperation for money, an act that diminishes us as a people. It is the abundance of those values that will make us better followers of our leaders and invest us with the prerequisite moral platform to challenge their shortcomings,” he declared. 

Prominent among the officiating ministers  were:Prelate of the Methodist Church Dr Sunday Makinde; Anglican Archbishop of Lagos Diocese Rev Ephraim Ademowo; the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Felix Meduoye; Pastor Taiwo Odukoya; Rev Mercy Ezekiel; Pastor Paul Adefarasin; Rev Sam Adeyemi and Prophet S.K. Abiara.

Nigeria Closes Schools For Voters' Registration

Story by Toly Timi (email - tolytimi@yahoo.com)

worldstagegroup.

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday announced the extension of resumption date for primary and secondary schools across the country to February 4.

The extension would also affect pupils in privately owned schools.

This followed a request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the date be shifted ahead of the voters’ registration exercise in which majority of the schools are likely to be used as registration centres.

Announcing the extension in Abuja at a media briefing, Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi noted that the action became necessary in order “to accede to the request of INEC.”

He disclosed that “INEC wrote a letter requesting that we shift the resumption date from the 7th of January to the 4th of February and as you know, the government and the people of this country have paid a lot of premium to the issue of election and as a result, anything will be done to make sure that we do not have any excuse for Nigerians at the end of the election.

“We have directed that all schools in the country both private and public remain closed, the resumption will now be on the 4th of February, 2011.

“This resumption date has nothing to do with universities across the country. It is for primary and secondary schools nationwide and it include both private and public schools.”

He explained that the Ministry of Education had semi-oversight function over schools whether public or private noting that the voters’ registration period is a very sensitive period which involves movement materials.

“We do not want to discriminate between private schools and public schools as a result of which we have asked them to close for this period.

“Nothing will be too small for the benefit of the proper registration which will culminate into a proper election and for the greatness of the country hence we have created a level land to ensure for smooth registration.”

On whether government was making any provision to take care of the academic days that would be missed in the course of the registration, the Minister intimated stressed that government would find a way to ensure that the extension would be amended..

“We have decided to close down schools. Most of these schools will be used as registration centres nationwide and we do not want the interference of our children to create more difficult situation in the country and as a result, we have asked that the schools be closed down and we will make amend for this period that we have altered the calendar.

On the fate of the students preparing for the senior secondary examination, he said that “however, we should note that we have students who are in the thick of preparing for their examination . We have asked these ones to remain in school more particularly so as their numbers will not in any way affect what we are doing with INEC with regards to making available the schools for purposes of registration.”

Former Nigerian Minister Takes Leadership Of UN Agency

NIGERIAN HIV FIGHTER TAKES OVER

AS CHIEF OF UN POPULATION FUND

By Admin- Accramail

A former Nigerian health minister with wide experience in fighting HIV/AIDS has taken over the leadership of the United Nations agency charged with assisting countries with reproductive and maternal health, and population development.

Babatunde Osotimehin, who has also served as African spokesperson for the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, became the fourth Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) on 1 January, succeeding Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.

UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.

When announcing the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's appointment in November last year, his spokesperson said that Dr. Osotimehin will bring a wealth of experience and passion to the work of UNFPA, coupled with extensive knowledge and understanding of the global and national framework and processes that are critical to the work of UNFPA.

His predecessor at UNFPA, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, had said, “Dr. Osotimehin's qualifications and extensive experience position him well to lead the global agenda for population and development and to promote the right to sexual and reproductive health.”

Previously serving as Nigeria's Minister of Health from December 2008 to March 2010, Dr. Osotimehin has also served as Director-General of his country's National Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, and has held several senior posts at the University of Ibadan. In recognition of his contributions, especially as a leader of Nigeria's response to HIV and AIDS, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger in 2005.

Niger delta election: More Than 20,000 Nigerian Police Deployed

Niger delta election: More Than 20,000 Nigerian Police Deployed, BBC.

More than 20,000 Nigerian police have been deployed to the oil-rich Niger Delta, where elections for a state governor are being held. 

The result of the last election, in 2007, has been annulled because of voting irregularities.

Last week, there were bomb attacks on political rallies in Delta State. 

The president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has campaigned on behalf of Emanuel Uduaghan, who was governor until the annulment. 

Correspondents say the election will test the president's support in a key state, ahead of general elections in April.

Delta state is re-running the election after an appeals court overturned Mr Uduaghan's election in November.

Police, riot police and military bomb disposal units have been deployed to ensure the security of the polls.

"It is the largest contingent ever deployed for a state election," Delta State police spokesman, Charles Muka told the AFP news agency.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who is from the Niger Delta, on Tuesday flew from Abuja to the state to support the campaign of Mr Uduaghan, who is from the ruling People's Democratic Party.

Nollywood Actor, Mr. Ibu’s Wife, Kids Kidnapped

Nollywood actor, Mr. Ibu’s wife, kids kidnappe

N50m ransom demanded, By AZUH AMATUS

Heavily armed men suspected to be kidnappers, yesterday night, invaded the Agbani Road, Enugu State home of top actor/comedian, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu and abducted his wife and three children.

The abductors who came in a BMW car later released two of his children, a boy and girl, but were still holding the wife and one of the sons as at the time of filing this report. Daily Sun gathered that the kidnappers who immediately opened a communication line with the popular entertainer’s family were demanding a N50 million ransom before those currently being held captive would regain their freedom.

Confirming the ugly incident, devastated Mr. Ibu from Nkanu, Enugu State, who spoke via phone, condemned the act and pleaded with the kidnappers to immediately release his wife and son without any further delay. “I was at an event yesterday in Enugu when I got a call that my wife and children had been kidnapped by some heavily armed youths. I was also told the abductors came to my house in a BMW car and started trailing my family members since morning.

They later released two of my children, a boy and girl, but are still holding my wife and one of my sons. They are demanding N50 million ransom. Where on earth will I get such a huge amount from? God in heaven knows I do not have such amount of money anywhere in this world,” lamented the star of several Nollywood films, in an emotion-laden voice.

Crestfallen Mr. Ibu, who equally told Daily Sun the abduction was immediately reported at the Enugu State Police Command, went further to blame some politicians, whom he accused of arming innocent, frustrated and jobless youths with dangerous weapons, because of their greed for power.

“If you ask me to comment more on this incessant issue of kidnapping, I will blame it on desperate politicians who are the ones arming these jobless youths. My family and friends are praying that God should touch the hearts of these kidnappers so that they can release my wife and son immediately without any harm or ransom. I also want to thank the Enugu Police Command; they have been of immense help since the kidnap took place.”

Hilarious Ibu, one of the leading names in the nation’s motion picture industry, joined Nollywood as a production hand, before hitting it big as a comic star. He’s well-travelled with over 100 hit films to his credit, among them the blockbuster comedy, Mr. Ibu. Also reacting, top Nollywood Director/Producer, Mr. Theodore Anyanji, condemned the act in its entirety and urged the kidnappers to immediately set free, “an innocent mother and her hapless son.”

Sanusi Named World's Best Central Bank.

 Sanusi Named World's Best Central Bank.

This is An Article Written by Emele Onu for Thisday

The global financial intelligence magazine, The Banker, has conferred double awards on the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

The awards are: World Central Bank Governor of the Year and African Central Bank Governor of the Year.

 

The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times of London, United Kingdom, noted in a release yesterday, signed by the Country Representative, Nigeria Office of the renowned magazine, Mr. Kunle Ogedengbe, that in the last 18 months Malam Sanusi has been in office, he has salvaged a crumbling Nigerian financial sector, including implementing reforms that have put Africa's most promising market back on the map for investors globally.

Editor of the magazine, Mr. Brian Caplen, noted in the 2011 January edition of The Banker, billed to be distributed at the World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, that a few candidates' names can generate an overall consensus on judging panels and yet, when it came to finding the best global central bank governor of the year, Sanusi was chosen unanimously.

Sanusi, has been globally and locally acclaimed as a reformist that saved the Nigerian banking system from collapse, at a time it seemed all was not well with the industry.

The CBN governor had shortly after his assumption of duty in July 2009 initiated an examination of the 24 banks in the country. The examination showed 10 banks as grossly lacking in one or all of the test areas capital adequacy, liquidity and corporate governance.

The CBN governor removed the executive managements of eight of the banks and replaced them with CBN appointees, following which he rescued the intervened banks with a N620 billion bailout and launched full blown banking reforms encapsulating the setting up of asset management company, recapitalisation and the abolition of universal banking, among others.

 

Caplen stressed that Sanusi embarked on a radical anti-corruption campaign aimed at saving the 24 banks from the brink of collapse and pressed for the managers involved in the most blatant cases of corruption to be charged and convicted where found guilty.

 

"Despite the big challenge of facing up to powerful people, who held considerable sway in the country, Sanusi never looked back and got the support of the public as they were made aware of the scale of corruption, which made the public to support the change he promoted.

"Another key reform of the banking sector introduced by Sanusi has been to limit the tenure of bank CEOs to a maximum of 10 years. They will have to leave office at the end of their term regardless of their record. This policy has already led to change of leadership at UBA, Zenith and Skye banks," he added.

The editor said that the reforms initiated by Sanusi had been hailed as necessary to sanitise the banking industry and that observers had argued that, had these reforms not been initiated, Nigeria would have entered into another round of banking distress.

According to The Banker, the implementation of stricter disclosure policy by the CBN had also led to a culture of greater transparency in the sector.

The magazine noted that the reforms of Sanusi are to enhance the quality of the Nigerian banks, establish financial stability in the system, provide enabling and healthy financial-sector evolution as well as ensuring that the financial sector contributes to the real sector rather than just serving the banking sector alone.

The Banker, a publication of Financial Times Newspaper, which is regarded as the most influential newspaper in the world, is a global financial intelligence magazine published since 1926.

It is the definitive publication that provides guide to bank ratings and analysis globally and the definitive reference on international banking for finance experts, governments, chief finance officers, CEOs, Central Bank governors, finance ministers, and other decision makers globally.

According to the Global Capital Markets Surveys (GCMS), the only independent media benchmarking study available in the capital markets industry and provides insight into who reads what at the world's financial institutions, amongst monthly finance titles globally The Banker is number one in capital markets, EMEA region and bank as well as financial institutions.

How do we measure Nigeria's happiness? - Talk point: Guardian.co.uk

A recent poll found Nigerians to be the most optimistic in the world in their outlook for 2011. But what's the value of such surveys?

Are Nigerians the most optimistic in the world? Yes, according to a Gallup end of year poll, which ranked Nigerians as the most hopeful in the world in terms of their economic fortunes for 2011. The countries of the G7, meanwhile, were found to be some of the most pessimistic about the future – judged to be high on per capita income, but low on hope for the new year.

The poll of 64,000 people from 53 countries around the world found that the most optimistic people mostly live in low income countries, such as Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Peru and Bangladesh.

Twenty countries scored low on per capita income and hope for 2011, including Russia and a number of eastern and central Asian states, plus Colombia and Ecuador. Four countries – Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Switzerland – were high on both income and optimism.

Over the past few months, there has been much debate about "happiness". The British prime minister, David Cameron, said last year he wants to put happiness at the heart of policy. Jonathan Glennie debated on the Poverty matters blog why eight Latin American countries were among the top 10 happiest states in the NEF Happy Planet Index. Latin America also has higher confidence levels in its economic performance than any other part of the world, according to the 2011 Grant Thornton International Business report.

But how should we view the results of the latest Gallup poll? What value do surveys such as these have in a development context, and how do we measure and define happiness and optimism? Tell us what you think.

Why Nigerians Are The Happiest People On Earth- Guardian.co.uk

Nigeria- The Happiest Place On Earth

An article written by Bim Adewunmi for Guardian.co.uk.

Nigeria is beset by poverty, corruption and violence  but a poll says it is the world's most optimistic nation.

The arrivals hall at Murtala Mohammed international airport in Lagos has the kind of humidity that feels like a warm towel. The minute you shake that off, you notice the massive board that proudly welcomes you to Nigeria. Underneath the greeting, written in cheery, cursive script, is the tagline: "The happiest place in the world!"

When I last visited Nigeria, that poster made me laugh like a drain. But now a global survey has confirmed it: in a 53-country Gallup poll, Nigerians were rated at 70 points for optimism. By contrast, Britain scored a deeply pessimistic -44. Why so glum, Britain? And what in the world makes Nigerians so happy?

At first glance it's hard to see: Nigeria is seen as place where corruption thrives. The newspapers are filled with sensational allegations of crooked officials, and mind-boggling hauls – the former CEO of Oceanic Bank, Cecilia Ibru, is said to be just one of the worst. Sectarian violence is steadily on the up, most recently with the Christmas Eve bombs in the northern city of Jos. Nor are Nigerians strangers to civil war and unrest, the most terrible being the three-year Biafran war. Then there is the grinding poverty.

To cap it all there are the advance-fee "419" scams (named for a clause in the Nigerian criminal code) – all those "princes" seeking to clear their millions in your bank account – who have embarrassingly become one of Nigeria's most famous exports.

But look harder and the optimism seems less misplaced. Nigeria has the third-largest economy in Africa – and it's still growing. There's the oft-repeated statistic that one in every 20 Africans is Nigerian. The UN estimates the population at 154,729,000 – astonishing for a nation about twice the size of California.

Nigeria has always punched above its weight artistically, too – from the music of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, to the literary works of Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi and Ola Rotimi – as well as Nobel prize winner Wole Soyinka. Nok, Yoruba and Benin art is celebrated worldwide for its intricacy and beautye. And there is the crude oil making the country the 12th largest petroleum producer in the world.

I'm British by birth, but got dual nationality in 2009, having lived with my Nigerian parents in the country for a large chunk of the 1990s. I had a comfortable life, and could avoid the abject poverty, crime, social inequality and the legacy of political instability. It seems natural to conclude that all these factors would put a damper on Nigerian cheerfulness. Instead, the optimism is an almost tangible thing, the joie de vivre obvious.

Daily life is hardly one glorious Technicolor dance sequence, but I have never lived in such a happy place – and I once lived in hippyville California. I can't give a definite answer, but I think the joy comes from seeing and living through the worst that life can offer; it is an optimism born of hope. Nigeria is a nation of Del Boy Trotters ("this time next year, we'll be millionaires!") – while the rest of the world believes they've got a book in them, most Nigerians believe they've got a million quid in them, too.

There's a spirit of entrepreneurship – people seem bewildered if you admit a lack of ambition. Nigerians want to go places and believe – rightly or wrongly – that they can. That drive and ambition fuels their optimism; they're working towards happiness, so they're happy.

I am living proof of this: in the years I lived and learned in Lagos, I saw some pretty awful stuff – the state-sanctioned execution of freedom fighter and environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa, the military rule of the IBB era, the annulment of the democratic 12 June elections to name but a few – and managed to come out the other side laughing.

And why shouldn't we laugh? We are firm believers in the New Labour theme tune: things can only get better. There's a Yoruba saying that my father often uses: "Jimoh to ma l'oyin, Alamisi le yan ma ti mo." It translates roughly as: "If a Friday is to be sweet, you'll know by Thursday." It might not seem like Nigerians have much to be happy about, but perhaps they've already seen what Friday holds, and what they see makes them rejoice.

FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Nigeria

The bellow are the key political risks to watch in Nigeria this 2011. It is written by Nick Tattersall of Reuters and  Edited by Giles Elgood.

Jan 5 (Reuters) -

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is waging a tough battle ahead of the presidential primaries in two weeks time, a contest whose outcome could shape the political and economic landscape for the next few years.

A wave of violence over Christmas and New Year, including a fatal bomb attack in the capital Abuja, will test the strength of Jonathan's resolve as his opponents look to exploit any sign of weakness ahead of the primaries. [ID:nLDE70101O]

The ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), which has seen its candidate comfortably win every leadership contest since the end of military rule more than a decade ago, is divided over its nominee for the April polls.

Nigeria's political system, driven largely by patronage, has always favoured the incumbent. But Jonathan -- a southerner -- faces concerted opposition from factions in the north and his nomination is far from given.

The outcome of the elections could have far-reaching consequences, from security in the Niger Delta to the passage of legislation to overhaul the oil industry, as well as multi-billion dollar plans to privatise the power sector.

 A fight to the line could also mean back-room deals being struck, the sort of bargaining which has at times in the past involved the liberal use of public funds.

Public borrowing is growing rapidly and foreign reserves have been falling as spending is ramped up ahead of the polls, leading to concern about fiscal discipline. [ID:nLDE6AM1P0]

But the banking sector and capital markets remain relative bright spots, with reforms continuing apace despite the near-term political uncertainty. [ID:nLDE6BD0VO]

ELECTIONS

The electoral commission has set presidential elections for April 9, 2011, with parliamentary polls a week before and state governorship elections a week after.

In the immediate term, all eyes are on the PDP presidential primaries, which will be held on Jan. 13.

Jonathan's candidacy is controversial because of a ruling party pact that power should rotate every two terms between the largely Muslim north and mostly Christian south. [ID:nLDE66Q1EY]

Jonathan is a southerner who inherited the presidency this year after the death of Umaru Yar'Adua, a northerner who died part way through his first term. Jonathan's supporters say he was elected on a joint ticket and has the right to contest.

A group of influential northern politicians has picked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a "consensus candidate" to challenge Jonathan at the primaries, but it is unclear how wide his support base is nutside the clique that selected him.

Securing the backing of Nigeria's state governors, who form a powerful caucus in the ruling party, could be key to Jonathan's chances of success. Twenty of the 26 PDP governors said in December they would back him. [ID:nLDE6BF287]

But the PDP state governorship primaries are on Jan. 9, before the presidential primaries, weakening Jonathan's leverage. Holding the presidential primaries first would have meant the governors had more incentive to back him in order to secure their own victories.

Two states in the country's southwest -- Ekiti and Osun -- saw their PDP governors removed by the court challenges in late last year, eroding the ruling party's grip on the region around the commercial capital Lagos. [ID:nLDE6AP1AW]

Ask three Nigerians how the polls will end and the response is at least three equally well-argued scenarios. History has always favoured the incumbent but possible outcomes include:

-- The governors align behind either Jonathan or Abubakar, who wins the primaries and goes nn to take the election.

-- Jonathan wins the primaries by a narrow margin and the PDP remains divided. Northern factions in the PDP break away to challenge him in the election, a scenario which could favour opposition figures such as ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.

-- The PDP resolves its divisions by picking neither Jonathan nor Abubakar, uniting instead behind a third candidate.

POLICY AND SPENDING

Government spending has been rising in the run-up to elections. Government borrowing had increased around 50 percent by late 2010, dwarfing private sector credit growth of just 3 percent in the year. [ID:nLDE6AM1P0]

Foreign exchange reserves fell almost a quarter year-on-year by December. The excess crude account, into which Nigeria saves windfall oil income, has dropped to $300 million from $20 billion at the start of the presidential term in 2007.

Jonathan presented a 4.2 trillion naira ($28 bln) 2011 budget proposal to parliament in December, an 18 percent cut in approved spending for last year.

Recurrent spending remains high in the plans and supplementary budgets have been passed in the last two years to top up spending -- it is possible the same could happen again.

The political uncertainty also means major pieces of policy -- and the multi-billion dollar investment decisions that hinge on them -- are likely to be on hold until after the elections.

Arguably the biggest is the Petroleum Industry Bill, which will re-write Nigeria's decades-old relationship with foreign oil firms and redefine the fiscal and legal framework governing investment, including in its key offshore fields, expected to yield most of its future production growth.

Officials have said the bill will pass before the elections, but a Senate committee which has been reviewing it for the past year has only just finished work and lawyers advising the government have said that timeframe is unlikely. [ID:nLDE6AI0IM]

Failure to pass the bill ahead of the elections could mean it has to return to a first reading before a new parliament, potentially setting it back by months or years.

Until it passes, foreign oil firms will keep multi-billion dollar investments on hold. The projects have timeframes of several years, meaning lack of investment now could see Nigeria's oil output stagnate 5-8 years down the line.

Potential investors in the planned privatisation of the domestic power sector, one of the cornerstones of President Jonathan's policy, are also unlikely to go beyond statements of interest until the elections are over. [ID:nLDE69D0OX]

But banking reforms continue apace and the 5-year tenure of Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi means even a change in president is unlikely to derail them. Some analysts are worried about the inflationary impact of a new "bad bank" set up to absorb non-performing loans from lenders rescued last year.

What to watch:

-- Further depletion of foreign exchange reserves

-- Passage, or not, of oil reforms before elections

NATIONAL SECURITY

Bombs in the central city of Jos killed at least 80 on Christmas Eve, while four died in a similar attack in the capital Abuja a week later. Violence has flared up in the central and northeast of the country since the first blast.

Radical Islamist sect Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the Jos blasts but some officials have said the attacks were a politically led attempt 4o disrupt elections.

Mystery surrounds the ideltity of the Abuja bombers. Jonathan will want to quickly stem the flow of attacks or risk being undermined by opponents.

The military appears to have the upper hand in the Niger Delta, taking over a number of militant camps late last year and releasing 19 hostages in an operation carried out with the help of former militant leaders who accepted amnesty in 2009.

But the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened more attacks, and associates of Henry Okah -- one of MEND's masterminds who is in detention in South Africa -- appear to have established links with new field commanders to replace those who took amnesty. [ID:nLDE6AJ01Z]

Oil infrastructure in the delta, a network of shallow creeks opening into the Gulf of Guinea, is exposed to attacks.

Fears of localised violence in the run-up to the elections have been heightened by weapons seizures last year.

The destination of the first, shipped from Iran, was unknown but some diplomatic sources have said it may have been meant to destabilise the country around elections. [ID:nLDE6AO1WT]

Nigeria is a generally peaceful nation but ethnic and religious rivalries bubble under the surface and could be exploited by politicians.

What to watch:

-- More bombs strikes on civilian areas

-- Further attacks in the Niger Delta

-- Ethnic or religious rhetoric during campaigning

(For more Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: af.reuters.com/ ) (Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by Giles Elgood)

For political risks to watch in other countries, please click on [ID:nEMEARISK]