Then there is the case of Akwa Ibom State.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, in a few short years, has tangibly fulfilled his promise of ‘uncommon transformation‘. In Uyo, hospitals are being built, bridges are connecting business to business, an entertainment complex is quickly on the rise and the maritime potentials of the state are soon to be unlocked.

A railroad linking Uyo with Port Harcourt is the latest endeavor of the Akwa Ibom State Government to benefit economic development throughout the state and indeed the country.

Governor Akpabio was quoted by the Vanguard as stating that “…it was important to link all states, economic zones and mining areas with railways for easy movement of goods and people. The Ibaka Seaport  has the added advantage of proximity and centrality to deep offshore operations and the West Africa Region Joint Development Zone including Sao Tome, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Gabon. Added to this is the availability of ample undeveloped land.”

Next on the agenda? The Governor stated that his administration plans to build an Industrial City on the area the seaport is located, adding that “the Ibom Industrial City would be an industrial mix of oil and gas-based support services, dockyard and watercraft repair facilities, fertilizer plant, oil refinery, gas-to-liquid projects, petrochemical industries, power plant and [along with] the Ibaka Seaport, promises to be self-sustaining.”

He said that when fully operational, the industrial city would employ 100,000 people and increase the export base of the nation.

It should indeed be noted that Governor Akpabio commended Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for the Federal Government’s acceptance to develop the seaport.

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A confidential memo released by Wikileaks says that in July 2007, Branson was due to hold a secret meeting with South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela and other senior African statesmen to discuss persuading President Mugabe, now 87, to step down.

The initiative is said in the cable to have been brokered by Zimbabwean politician Jonathan Moyo, but never came to fruition. Last night Sir Richard Branson’s office acknowledged that he had been approached by Mr Moyo to discuss ”ways to broker a peaceful reconciliation in Zimbabwe” but no further action was taken.

Sir Richard Branson owns a luxury game lodge and a chain of gyms in South Africa and takes a strong interest in the Southern African region’s politics. Last year, on the sidelines of the United Nations poverty summit in New York, he launched Enterprise Zimbabwe – an fund aimed at attracting western investors scared off by the political instability in Zimbabwe.

The cable, dated 10 July 2007 and classified by the US ambassador Eric Bost to South Africa, states: “UK businessman Richard Branson is bankrolling an African ‘Elders’ initiative to convince Zimbabwean President Mugabe to step down. The ‘Elders’ plan to meet secretly in Johannesburg July 17-18 with Branson to discuss their initiative.”

The cable says the planned July 2007 meeting was to include Mandela, former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan, as well as the former presidents of Namibia, Zambia, Ghana, Mozambique, Kenya and Botswana. Former US president Jimmy Carter was also mentioned as a possible participant.

The memo identifies Mr Moyo, a controversial figure in Zimbabwean politics, as “working with Branson on the plan“. Mr Moyo’s career has seen him flip-flop in and out of favour with the ruling Zimbabwean African National Union – Patriotic Front. At the moment, he is back in favour, acting regularly in an information role.

The cable says: “Moyo reached out to Branson, who owns Virgin Atlantic airlines as well as a game lodge and chain of gyms in South Africa, in early June to suggest the involvement of the former African leaders. Branson agreed to fund the initiative, including Moyo’s travel and technical assistance.”

The cable goes into detail about Moyo’s plan, adding that he proposed the Elders visit Mugabe and urge him to support a new constitution, giving him the chance to select an executive prime minister in exchange for standing down.

Moyo is even quoted as suggesting ”a script” for the elders’ encounter with the Zimbabwean president, including stressing that ”they respect him” and want to protect his ”proud legacy”.

Asked last night by The Independent for his views on the leaked cable, Dr Moyo, who is a member of the Zanu-PF Politburo, initially said he could not comment on information ”given to the US ambassador by a third party” he named as the International Crisis Group.

Later however, in a lengthy phone call, Dr Moyo admitted having met Sir Richard Branson in a check-in queue at O.R Tambo airport in Johannesburg in April 2007. ”We chatted for about an hour and a half. He told me that he was setting up a group of Elders with Peter Gabriel. When he learnt that I was an MP he was interested in my views. Mr Branson is a good man. We exchanged phone numbers and emails.”

Dr Moyo denied initiating a meeting with Mr Branson and claimed that the Virgin millionnaire had phoned him as a follow-up to the airport encounter. ”He asked my advice on who to appoint to his panel of Elders. I told him that the names he was proposing, including Desmond Tutu, were non-starters in Zimbabwe and I gave him more suitable names, including the former presidents of Namibia, Zambia, Ghana and Mozambique.”

However the cable appears to be informed by conjecture. The Elders – a group of prominent figures and former statesmen and women who receive financial support from Branson – were launched on 18 July, 2007, a week after the cable was written. Apart from Nelson Mandela, they do not include the former African presidents named as putative participants in the July 2007 meeting. The Elders did not begin working on the Zimbabwean crisis until the following year.

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“The people of Zambia have spoken and we must listen,” outgoing President Rupiah Banda said on the website of his Movement for Multiparty Democracy. “The time now is for maturity, for composure and for compassion.”

Zambians voted Tuesday in the presidential election.

The incoming president, Michael Sata, will be sworn in Friday, party officials said.

Sata is the leader of the opposition Patriotic Front and a major critic of China’s investment in the nation.

Ten candidates took part in the presidential race .

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The Tehran Times reports that HRW issued a statement on Monday saying the Kuwaiti government has denied the Bidun “essential documentation, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as access to free government schools and legal employment opportunities.”

Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch Sarah Leah Whitson said, “Like the rest of the Arab world, the Bidun have had enough and are demanding reforms the government should have made years ago.”

According to HRW, the Bidun in Kuwait live under “vulnerable” conditions and “without protection,” and the government considers them “illegal residents.”

On May 26, the Kuwaiti government agreed to provide ration cards for food allowances through government-run cooperatives, but it has not recognized enforceable legal rights and benefits for the Bidun and continues to enforce discriminatory policies against them.

In February and March, hundreds of Biduns assembled in the streets in Kuwait to protest the government’s failure to act on their citizenship applications.

Moreover, rights groups say Kuwaiti women still encounter social discrimination and violation of their economic rights despite being granted a female suffrage by the parliament in 2005.

Statelessness has existed in Kuwait since independence from Britain in 1961, and Kuwaiti law bans the courts from ruling on citizenship claims of the Bidun.

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In a statement, Federation President Avi Paz said Kimberley members must “take the essential and courageous decision to allow Zimbabwe to export rough diamonds from all diamond mining areas in the country, including Marange.”

Voice of America reports that Paz said the Kimberley Process has failed to end a longstanding impasse over diamonds from Marange and therefore bears responsibility for reputational damage to the diamond industry and indeed for much of the economic hardship facing Zimbabweans today.

“The KP, due to the deadlock in its decision-making process and its experts ensuing indecision to allow rough diamond exports from Zimbabwe to resume, is about to cause irreparable damage throughout the entire to supply pipeline of our industry and trade, and threatens the livelihood of literally millions of people throughout the international diamond and jewelry sector ” Paz declared in the statement.

“In addition, if the KP remains indecisive on (Zimbabwe diamonds), there is a real danger that the relevance of the KP itself will be at stake.”

The tangled Marange question is to be taken up at a Kimberley process meeting in June. Paz says that in the meantime his federation is telling members not to trade in stones from Marange so long as the Kimberley Process has not given approval.

Deputy Mines Minister Gift Chimanikire told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sandra Nyaira that Zimbabwe has fully complied with Kimberley requirements and should be allowed to sell its diamonds so that it can increase pay for struggling civil servants.

Executive Director Farai Maguwu of the Center for Research and Development said that while he agrees Kimberley is in disarray, Harare should not be given a green light to sell diamonds into the world market given numerous outstanding questions about the development of the Marange field and ongoing human rights abuses.

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An independent United Nations human rights expert today urged Tunisia’s transitional Government to carry out the necessary reforms to ensure that its counter-terrorism measures comply with international human rights law.

“I call for measures against impunity to secure accountability for crimes and human rights violations committed in the name of counter-terrorism,” said Martin Scheinin, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, at the end of his five-day visit to Tunisia.

The visit was intended to assess progress in the implementation of the recommendations made after his previous mission in January last year and identify areas where reforms are necessary.

“The global threat of terrorism is real and can only be responded to through properly targeted and lawful measures, instead of using the notion of terrorism to suppress dissent,” Mr. Scheinin said in a press release.

He offered to assist Tunisia to replace the abusive anti-terrorism law of 2003 with a proper legislative framework to bring the North African country’s anti-terrorism efforts in line with international legal standards.

Following up on his previous report in which he expressed grave concern over the activities of various entities in Tunisia’s security apparatus and the secrecy and impunity with which they operated, Mr. Scheinin welcomed the abolition of the Directorate for State Security by the transitional Government.

“Secrecy was an important element that contributed to the shield of impunity under which these actors could operate,” he said. “All security organs’ functions and powers must be regulated by publicly available laws. Such transparency avoids not only the creation of myths about what these agencies do, but also ensures accountability of these agencies if they commit illegal acts,” he added.

He commended the first steps taken by the transitional Government to establish accountability for those who attacked pro-reform demonstrators earlier this year, but underscored that “in order to look truly forward towards a new Tunisia, it has to come to terms with dark remnants of its past.

“Tunisia should continue to investigate ex officio allegations of torture and illegal detention, often committed under the pretext of the fight against terrorism,” he said. “Investigating, prosecuting and trying those responsible for the crimes in question can also help rebuild trust between the population and the security forces in the country.”

He also praised Tunisia’s decision to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

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At least 123 ‘fresh’ MPs were sworn-in including Lubaga North MP Singh Katongole Marwaha whose election was shrouded in controversies. While Mr Marwaha was supposed to be sworn-in today, authorities in Parliament said Mr Singh had requested to take his oath ahead of time.

While Mr Singh said he was going to travel, there was speculation that he could have been favoured for fear of an impending court injunction to block his swearing- in because of the tumult surrounding the vote-recount that gave him the ‘victory’.

Some of the key figures sworn-in yesterday include the Deputy Speaker, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, who is competing for the Speaker job, the Vice President Prof Gilbert Bukenya, former Security Minister Amama Mbabazi, Army Commander Maj. Gen. Aronda Nyakayirima, former Chief Whip Daudi Migereko, the former minister for Northern Uganda, Ms Betty Bigombe, and the former first deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Gen. Moses Ali, among others.

At least 123 MPs will today take their oath and the remaining 149 members will be sworn-in on Wednesday to conclude the three-day exercise presided over by the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Aeneas Tandekwire.

Asked if he would want to return as the Vice President of the country, Prof Bukenya said he has never asked for that job but the appointing authority found him a capable assistant because of his traits.

The new MPs promised to fight corruption in the government, improve service delivery and foster unity, democracy and rule of law in a multi-party political setting.

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Corruption is a multifaceted phenomenon supported by different historical and socio-economic conditions in each country. It exists at all levels of society. Although in the past it could have been considered a largely domestic issue, corruption now often transcends national boundaries. Its consequences are global; its hidden costs immense.

The private sector has responded by implementing ethics and compliance standards and regulations, while the public sector benefits from the ratification of recent laws and international conventions. Oversight bodies and mechanisms have been created to ensure the smooth running of efforts in both sectors. Corruption remains rampant in many countries, continuing to siphon off valuable resources and economic gains.

Political corruption is not a recent phenomenon that pervades the Nigerian State. Since the creation of modern public administration in the country, there have been cases of official misuse of resources for personal enrichment. The rise of public administration and the discovery of oil and natural gas are two major events seen to have led to the litany of ignoble corrupt practices in the country. Over the years, the country has seen its wealth withered with little to showing in living conditions of the average human being. A Nigerian political leader, Obafemi Awolowo raised a salient issue when he said, since independence, our governments have been a matter of few holding the cow for the strongest and most cunning to milk. Under those circumstances everybody runs over everyday to make good at the expense of others. Corruption has been blamed on colonialism.

According to this view, the nation’s colonial history may have restricted any early influence in an ethical revolution. Throughout the colonial period, most Nigerians were stuck in ignorance and poverty. The trappings of flashy cars, magnificent houses were seen as symbols of success to be emulated from the colonialists in different political ways. Involvement in the agenda of colonial rule may also in habit idealism in the early stage of the nascent nation’s development. A view the community held during the colonial days was that the colonialist’s property, (cars, houses, farms etc) is not “Our” property. This vandalism and looting of public property was not seen as a crime against society. This view is what has degenerated into the more recent disregard for public property and lack of public trust and concern for public goods as a collective national property.

In Nigeria, particularly, corruption is celebrated as a man who just got married to a beautiful wife. Corruption, through prevalent, was kept at manageable levels during the First Republic, however, the cases of corruption during the period were sometimes clouded by political infighting. Azikwe the first major political figure was investigated for questionable practices. In 1944, a firm belonging to him bought a Bank in Lagos. The Bank was procured to strengthen local control of the Financial Industry.

In Western Nigeria, politician Adegoke Adelabi was investigated following charges of political corruption leveled against him by the opposition. The report led to the demand for his resignation as District Council head.

In the Northern region, against the back-drop of corruption allegations leveled against some native authority officials in Bornu the Northern Government enacted a law to forestall any further breach of administrative procedure. Similarly, under the military regime, several millions of dollars were siphoned into foreign banks. The various military governments legalized corruption which transferred to the civilian government.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, Nigeria has recorded many cases of deadly corrupt practices involving public officers. Despite that the fact that former president Olusegun Obasanjo introduced the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to curb the menace of corruption of Public Office Holders, yet corruption has refused to go. Public offices are now synonymous of corruption as integrity, accountability and transparency are gradually fading out of the political system. Corruption is identified with the Nigeria police, political parties, National and State Assemblies, Federal, State and local governments, Traffic Police, FRSC and PHCN.

Democratic corruption is more pronounced in Nigeria which makes it difficult to conduct free and credible elections in recent years until Professor Jega resurrected the political structure. Nigeria is presently ranked as 121 of 178 all over the world as the most corrupt nation. Transparency Intervention Corruption Perception Index (TICPI) and Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) together with Civil Society Organizations have equally listed the epidemic corruption in Nigeria. It is sad that public and private office holders are now perpetrating political and economic debauchery.

The recently concluded 2011 elections have indicated that many political office holders’ seekers have spent so much money while campaigning. Most politicians would like to recoup their money before considering the masses that voted them into power. Nigeria is the giant of Africa but glued with deadly corrupt leaders who have made themselves demi-gods without considering the implications. Corrupt leaders are more celebrated than good leaders.

Although corruption can often be seen as purely a domestic issue, the international dimension of corruption is no less important, as corrupt acts usually take place in multiple places and are generally linked to crimes carried out in other countries. President Goodluck Jonathan must fight corruption to have workable institutions in the country. All hands must be on deck to fight corruption.

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VOA reports that journalists attending the event organized by the new Zimbabwe Media Commission said that while there has been some improvement on the print side with the licensing of independent dailies, they still feel targeted by authorities for reporting the truth.

Media professionals and officials representing the Information Ministry discussed media issues. Information Minister Shamu echoed a statement by President Robert Mugabe on Monday that journalists should not be hindered in their work – but should also not focus on the negatives side of the government and the nation’s political parties.

Journalists for their part asked Shamu to assure them that their fellow professionals now in exile would be protected should they decide to return to Zimbabwe to work.

Media Commissioner Mathew Takaona told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sandra Nyaira that in a bid to liberalize the airwaves, his commission has decided to accelerate its efforts to find ways to promote the issuance of independent broadcasting licenses.

Zimbabwe National Students Union President Tafadzwa Mugwadi said foreign-based  media have become more important as journalists have emigrated under pressure. He Tatenda Gumbo that exiled journalists should be protected if the come home.

US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray said that although parts of the media have been liberalized, the working environment for journalists remains legally perilous which leads some media houses to practice self-censorship.

The US-based, federally funded think tank Freedom House said press freedom in Zimbabwe is on a par with that in Russia, ranking it 173 out of 196 nations.

Deputy Information Minister Murisi Zwizwai, noting that observances of Press Freedom Day were overshadowed by the grievances of journalists, assured VOA that independent broadcasters would be operating in Zimbabwe before the next elections.

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New Vision reports that Arcadia Foundation co-founder Betty Bigombe, the National Information Technology Authority chairperson, additionally noted that the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) programme had grown to phenomenal market levels estimated to be over $1.1 trillion per annum.

Under these initiatives, Ugandans will be in position to work for local and multi-national firms and organisations online, ICT minister Aggrey Awori said yesterday.

The first two call centres will be established in Kampala, with one at Makerere University. Both will be operational by July. The Makerere centre will employ over 300 youth while the second one, whose location is yet to be decided, will create over 1,000 direct jobs, Awori said.

Other call centres will be established on a regional basis in the districts of Soroti or Mbale, Gulu or Lira, Mbarara, Masaka and Fort Portal.

The centres will be connected to the national backbone for fast internet.

However, he said since the call centres will serve as bases for sourcing both local and international jobs on the internet under the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) programme, more skilled youth will get jobs.

The jobs are expected to grow from 3,000 to over 7,000 by the end of next year.

BPO is when an organisation uses outside service providers to perform activities traditionally handled by internal staff.

Awori said with the programme, Ugandans may no longer have to go abroad to look for kyeyo (odd jobs) since they can do international jobs even from within the country.

“The Government is committed to supporting the ICT sector and BPO industry in general so as to create employment and enhance people’s incomes especially the youth,” he added.

Awori was speaking at a function where the ministry passed out 485 pioneer students of the BPO course at Makerere University school of computing. He said more youth, including those in villages, would be trained.

The underlying premise, the minister added, is to promote self-employment as a viable alternative to the traditional and endemic path of academic qualification.

During a state dinner where he hosted entrepreneurs and dozens of youth in October, President Yoweri Museveni, hailed the call centre initiative, saying the programme would reduce unemployment and spur economic development.

He said the youth would appreciate Uganda more if they engaged in income-generating activities.

The programme is coordinated by the Uganda Youth Convention, Institute of Country Pride, Enterprise Uganda and the Uganda Industrial Research Institute, which provides vocational and industrial training services. It is also funded by the Job Stimulus Programme in the finance ministry and the private sector.

The World Bank in its 2008 report said Uganda had the highest youth unemployment rate and the youngest population in the world. It warned that unless Uganda scales up her efforts to create jobs, the youth would be more involved in crime and armed conflicts.

Another report by the African Development Indicators 2008/2009, which focused on youth and unemployment in Africa, showed that 83% of Ugandan youth are jobless.

Betty added that if embraced, the programme would spur economic development in Uganda like it had in India, Philippines and Mauritius.

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