The aftermath of President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration for 2015 presidential race.

TAIWO ADISA, examines the issues that will dominate the campaign turf in the aftermath of President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration for 2015 presidential race.

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan finally threw his hat into the ring for the 2015 presidential election on Tuesday November 11. Prior to that day, there were innuendoes, pleas and claims from different quarters. The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), a Non-Governmental Organisation had taken it upon himself to campaign for Jonathan’s return in 2015, relying on his massive achievements as depicted in television adverts and jingles. The group also embarked on signature drive across the country, grossing some 17 million signatures from the six geopolitical zones in the process.

Notwithstanding the fact that it was becoming obvious to all that Jonathan would contest, skeptics continued to reject such an idea. Some believed that the man would somehow jettison his re-election bid by proffering some excuses. The doubts persisted till the declaration day. On that day, an Abuja based newspaper led with the story which suggested that Jonathan would postpone the 2015 declaration, while early on the D-Day, rumour mill around the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Maitama Abuja had it that the event had been postponed. The INEC team that was designated to monitor the event was said to have been thrown into confusion, with members having to work the phones to ascertain the reality.

 Skepticism attention shifted to Eagle Square where events managers had been battling to get the stage and every pin fixed up for a successful event. All roads leading to the Square were cordoned off as early as midnight Monday, while state delegates and party officials were directed to the Old Parade Ground, where clearances are to be obtained and delegates moved in specially procured buses to the venue.  The presence of security operatives at all corners of Abuja streets also left no one in doubt that a special occasion was underway. Early Tuesday morning, the usual traffic gridlock around Nyaya/Mararaba road quadrupled, as many had to trek long distances due to the intensity of security check.  At the Eagle Square proper, entertainers, Djs and Masters of Ceremony kept the ever increasing crowd busy with rendition of contemporary Nigerian music, and songs praising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Messages are passed amid the cacophony of wavering and contending voices of the crowd that threatened at all times to dwarf the booms of the loud speakers. Youths, students and women groups had a field day, just as campaigners for all manner of contestants into elective offices. A carnival for 2015 was truly in progress and no one could miss it.

President Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, leaders of the PDP, governors, senators, honourable members and party officials at different levels all converged on the Eagle Square to witness the big day. There seemed to be no space left unoccupied at the Square as party faithful trooped in and out. As many were leaving the centre, due to the suffocating and unprecedented crowd, many were making their way into the centre of attraction.

It was a day of endorsements and short speeches. Organisers had told the Sunday Tribune that the event would not be dragged as the President had promised to arrive on time at the venue. The entire event was billed to come to a close at 2pm, it went past just be s few minutes.

One after the other, representatives of the geopolitical zones filed out to speak of their endorsement of Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate. There were also professional bodies and other witnesses to the good work the president had done. Former President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele, who was one of the rare personalities to address the crowd testified that he had worked with three presidents, including Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Umaru Yar’Adua. He submitted that Jonathan was the most patient of all, who will rather than bully his subordinates, listen to them and accommodate their views. He said Jonathan tolerated the excesses of Labour leaders, despite their ‘Aluta’ posture. Chairman of the Declaration Committee, Dr. Haliru Bello Muhammed, told the gathering that the entire country is behind Jonathan’s 2015 bid. He said that the North-West has been well served by Jonathan’s administration, adding that the President is well placed to solve Nigeria’s problems. Dan Bello Yabo, father of one of the students of Almajri schools told the crowd that but for Jonathan his son would have remained uneducated.

Wakilin Adamawa, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, who spoke for the North-East said that the zone was calling on Jonathan to contest in 2015 so that they can show him what that they appreciate his performance.

“We have collected 5.7 million signatures of your loyal members from the North-East and we called on you to contest the 2015 elections,” he said adding that President Jonathan extended railways to Yola and created two federal universities in the zone.

There was also Professor Jerry Gana representing the North-Central, Dr. Peter Odili, representing South-South, Chief Olabode George, representing South-West, Senator Ken Nnamani representing South-East, as well as Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa who represented North-West.

Bafarawa reeled off the key positions held by his zone under Jonathan to include Vice-President, Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Finance, Minister of Special Duties, Minister of Education Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Inspector General of Police and National Security Adviser (NSA) among others. He asked: “What else are we looking for?”

All the PDP Governors as well as Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Sokoto states were also in attendance when the party’s governors took over the podium and endorsed Jonathan. Akwa-Ibom Governor, Goodwill Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, insisted that the party would not allow those who allegedly sponsor violence and Boko Haram take over power in 2015, adding that Jonathan remains the best man for the job. In like manner, the PDP caucus in the Senate and House of Representatives also endorsed Jonathan. Senate President David Mark, who led the National Assembly members to the podium, said that the lawmakers have resolved to support Jonathan with everything he needed to combat insurgents who are attempting to redefine the country.

Away from the series of endorsements, which included that of Vice-President Namadi Sambo, who commended Jonathan for being a worthy boss and an accommodating leader, the man of the moment had to climb the podium. He walked the Presidential route alone, unlike the scenes at previous declarations where the podium would be congested with all manner of party leaders. He spoke at length on his achievements, his pains and vision for a new Nigeria. He sought a one minute silence in memory of the students killed by Boko Haram insurgents in a bomb blast in Yobe State and promised to rescue the over 200 Chibok girls kidnapped by the insurgents.

The president presented a balance sheet that cut across the proverbial Profit and Loss Account of the Nigerian nation under his watch. He spoke with facts and figures, admitted the challenges on hand and declared his projection for the future. While acknowledging the security threats coming from the North East, he gave his score card as follows:

“To ensure the long term stability and development of the affected areas, government has launched three programmes: The Presidential Initiative for the North-East, the Victim Support Fund and the Safe School Initiative. The Presidential Initiative for the Northeast is focused on improving infrastructure and economic growth in the region.

“The Safe School Initiative is centred on creating a safe environment to encourage our children in the communities to acquire education. The Victim Support Fund, a partnership with the Private Sector, has raised about 60 billion Naira, which will help to empower and rehabilitate victims of terror. I promise the victims of these dastardly acts that we will continue to stand with you.”

On the Power Sector, the President also gave a pass mark to his government insisting that a foundation for stable power supply has been laid.

He said: “Infrastructure has been a major focus area of my administration and so, we pursued the power sector reform to this point of irreversible progress. Nigeria has undertaken a most transparent and corruption-free bidding process, attracting global commendation. The on-going 450MW Azura Power Plant in Edo State is a testimony to the success of this transformation.”

He also submitted that the government has resumed the development of our Hydro-Power potential, with the construction of the 700MW Zungeru Hydro-Power Plant, while construction work on the 3,050MW Mambilla Hydro-Power Plant is about to take off.

 The water sector is also one area the president bragged about. He said that the sector has witnessed unprecedented development under his watch adding that access to potable water now stands at 67 percent from 58 percent in 2010. He also said that his government has constructed 37 Dams and rehabilitated 10 others, while the construction of Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam being built to contain flood from Lake Nyos in Cameroon, is now at 90 per cent completion.

In the rail transport sector, the president also gave an inspiring scorecard. He said that before his administration the railway system was practically dead but that today he has revived the rail sector with the Lagos to Kano narrow gauge line already operational, while work is progressing on others including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line, the Port Harcourt-Gombe segment as well as the branch line from Kafanchan to Kaduna.

His message on the road sector appeared the more resounding. He said that he had taken the roads from only 5,000 kilometer of motorable roads in 2010 to 25,000kms of motorable roads at present adding that the remaining 10,000kms of the 35,000kms of federal roads nationwide, are to further enjoy rehabilitation.

He further submitted: “I made a commitment to build two new major bridges across the River Niger and River Benue. Today, the new bridge over the River Benue, connecting Loko in Nassarawa State to Oweto in Benue State has reached an advanced stage of completion, while work has commenced on the Second Niger Bridge. Beyond these, my administration has concluded plans to re-commence the construction of Bodo-Bonny Road with three major bridges on the alignment that will link the Island of Bonny with Rivers mainland.

“Preliminary works have started on my administration’s planned re-construction and expansion of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road in Lagos to a world-class entry point into our country. Only a few months ago, work started on the dualization of Kano-Katsina Road. While many Nigerians are celebrating the marked improvements on our roads, I want to assure that it will get even better as we move forward.”

In the agriculture sector, President Jonathan also submitted that his government has changed agric from a development programme to business venture. He said his vision is to create wealth for the people through agriculture.

Some of the yields of his transformation in the sector include the 40 per cent drop in food imports bill from 1.1 trillion Naira in 2009 to 684 billion Naira by December 2013.

Significantly he said:  “We ended decades of corruption in the fertiliser and seed sectors. We developed a transparent and efficient system of reaching farmers directly with subsidised farm inputs. Before our reforms, fertiliser procurement and distribution took from the needy and gave to the greedy. We restored dignity back to farmers. Today, 14 million farmers, of which 2 million are women, access fertilisers with their mobile phones, through an e-wallet system. Nigeria is the first country in the world to develop an e-wallet system to reach farmers with subsidised farm inputs on their mobile phones.”

On corruption in the civil service, the president stated that his administration weeded out 56,000 ghost workers through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), thus saving the country the sum of N162 billion. Those responsible have also been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Before going ahead to announce himself as a candidate for the election, Jonathan declared that he had kept his own side of the bargain despite the challenges.

“I am convinced that I have kept my pact with Nigerians, and it is now time to look to the future. With your tremendous support, we have collectively done so much in the last three and half years, but to take our country to the next level, there is still more to be done.

“History has shown that the path of honour for any true leader is not to walk away from his people in moments of challenges. We must stand together in adversity and overcome all threats to our development. We must defend our future, for the sake of our children.”

Going forward, he envisions a Nigeria devoid of hate and religious intolerance as well as a safe environment for all.

The president submitted: “In moving forward, I see a Nigeria that thirsts for progress with children across the nation, eager for knowledge and safely in schools!

“I see a Nigeria where all who have taken up arms, would again embrace peace!

“I see a Nigeria where our women can aspire to any heights, without hindrance!

“I see a Nigeria where the flames in the Eagles will rekindle, and the Falcons will soar higher in victory! 

“I see a Nigeria where the children of Mustapha and Namadi, do not go hungry!

“I see a Nigeria where all, no matter their beliefs, live in peace and harmony!

“I see a Nigeria where the green passport is accorded a royal reception the world over!

“I see a Nigeria where one day the next generation will take us to outer space.”

In making his declaration, however, Jonathan was not oblivious of the challenges at hand. He recognized the twin evils that had threatened the very foundation of the Nigerian nation under his administration-corruption and insurgency. In spite of all, he insisted that we must soldier on and refused to be cowed by the threats. His message attempted to preempt his opponents who have made those key issues the fulcrum of their campaign.

In Jonathan’s thinking, rather than see insurgency and corruption as a problem of the Federal Government or the President Nigerians, he insisted, most unite to vanquish these twin evils. “We will defeat terror” and clarified corruption as a cankerworm in the society.

Now that the president has thrown his hat into the ring, laying his scorecards bare, hiding nothing and refusing to pretend at the challenges, the opposition may need to redo their campaign script which so far has been centered on blaming incidences of terror on the government of the day. Perhaps, the Jonathan approach would force the 2015 contenders to shift from the blame game and lay their perceived options for national development before the people.

Burkina Faso military ruler reinstates constitution

Burkina Faso's acting head of state has reinstated the country's constitution which was suspended following the ouster of President Blaise Compaoré.

The suspension of the constitution "has been lifted... to allow for the civilian transition process now under way," Lieutenant Colonel Yacouba Isaac Zida said on Saturday.

Political figures have until 1200 GMT on Sunday to suggest a leader for the country’s transition to civilian rule, Zida added.

The announcement came one day after the West African country's political parties, army, and civil society groups agreed to sign a transition document.

According to the document, a 90-member National Transition Council with legislative powers will be established, which is led by a civilian.

In addition, a special 23-member panel will choose a temporary civilian president who will appoint a prime minister and pave the way for elections by November 2015.

The prime minister will head a 25-member transitional government.

The document was expected to be signed on Saturday, but the signing ceremony was postponed until Sunday because the building where it was to be held was still being repaired.

Zida assumed power after the resignation of Compaoré who was forced to step down on October 31 following two days of mass protests against his attempts to change the constitution to extend his rule for a fifth term.

Demonstrators set the parliament on fire on October 30 to prevent a vote which they said would enable Compaoré to reinstate himself in office.

He first took power in a coup in 1987, and has emerged victorious in four elections since then.

Nigerian military says three died in air force helicopter crash

The Nigerian military on Friday said three people died in the air force helicopter that burst into flames midair and crashed in Yola, Adamawa State.

The crash happened Thursday night around the Federal University of Technology, Yola.

The military said in a statement posted on defence headquarters blog that the victims were crew members aboard the helicopter.

“At about 2200hours yesterday 13 November 2014, a ground attack helicopter on an armed patrol crashed around the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State,” the military said in the statement.

“The crew of three was lost in the ill-fated accident. Rescue party worked throughout the night to preserve the wreckage of the aircraft and scene of the accident for proper investigation to be carried out. Further details would be made known later.”

The crash, the second to down a military chopper in a week, initially sparked fears that

Boko Haram insurgency was mounting an attack in the Yola.

Witnesses said the aircraft was thought to be carrying weapons to troops fighting Boko Haram

APC - Who Wins, Who Loses?

Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola, Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and APC leader, Governor of Rivers State Chibuike Amaechi, and Adams Oshiomhole, governor of Edo State.

By Olawale Olaleye

With the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate assured, attention has shifted to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to tidy up the loose ends pertaining to its choice of presidential candidate that would give Nigerians a clear direction as to who the party would field for next year's election.

However, for the APC, only one road leads to Aso Rock and using the words of former United States President, Bill Clinton, during the 1992 presidential campaign in the US, APC may need to be reminded that "It's the Candidate, Stupid!"

Essentially, what this translates into is that whoever emerges the presidential candidate of the APC is most likely to determine the party's ability to wrest power from the ruling PDP after almost 15 years of uninterrupted rule. In the midst of this, is the choice of vice-presidential candidate, as whoever is chosen will determine the strength of the ticket and ultimately the fate of the APC to lead at the centre.

It is against this backdrop that this special report looks not just at the presidential candidates of the APC with regards to their strengths and weaknesses, it also considers the possible running mates that the APC would most likely field. But first, the candidates:

MUHAMMADU BUHARI

A former military Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari has had his eyes on the nation's number one seat since 2003, making the 2015 gerneral election his fourth attempt at the presidency. But despite being a veteran presidential hopeful, he remains the frontrunner in the APC. Below are some of the factors that may count both for and against him in the battle for the party's ticket. Strengths - Buhari is perceived by many to be a person of integrity, a trait that has endeared him to his supporters. - He commands a cult-like following amongst the poor and the underserved in the north. - His strong military background in a time of rising insecurity may come in handy, given his track record of crushing the Maitatsine sect, considered the early shoots of Islamists extremism in the country. - He has the support of some governors and the leadership of the party.

Weaknesses - Perception of religious extremism has not abated despite efforts to correct it, and with continuing Boko Haram attacks, many Christians are simply uncomfortable with his presidency. - Age is not on his side, though he still looks fit. - He is weak on policy and latest global trends and will have to rely on aides who may foist on him their personal agendas. - He is not a hands-on leader. - After three attempts at the presidency, he still has not been able to build a support base across southern Nigeria.

AMINU TAMBUWAL

Currently the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the 48-year-old Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is the latest entrant into the presidential race on the platform of the APC, and is considered a fallback option in the event the party leadership needs to resort to Plan B. His chances of clinching the APC presidential ticket are also dependent on certain factors that could make or undo his bid for the ticket of the party.

Strengths - He possesses youthful dexterity, which has helped him survive the rough political terrain thus far in Nigeria. - He comes across as a promising new face for a new Nigeria. - He boasts of a broad support base across Nigeria, especially with House members in federal constituencies across the country, a majority of whom seem to have bought into his project. - He is scandal-free in a scandal-filled House, which could be a plus in the fight against corruption. - As Speaker, he has shown capacity and policy experience. - He is riding on a crest of popularity after the PDP-led government's attempt to oust him as speaker and withdrawal of his security aides.

Weaknesses - He has no national name recognition. - He also has no track record of having governed any entity other than the House. - He plays politics of convenience by switching from one party to the other. He has so far moved from the ANPP to PDP and now APC, and has used this to get his way all the time. ATIKU ABUBAKAR

With two attempts at the presidency, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, like Buhari, has become a perennial presidential candidate. Although he brings a lot of experience to the table, possesses the strength and understanding of the workings of government, securing the ticket of his party will not be smooth sail for him, as he has a host of other formidable personalities to contend with. Expectedly, his chances though bright, are dependent on a number of factors.

Strengths - He is the most prepared for the presidency because of his experience, especially as a former vice-president who has been involved in policy formulation and execution. - He has broad-based national support and name recognition. - He has a huge war chest and boasts of financial independence. - He has deep political experience and networking

Weaknesses - The perception of corruption is abiding and despite efforts to correct this, it has stuck. - He has vested interests in many businesses. - APC leadership may be uncomfortable with his financial independence. - He may have been damaged by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. RABIU KWANKWASO

The outgoing Governor of Kano State comes to the turf with experience, support and a track record of having served creditably. But the presidential ticket, as it is with others, would not be served on a platter, hence his chances are contingent on his pros and cons.

Strengths - He has broad experience having been Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister of Defence and a two-term governor of Nigeria's second largest state. - He boasts of very strong leadership skills. - Age is on his side. - He has learnt his lessons from his loss of the governorship in 2003, which humbled and returned him as a comeback kid. - He is everyone's Plan B because they all see him as a compromise candidate. - He may enjoy the support of governors, who are insisting that one of them must be on the ticket as presidential candidate or running mate. - He also boasts of cross-party appeal as well as the support of Obasanjo. - He has electoral advantage with a strong base in populous Kano.

Weaknesses - He is deemed stubborn and uncompromising. - He has no national support-base and name recognition. - He is perceived as largely regional.

Edgar Lungu - Man to be Zambian president

Lusaka
THE Patriotic Front (PF) central committee yesterday endorsed its secretary-general Edgar Lungu as candidate for the forthcoming presidential by-election, but acting President Guy Scott has maintained that only the party general conference can make such a decision.
And PF chairperson Inonge Wina presented a petition signed by members of Parliament, including Cabinet and deputy ministers, endorsing Mr Lungu as the presidential candidate to Dr Scott.
Later in an interview with journalists, Mrs Wina said that the process of adopting a party candidate is on-going as views by members in other parts of the country could yet be submitted.
The committee also appointed Mr Lungu as the new party president, but Dr Scott said he is not aware about that.
The central committee adopted Mr Lungu after receiving the petition from 63 PF and opposition members of Parliament, according to a statement issued by PF director for information and public relations Brian Hapunda.
“The central committee, which sat today at Government Complex, has adopted PF secretary-general Edgar Lungu as party president and presidential candidate,” the statement reads.
Mr Hapunda said the central committee formed a quorum as provided for by Article 51 (2), which states that the quorum is constituted by half of its membership.
The 63 MPs, including Cabinet and deputy ministers, who met at Government complex, endorsed Mr Lungu as the presidential candidate by signing the petition.
But Dr Scott said in a telephone interview he did not have any idea about the appointment of a new party president.
He earlier said at a press briefing yesterday the PF will select its president at a general conference with wide representation from all provinces.
He insisted that the PF must respect the democratic principles that underpin the party’s constitution.
“I am disturbed that some central committee members wish to select a candidate without a general conference,” Dr Scott said.
He said he will uphold the demands of democracy by following the party’s constitution.
Dr Scott urged the media to be careful in their reporting and ensure that both ruling party and the opposition are covered equally.
He said there is need for journalists to keep their reputation by being honest and fair.
“We want peace to prevail and loyalty to the people who are the voters,” he said.
Earlier, after receiving the petition presented by Kafue MP Obvious Maliteta, Mrs Wina said the petition would be taken to Dr Scott to inform him about the decision.
“Our MPs have resolved to endorse Mr Lungu as sole candidate for our party, so we shall take this petition to Dr Scott and consult him on whether it will be necessary to have a general conference to further endorse him or we can just inform the provinces and districts that this is what we have decided.
“We are one family, it is not necessary to fight for succession but listen to what the people want,” Ms Wina said in an interview with journalists after the meeting.
In the petition, the MPs state that they do not want superfluous succession wrangles in the party.
And according to Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation television, Mr Lungu said he was humbled by the decision taken by the central committee.
The MPs demanded that the central committee select the presidential candidate and avoid the general conference for now in order not to misuse and deplete party resources because that money can be used to boost campaigns.
“The other factor is that we do not have the luxury of time to begin primary processes of adopting a candidate when the central committee has the mandate to suspend certain clauses and articles of our constitution,” it stated.
According to Mr Hapunda’s statement, the central committee meeting was chaired by Ms Wina and was attended by Dorothy Kazunga, Esther Banda, Elfredah Kansembe and Gerry Chanda.
Others were Yamfwa Mukanga, Dr Ngwasa Phiri, Dr Joseph Katema, Given Lubinda, Willie Nsanda, Jean Kapata and Samuel Mukupa.
Also in attendance were Emmanuel Mpakanta, Sylvester Mtonga, John Chisanga, Peter Kajimanga, Robert Mwale, Mwenye Musenge, Freedom Sikazwe and Elizabeth Phiri.
The rest were Benson Chali, Sturdy Mwale, Susan Kawandami, Attan Mwamba, Mwanasa Kapeya and Fabian Chiposo.
Meanwhile, Dr Scott has relieved Mr Hapunda of his position as PF director for information and public relations, according to ZNBC TV in its 19:00 hours newscast.

Nigerian Scientist's Conversion of Urine Into Flammable Gases Gets Patent

A Nigerian scientist has obtained a patent for his pioneer work in converting urine into flammable gases. The breakthrough of Ejikeme Patrick Nwosu, 31-year-old, has raised the hope of the world in using urine to solve its energy crisis.

Nwosu got Patent No NG/P/20/2013/699 for developing a process for conversion of urine into hydrogen-ammonia rich flammable gases and fire resistant materials.

Nwosu, a graduate of Pure and Industrial Chemistry from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU), Anambra State with a Master of Science degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, had claimed this process could replace fossil fuel in the near future.

Also, Indian researchers have developed "The Urine Engine." The study was published recently in OSR Journal Of Environmental Science, Toxicology And Food Technology by Yogendra G. Nandagaoli of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Rasika R. Kakade of the Department of E&TC, SGBAU, Amravati, India.

The Patent Certificate for Nwosu's discovery with No 000698 granted for a period of 20 years on October 13, 2014, and signed by the Registrar of Patents and Designs reads: "The Federal Government being willing to encourage all inventions which may be for public good, is please to accede to the request by Ejikeme Patrick Nwosu of 3 Jaba Road, Ungwan Boro, Kaduna South, Kaduna State, Nigeria, C/O Edumejowo & Associates, Suite 14 Peemas Complex, 13 Jere Street by Rita Lori Hotel, Garki II, Abuja, for the sole use and advantage of an Invention for: Conversion of Urine into Hydrogen-Ammonia Rich Flammable Gases and Fire Resistant Materials... "

Nwosu told The Guardian: "It is obvious that our crude oil reserves will be exhausted in few decades to come. When this happens we will be forced to use other sources of fuel, but it would be more prudent to start acting prior to such state. Apart from this, fossil fuel has a lot of dangers that come with it; chief among them is climatic disorders. In order to leave our world better than I met it, I ventured into research on urine and have made some notable successes that can change the world forever.

"After years of study, I have successfully developed a process that converts urine into flammable gases. These gases can be used as an alternative to fossil fuel. This process is cheap, easy and very feasible. It requires treating urine with some substances I identified after years of study. No external heat is required for this process. The flammable gas is rich in hydrogen and ammonia. Both can be used directly to generate energy or could be further purified upon chemical treatments to get hydrogen of very high purity. Hydrogen is the best fuel for engines because it poses no threat to the environment, it produces water vapour as a by-product."

Nwosu said the United States government alone had invested billions of dollars in projects that could produce hydrogen from various sources and it was high time the government acted on this.

He further explained: "Trillions of litres of urine are generated annually globally with an average adult producing about 2.5 litres daily. Contrary to people's view of urine as a waste, I see urine as the solution to our highly sought clean, renewable and affordable energy. Very soon, urine will be for sale. You are welcome to our laboratory anytime for demo, while coming do so with a bottle or bottles of urine and watch me change it to fire."

Nwosu, who says he is the chief executive officer (CEO) and director of Research at Lumos Laboratories and Company Nigeria, Kaduna, said: "It is obvious that our crude oil reserves will be exhausted in few decades to come. When this happens we will be forced to use other sources of fuel, but it would be more prudent to start acting prior to such state. Besides this, fossil fuel has a lot of dangers that come with it; chief among them are climatic disorders.

"In order to leave our world better than I met it, I ventured into research on urine and have made some notable successes that can change the world forever."

The Indian researchers concluded: "The energy required for urea electrolysis is 35 per cent less, which generated 40 per cent cheaper hydrogen compared to water electrolysis. For this system, the exhaust gas is the water vapour. It does not emit carbon monoxide like the normal fuel-based engine so this ensures clean environment for people.

"Again, one litre of urine can give you six hours of electricity. The source of urine is naturally available from human being and cattle so there is availability of hydrogen easily. Using an electrolytic approach to produce hydrogen from urine is the most abundant waste on Earth at a fraction of the cost of producing hydrogen from water.

"The hydrogen gas gives many more applications in all the fields such as in cars, vehicles and it is burned to provide heat. But it requires special arrangement. It is used to drive turbine, in internal combustion engines for motive and electrical power. Urea naturally hydrolyses into ammonia before generating gas phase ammonia emissions. These emissions lead to the formation of ammonium sulphate and nitrate particulates in the air, which cause a variety of health problems including chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks and premature death."

They continued: "Nothing is really a waste in the real sense of the word. Almost anything one can think of is reusable. Everything has some value one way or another. The pollution increases in the world due to carbon monoxide poisoning from fossil-fuel engine, the movement of petroleum products prices, environmental degradation and the recent fuel subsidy scam.

"So we started looking at different materials, one of which was urine. It is liquid, something that has hydrogen molecules in it. The amount of voltage it takes to break a urine molecule is less than the amount it takes to break the hydrogen molecule in water. So urine electrolyzed, releasing hydrogen- oxygen gas mixture from it, then hydrogen gas is purified. The purified hydrogen gas is then pushed into the engine."

Urine turned into hydrogen fuel

In a report published 2009 in Discovery News, the Ohio University scientists said they could create large amounts of cheap hydrogen from urine that could be burned or used in fuel cells, using a nickel-based electrode.

A professor at Ohio University developing the technology, Gerardine Botte, said: "One cow can provide enough energy to supply hot water for 19 houses. Soldiers in the field could carry their own fuel."

Scientists from Ohio University, United States, were among the first, in July 2009, to describe the possibility of developing urine-powered cars, homes and personal electronic devices in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Chemistry Communications.

The study on the new technology that accomplishes the direct conversion of urine and urea to pure hydrogen via electrochemical oxidation with an inexpensive nickel catalyst is titled "Urea electrolysis: direct hydrogen production from urine."

The researchers wrote: "The utilisation of wastewater for useful fuel has been gathering recent attention due to society's need for alternative energy sources. The electroxidation of urea found at high concentrations in wastewater simultaneously accomplishes fuel production and remediation of harmful nitrogen compounds that currently make their way into the atmosphere and groundwater. Pure hydrogen was collected in the cathode compartment at 1.4 V cell potential, where water electrolysis does not occur appreciably. It was determined that an inexpensive nickel catalyst is the most active and stable for the process."

Also, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported on August 19, 2010, of a research team at Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom, investigating whether urine could be used as a source of renewable energy.

Indeed, U.S. researchers had in 2009 developed an efficient way of producing hydrogen from urine - a feat that could not only fuel the cars of the future, but could also help clean up municipal wastewater.

Using hydrogen to power cars has become an increasingly attractive transportation fuel, as the only emission produced is water - but a major stumbling block is the lack of a cheap, renewable source of the fuel.

Botte may now have found the answer, using an electrolytic approach to produce hydrogen from urine - the most abundant waste on Earth - at a fraction of the cost of producing hydrogen from water.

Botte said the idea came to her several years ago at a conference on fuel cells, where they were discussing how to turn clean water into clean power. "I wondered how we could do this better," she added - so started looking at waste streams as a better source of molecules from which to produce hydrogen.

Urine's major constituent is urea, which incorporates four hydrogen atoms per molecule - importantly, less tightly bonded than the hydrogen atoms in water molecules. Botte used electrolysis to break the molecule apart, developing an inexpensive new nickel-based electrode to selectively and efficiently oxidise the urea. To break the molecule down, a voltage of 0.37V needs to be applied across the cell - much less than the 1.23V needed to split water.

Electrolysis breaks down the urea, releasing hydrogen

Botte told Chemistry World: "During the electrochemical process the urea gets adsorbed on to the nickel electrode surface, which passes the electrons needed to break up the molecule. Pure hydrogen is evolved at the cathode, while nitrogen plus a trace of oxygen and hydrogen were collected at the anode. While carbon dioxide is generated during the reaction, none is found in the collected gasses as it reacts with the potassium hydroxide in the solution to form potassium carbonate."

The group initially tested their process with 'synthetic' urine made of dissolved urea, but also showed that the process works just as well with real human urine. "It took us some time to get clearance to work with human urine - which held up publication of the research," Botte said.

According to Botte, currently available processes that can remove urine from water are expensive and inefficient. Urea naturally hydrolyses into ammonia before generating gas phase ammonia emissions. These emissions lead to the formation of ammonium sulphate and nitrate particulates in the air, which cause a variety of health problems including chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks and premature death.

The group is currently conducting long-term stability studies on their electrolysis systems, as well as conducting computational experiments to better understand the mechanisms at work.

Botte believes the technology could be easily scaled up to generate hydrogen while cleaning up the effluent from sewage plants. "We do not need to reinvent the wheel as there are already electrolysers being used in different applications." She believes the only the thing that would hamper the process would be the presence of a lot of salt.

Bruce Logan, an expert in energy generation from wastewater and director of Pennsylvania State University's H2E Center and Engineering Environmental Institute, applauded Botte's efforts in developing a more energy efficient way of producing hydrogen than splitting water. However, he did caution that urea gets converted very quickly into ammonia by bacteria, which could limit the usefulness of the technique.

However, Logan does feel that it would be a good idea to start saving up urine - although not for the hydrogen. "You have to remember the P [phosphorus] in pee - globally we need to start thinking about conserving phosphorus for fertiliser, because, just like oil, one day the deposits are all going to run out and we need to start building phosphorus recycling into our infrastructure," he said.