SCENIC SCENARIOS
The Way Forward!
FRED NWAOZOR
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The Author of Politics And The Universe
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Also by Fred Nwaozor:
EXPENSIVE EXPEDIENT
HORRIBLE HUT
REAL REPENTANCE
DREADFUL DRUMBEAT
PRONOUNCED PROJECTILE
STAINED STEWARDSHIP
TUNES FOR TUNERS
SOLOS IN SOLITUDE
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THE POWER OF LANGUAGE
ORU AND OWU: INTERWOVEN HERITAGE
PHILOSOPHIC TOOLS AND APOLOGIAS
POLITICS AND THE UNIVERSE
CONTACT:
frednwaozor@gmail.com
fdnnwaozor@yahoo.com
http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
+234-8028608056, 08099250401
DEDICATION
To my amiable and lovely parents:
Mr. F.A. Nwaozor & Mrs. V.N. Nwaozor
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My profound gratitude goes to the Paraclete for His inspiration and divine mercy.
My unalloyed appreciation to the wonderful aforementioned parents, Mr. & Mrs. F.A. Nwaozor for their moral and financial support.
I also acknowledge my indebtedness to my entire household for their unanimous support.
My special thanks to Mr. Ken Uwasomba for his editorial guidance.
I also owe a gratitude to my media benefactor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo.
Posterity will never forgive me if I fail to acknowledge the tremendous encouragement from my friends and fans.
I want to close this chapter with special thanks to my noble publisher and his entire crew.
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PROLOGUE
This omnibus shall lay emphasis on the six major sectors that ought to be considered by the Nigerian government with the object of solving the ongoing socio-economic and political crises in the country. Each of the chapters that shall be discussing a particular sector shall emphasize on the steps or remedial approach to be taken to ensure that the lingering problem(s) in the sector in question is/are duly solved. The challenges that await the government while taking any of them (the steps) were foreseen and tagged by the author as ‘unavoidable’ if the noble dream of the nation must be actualized.
The book comprises of six different chapters that shall be exclusively discussing Power, Health, Education, Refineries, Security and Labour respectively.
- FDN NWAOZOR
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CONTENTS
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Prologue
Chapter One: Power
Chapter Two: Health
Chapter Three: Education
Chapter Four: Refinery
Chapter Five: Security
Chapter Six: Labour
Epilogue
The Author
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** 1 **
POWER
Brethren, in any context the above term, power, is being used, either physical, spiritual, economic, or electrical, it will remain one of the most fundamental aspects of human existence or struggle. But, in this chapter, we’re only interested in its electrical context, and our nightmare is on its instability.
Electrical power or electricity has been the most fundamental/primary aspect of any economic development. Thus, its instability remains a worthwhile case study in any developmental struggle.
For over the years, lack of power stability has been a nasty cankerworm in the nation’s socio-economic growth. And, its eradication remains an enormous task or a nightmare to any political leader(s). On this note, the country has remained in absolute darkness, both physically and economically since her independence. For such barrier to be thrown to the waste bin, there is a certain step that must be taken/considered by the government; this single step, as stated below, should be adhered to by the present administration to ascertain steady and efficient power stability.
Privatization: This is the act of selling government owned firm(s) to an individual or group of persons due to one of two reasons in the interest of the government, and of the public. Sometimes it could be due to lack of fund requires for the maintenance (management) of the company in question. On the other hand, it could be for the aim of actualizing more adequate/effective functioning of the company thereby ensuring greater output.
The devastating condition of power supply in Nigeria that seems immutable requires this measure. The existing Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) should be totally sold to any interested individual or group, so that, the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity would be carried out by the private owner instead of having access to only ‘distribution’ which is the case in the present (ongoing) situation/era. Also, an embargo should be lifted by the government allowing other potential investors, indigenous or foreign, to participate in the sector, thereby creating competition or ascertaining a competitive market set-up in the sector rather than the existing monopolistic system.
Just a few years ago, a similar step was taken in the telecommunication sector by the past administration led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and it worked. Honestly, once there’s a competition in any market system, the optimum target of each concerned investor remains how to be at the peak. Because, such position will automatically attract larger number of clients. Thus, such practice (competition) will definitely lead to efficiency.
So, the issue of constant power failure in Nigeria does not actually require the involvement or practice of technocracy, rather, a costless and intensely worthwhile measure such as the aforementioned tool (privatization). Even if you’re suffering from squint, with your basic knowledge in economics/commerce, you can easily see beyond my humble imagination.
Adversely, this measure is likely to yield a high cost of services. But, this shouldn’t be a nightmare to the government, because, once this objective is actualized, every individual irrespective of his/her status will be willing and able to afford the bills/charges. Yes, because adequate and steady power supply will ascertain high productivity which shall lead to greater and tremendous supply of goods and services thereby reducing the prices of commodities to their barest minimum. It’s not a magic; it’s social-science. Therefore, I’m speaking socio-scientifically.
Apart from the above reason, there are some other factors that would ascertain the willingness, readiness and ability of the consumers to comply with the charge that shall accompany the electricity supply. Those factors are painstakingly stated below.
Industrialization: As soon as steady power supply is actualized, there would be massive participation of private (individual) investors in establishment of industries/firms across the federation. And, this will create an avenue for immense job opportunities, and as well, high productivity of goods and services. In addition, the era of bad road network would be a thing of the past, because, the industrialists/investors will leave no stone unturned to ensure that, any road network affecting the location of their respective investments is duly addressed. On this note, there will be adequate transportation system.
In a nut shell, industrialization will definitely yield high job opportunities, and as well, productivity, good road network, and effective transport services (system). And, other social amenities such as steady water supply will also be ascertained. Brethren, these features will drastically showcase a developed society (economy).
Commercial agriculture: Our land is already blessed/enriched with abundant minerals and nutrients, and there are numerous available raw-materials that can be used for unlimited cultivation. Our only problem remains mechanization. Even if there’re sufficient machines, their performances can never be effective without a reliable power supply.
Once adequate power supply and good road network are sustained, or injected into the system, potential commercial agriculturists will definitely emerge, and set up their respective farms. This practice will also attract massive job opportunities and high availability of goods and services which shall subsequently reduce the prices of commodities in our various markets.
So, indulgence in commercial farming is one of the gate ways require for drastic poverty alleviation in Nigeria, or any other developing nation.
Self – reliance / Entrepreneurship: Apart from the establishment of large scale industries/companies by individual investors, there will also be immense location of small and medium scale firms by several citizens/individuals across the federation, because, right from time, Nigerians are already blessed with such propensity. And, this will surely yield a society/country where over seventy five percent (75%) of its occupants are self-reliant (entrepreneurs) or employers of labour. Think about it!
Nigeria should do something drastic to take this daydreaming to an end. Most times it amuses me when I hear, or overhear that, Nigeria is discussing/planning how to boast of seven thousand megawatts (7000MW) of electricity whereas, Ghana which is not up to two states in Nigeria can currently boast of eighty thousand megawatts (80000MW). In fact, it beats my psyche and makes me go crazy!
** 2 **
HEALTH
We are still discussing the avenues that ought to be embraced by the Nigerian government to ensure that, vision 20:20:20 becomes a reality, or to ascertain a developed society. In the previous chapter, we extensively discussed the power sector. This chapter shall be discussing the health sector exclusively.
Some weeks ago, I received a text message from one of my female fans. In her remarks she said, apart from being a writer, she feels more comfortable addressing me as an educator. I screwed down to get the full gist. She added that, from her view so far, she observed that, my major interest in writing is education; stating that, I pay great attention in educating people through my writing prowess. She concluded with the clause; “ keep it up! ” Honestly, the lady was right. I believe the best way to educate people is to hide under the umbrella of the media so you can reach out to the entire public; and, this is what I’ve been doing ever since I found myself in this field. Let’s ride on!
Health is a state in which you’re fit and well. In other words, it’s the condition of one’s body. So, a healthy person/animal is well, therefore, not suffering from any illness. More so, if you’re healthy, you could be described as a hearty person. A hearty individual is cheerful and energetic. In a nut shell, if one is hearty, he/she is automatically healthy, and vice-versa.
Frankly speaking, our intimate prognosis will never come to past if this area (health) that deals directly with people’s life or welfare is not adequately and specially considered. Of course, I’m not kidding because it’s a fact. Yes, a fancy fact!
One fateful weekend, Saturday precisely, at about nine in the morning (9.00 am), the message tone of my humble handset rang to inform me that an sms just came in. I opened my inbox to find out the content of the message, and as well, who sent it. The sender happened to be one of my best friends based in Abuja. And the message reads, “ Gud moni FDN!”. The sms continues, “...I’m typing this message from a hospital seat, government hospital to be precise. But, the worst of it is that no medical personnel is ready to attend to any patient. According to them, they’re on sit down strike. And I’m seriously ill. My condition requires an urgent diagnosis. Please, what should I do? “ After the perusal, I was deeply touched by the mood of the sms. I quickly dialed his number and luckily for me, the call went through. I asked him to leave the hospital immediately for a private hospital. He responded that, since his adulthood, he had never patronized any private hospital. According to him, their staff are bunch of quacks and he wouldn’t like a quack to take care of him,. To worsen it, he concluded that the laboratory machines of those hospitals are not trustworthy. I wasn’t meant to argue with him; my optimum interest was his health condition. Still on the phone conversation, I let him know that, he had no choice, therefore, must dance to my tune. He saw reason with me and decided to leave for a near-by private hospital. To cut the story short; he was treated in a private hospital, and was discharged that same day.
Brethren, what prompted the above story was the issue of rampant strike or industrial action that takes place in our various government hospitals. If hospitals in any given nation/country continually embark on industrial action(s), then, the lives of the citizenry are at stake, and cannot be guaranteed. It’s a shame! Yes, very shameful and disgusting phenomenon. This simply means, we’re still living in the past; the era of, “ you’re on your own, “ in terms of medical attention. It looks like a mere dream or cock and bull story for one to be informed that, a country like ours that is richly blessed with both human and natural resources is still living in the past.
Believe me, in this country, there’re adequate hands that can put any medical (health) situation to stop. Most of our medical personnel are qualified for this; some of them has even left the country for else-where in search of government that truly (sincerely) appreciates the importance of life or man-power. Brethren, our only problem in the health sector is nothing but inadequate infrastructure and medical facilities, coupled with poor incentives for the personnel.
If I die while preaching this gospel, I’d be happy in the grave because I succeeded in passing the message. Yes, the evangelism has been actualized. But, I shall not die; I shall live to profess His goodness and mercy.
Let’s tell ourselves the truth; total overhaul is required in the Nigerian health sector. Nigeria is old and too rich for this continual experience of tokenism. Yes, most times the medical labourers participate in a strike not because they truly want to be part of it, but because, they were asked or mandated to do so. Most of them believe in watching others fight on their behalf; we shy away from our responsibilities. The government should please save this set of people from this on-going moment of terror.
Let’s begin with the infrastructural phase. The dilapidated structures in the name of hospitals scattered all over the nooks and crannies ought to be automatically renovated. The proprietors of the private hospitals should also be mandated to carry-out such action. A hospital building and environment should be the most decent structure and area respectively in any given country. It’s a place where, by the special grace of God, lives are being saved, so, at all time, should deserve to be given honourable mentions.
And, for the members of, or workers in the various hospitals to be hospitable, they should be catered for. The government should from time to time pump in incentives to encourage the medical/health workers (staff). Yes, they must look good to be cheerful and accommodating. And, one cannot look good if his/her welfare is at stake. I must confess; the government is trying to the best of my knowledge. But, additional effort is needed to ensure that, more smiles are ascertained in this great nation.
The last, but not the least, our hospitals should be well equipped. Out-dated equipment should be thrown to the bush. Yes, that’s where they belong. An efficient monitoring team should be set-up to ensure that, the private hospitals/clinics follow suit. Adequate and more valid medical machines (devices) should from time to time be imported. Believe me, our industrious engineers can even do the manufacturing if financially supported. And, this shall save us many stress as regards importation. It’s high time the high-class citizens stopped leaving our noble country for others for the sake of medical check-up or treatment. Rather, they should contribute in reviving our health sector because all hands must be on deck. Even the number one citizen of the country patronizes the hospitals in other nations; what a shame! All these pathetic practices or indulgences are attributed to lack of, or inadequate medical equipment in our various hospitals/clinics.
Brethren, honestly the time to act is now. Don’t forget, bunch of tyros are not required if this must be actualized. And, of course, tyrant should never be found in the picture because we don’t need despotism or tyranny. Mind you, these vicarious pleasures ought to stop immediately. Meanwhile, say no to procrastination!
** 3 **
EDUCATION
Brethren, it’s so pathetic to see a man to whom reading meant so much become almost totally blind. Believe me, Nigeria is a country loaded or blessed with numerous citizens that acknowledge/cherish the efficacy of education. But, on the contrary, she looks pathetically defenseless as regards the tool (education). Off course, it’s no longer news that, about forty percent (40%) of the country is reckoned to be illiterate. The funniest part is that, none of the children of the officialdom is schooling in Nigeria. The other day, I was privileged to overhear someone exclaiming, “ bunch of derailed homosapiens! “ I thought he was referring to me. Who knows? Honestly, the whole mythology of national greatness that occupies the minds of the entire citizenry needs to be questioned, because, it’s inconsequential.
Don’t forget, this chapter is exclusively discussing the Nigerian educational sector. And, I promise not to be ponderous, because, “ a word is enough for the wise.” Like I’ve always said, as a patriotic analyst, my interest in any problem I’m discussing lies in its causes, and the remedial and drastic measures (steps) that are required to be taken. So, my sole interest in this is the causes of the on-going educational decay or crisis, and how such can be boycotted.
At the end of this critique, an exegesis wouldn’t be necessary because it shall be self-explanatory. The only thing I can’t promise you is, withholding the fact. Yes, the truth must be told (analyzed).
Education is the act or process through which a person is taught better ways of doing something or a better way of living. Going by the definition, one could figure out that, education can take place anywhere. Let me use this avenue to draw your attention to one of my articles that reads “The world: an institution where everyone is a student.” In that article, I made it clear that education can take place anywhere; I categorically stated that anywhere can serve as a classroom, including your kitchen. In addition, let me also remind you of the remark I made mention of, in the immediate previous chapter that discussed health, which came from one of my female fans. In her remarks, she said that, she sees me not just as a writer, but also, as an educator. If truly that education can only take place in an institutional classroom as many presume, then, the lady was wrong, because she had never for once seen me in any classroom. So, in a nut shell, education simply means ‘learning’, and learning could be actualized anywhere even in a moving vehicle.
Without taking much of our time, let’s go into object of this chapter. If the truth must be told, then, where do we start, or what do we start with? We must commence somewhere. The rapid constant decay in our educational sector is directly attributable to lack of adequate training/teaching institutes (centres), coupled with standard teaching materials, high rate of depreciation of reading habit amongst the students and the entire citizenry, and corruption. Yes in our various schools/institutions, the human resources are already there; we’ve efficient, effective and sufficient staff. Our only problems are inadequate/insufficient infrastructure and teaching equipment.
Well equipped laboratories, libraries, workshops and class/lecture rooms should be provided in our various citadel of learning. The primary and secondary schools should not be left out because the educational background of any nation lies in that area. The private institutions should also be mandated to follow suit. Any training/teaching centre(s) is/are expected to be practical oriented, irrespective of its field/line of interest. In addition, our technical colleges ought to be revived. A graduate of any school, regardless of level of the citadel, is meant to boast of a particular talent (skill). The profundity is already obtainable; the hindrance remains the required materials and environment.
Also, the teachers/lecturers should be catered for. Their welfare should remain the government’s priority. Their individual salaries ought to be regularly increased/considered, coupled with their respective promotions. And, other juicy incentives should not be left out. These will definitely help to completely eradicate the high level of corruption in the sector such as sorting, hiring of ‘machineries’ or assistants during exams, and other forms of examination malpractices, as the case may be. Furthermore, the respective offices of the teachers/lecturers deserve to be well furnished and equipped. Let’s begin with the teachers, because, the future and greatness of any society lie in their hands.
In the aspect of the reading habit, all hands are expected to be on deck. Such habit begins from childhood. And, this is where the parents come in. The parents should continually motivate, and as well, mandate their children to read by drawing them closer to text books, novels, newspapers/magazines, and what have you. They should also ensure that the children cultivate the habit of listening to news on radio/television. Above all, they should ensure that, the children in question are always ebullient to enable them participate effectively in the above practices. This is where health comes in. Their ebullience would make them enthusiastic, outgoing and spontaneous.
Brethren, I wish to end my critique with a short story that has to do with the above apathy; lack of reading habit. One fateful day, a certain young man who happened to be present at one of the general meetings of a newly introduced communal organization, which I happen to be the founder/leader, greatly amused me. During the A.O.B section, he stood up to earn his view, and as well, give his remark. After commending the officers, he asked us to put more effort on information dissemination in regard to subsequent meetings; stating that, if not the invitation he received from a friend of his, who happens to be one of us, he wouldn’t had known, or be informed about the meeting. After his lovely comments, the Secretary General raised his eyes and looked, briefly and curiously, at him. Though, it wasn’t pronounced. I tried to find out from the President General (PG), who was presiding over the meeting and as well sitting next to me, the reason for the sudden gesture exhibited by the Sec. Gen. Based on the information I got from the PG, I learnt the notice for the on-going meeting was pasted at the door-step of that very young man. And, the notice lasted for six good days before the meeting took place. Maybe, he took the notice for granted, and never cared to glanced at even a bit of its content. Probably, not even a perusal. Thus, he ignored the notice with impunity. Lack of reading habit in the highest order. So pathetic and disgusting indeed! To be frank; the young man’s eccentric nature denied him his desired respect at the executive desk. Honestly, you needed to see how I was engulfed in a fathomless moment of hatred towards him; though, hidden and brief. In fact, I was totally appalled. Believe me, all the resultant gestures were happening unknowingly to him. But, even if they were pronounced, he deserved it, because he seemed the apotheosis of total ignorance and extreme insouciance.
Please, Nigeria should implement a drastic approach to ensure that, her educational sector that is fast deteriorating and becoming malodorous is totally revived, because, her anticipated greatness lies solely in the area. Don’t forget, the parents are not left out.
** 4 **
REFINERY
If you’re a true Christian, what stops you from going through your copy of the holy bible at least every morning? If you’re a dedicated Muslim, you ought to be knowledgeable to acknowledge that, your Quran comes first as soon as you leave your noble bed. Or, are you a pagan? Then, I should assume that, you embraced your oracle at its chamber before leaving your lovely house/lodge this morning. Stick to it, you would see that the ‘Almighty is good’. As a devoted Christian, catholic to be precise, I said my rosary this morning as usual, coupled with my daily psalms. I don’t think I’m clowning, so, don’t see me as a clown; because, if every single soul in Nigeria sticks to its respective religious faith, then, these incessant barbarous and inhuman atrocities shouldn’t had taken place.
Honestly, without mincing words, the last time I checked, Nigeria was still an inhospitable nation due to the unnecessary use of those terrible and inhumane weapons. Yes, they had acted in an inhumane way and overstepped the limits of a democratic state. What an inhumanity!
Brethren, let’s leave the issue of security for the subsequent chapter that would solely digest the security sector in Nigeria. In this chapter, our concern is on refinery. But I want to quickly inform you that, all these insecurity issues are attributed to only one thing, which is oil and gas (petroleum). Yes, the oil and gas sector has been constituting these series of dream-like thoughts that were solely initiated by those scattered technicoloured phantasmagorias. This is not scaremongering. It’s high time we faced reality, because, this is nothing but a fact. You might say I’m being scathing. But I must tell you, the present state of loggerheads in the Nigerian state (society) is not just producing a political and economic morass, but as well, scatterbrains. I’m deeply afraid; this may lead to fathomless socio-economic miscarriages. Let’s ride on!
Few days ago, someone called me on phone to find out why the sudden change of phone number on the column which I maintain in one of the newspapers in the country. He asked, “Does it has anything to do with security?” I responded, “No, just a way forward.” He added, “…therefore, that should be one of the Scenic Scenarios?” And, I replied, “…yes, my brother!” Brethren, if rampant change of number could determine a serene environment, then, what stops me from changing thousands of them? I’m a patriotic Nigerian; therefore, my optimum concern should be way forward. And, this cannot be ascertained without tranquility. Thus, any right thinking Nigerian should be concerned with the success of the nation, or any society he/she belongs. When I was an undergraduate, at a point I was known by the name, “way forward”, because, I happened to be an advocate (a crusader) of that phrase. I used to preach it in every occasion I happened to be present. For that reason, most times, my fellow students/colleagues would walk up to me and asked, “FDN, what is the way forward? “ And, as God would have it, I was loaded with enormous information then, with the help of my position as a student leader. Yes, by His grace, I was a leader of various student unions.
It is deeply pathetic and disgusting to hear that a country like ours, which is tagged as the sixth most oil producing nation in the world, still buys the oil in question from other nation(s). Listen to this; something being drilled here happens to be refined elsewhere. Then, finally undergoes importation to ensure that its land of origin embraces its worthwhile products. How does it sound? Isn’t it apocryphal? Then, if this is the case, we’re just being vainglorious. Do the observation yourself and see if I’m truly communicating. Vainglorious posturing indeed!
The only way to stay out of this mess is to tell ourselves the truth. We must be transparent to ensure success. And, such requires total overhaul. Honestly, subsidy removal is not enough. It’s not the best or even one of the best steps. We all know the best step that is why I began this paragraph with the above remark; telling ourselves nothing but the truth. We shouldn’t look unto God; we can redeem the situation. Yes, the redeemer lies in our bare hands. Please, don’t misunderstand me; I mean we have the ability, or what it takes. The only thing we’re meant to do is to apply it. Let’s do the application. I bet you, it’ll surely work. Or, should I emphasize on how the application should be done.
There are already existing refineries across the federation; name them. All we need to do is to revive them, regardless of how much it would cost us. Even if it would cost us our fortune, it shouldn’t be of any stress. Therefore, no one is expected to be selfish while the implementation is going on. The capital for the revival is already there; it’s available. Even without the removal of oil subsidy, it can be actualized. Yes, we worth more than what the situation requires. Our only problem is nothing but corruption. But, we can put it to stop if we truly mean business. Thank God, we’ve detected the actual fault. So, it’s easy to solve the problem.
Don’t forget, a country like Nigeria shouldn’t be selling oil to the citizenry, rather, should be sold for free of charge. Believe me, it’s our entitlement. The only monetary involvement that ought to be attached to the oil/gas price is tax. Yes, the indirect tax that is expected to be paid by the populace/individuals. Our great leaders should please save us from these moments of extraordinary poignancy. How can one have (possess) abundant cooking oil in the kitchen, but still cook without oil. Doesn’t it sound ridiculous?
** 5 **
SECURITY
Our physiognomies have suddenly turned sour due to the deceptive countenance of our ‘great’ nation. Even a fancy smile played across her normally grim visage wasn’t enough to wipe out the virulent feelings.
A good friend of mine once told me a horrible story. Before he commenced the folk tale, he began with a nasty clause which reads, “in any state of sober I found myself, I do remember one fateful day with extreme loathing.” Don’t worry. Just relax; I shall tell you the story. I’m not amazed; many have started calling me by the name, “a story narrator.” Honestly, I care about stories, because, I believe the best way to teach is to begin with a story, either tragic, comical or tragicomic. So, my fans were not mistaken.
The story goes like this: The young man said, one certain day, he happened to be in one of the banks in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. He was busy transacting as usual. Suddenly, or as Satan would have it, armed robbers invaded the banking premises and started shooting on the rampage. Everyone was subjected to the harshest possible punishment; lying without breathing. What a paradox! At this point, I was forced to smile. But, I found out my friend wasn’t looking funny at all. With the look on his face, I realized he wasn’t in any way joking, or exaggerating. Even, I noticed my sudden smile was so disgusting to him. He continued, “…the most painful and deadliest part of it was that, after dishing out the instruction, one of them, knowingly or unknowingly, quickly stood on my bottom. He remained there for quite some seconds, or a good number of minutes if I’m not mistaken, before returning to the floor.“ I asked him if he imagined why such scene transpired. He replied that, from his weak imagination, the man (robber) in question wanted to increase his height due to his urgent indulgence in one of the activities he was involved. According to him (my friend), it appeared the robber never noticed (observed) that he was standing on a living creature. Extremely pathetic! Brethren, I think at this point, the narration has become succinct.
Over the years, I decided to remain introspective with regard to security. Honestly, I would have exploded before now, and it might have resulted to manic depression or paranoid schizophrenia. Who knows? Thank God I’m still alive, and safe, though still introverted. A bashful introvert indeed! Please, don’t blame me; I’m just being security conscious. After all, it isn’t my fault. Yes, in this case, my actions have been faultless. Anyone, or a right thinking person can testify to that. It’s no longer news to any one of us that, at recent times, they had cultivated the habit of even picking or molesting those that can’t even boast of ten thousand naira (#10,000) in their bank account. To be frank, the fanatics are mean; and are up to something. It’s not a joke.
Don’t forget, this chapter is discussing the Nigerian security sector (system). Security refers to all the precautions that are taken to protect a place including its occupants. In other words, according to BBC English dictionary, “ it is legal protection against possible harm or loss.”
You’ll agree with me that, many had been convicted of seditious activities. Many are still in the trial, while, many are yet to be tried. Rampant security threats have suddenly become the order of the day in all nook and cranny of our dear country as if Nigeria is made of only citizens that are barely few days old. Secularism has gotten a strong current in the structure and ideology of this country. Even the secularists parade themselves in such a manner that any concerned Nigerian would conclude that, they are the king makers. Many had been martyred, yet it appears like a scene that just begun, or that was introduced barely few seconds ago; which means, or significantly, enormous massacre may still be witnessed. What a shame!
Or, should we forget the national security threat and discuss that of the community level? At the community stage, it’s no longer a game for the adulthood; that is, unlike before, adulthood has been totally abolished as the prerequisite. Bunch of adolescents have taken over the houses (homes) in most communities. Yes, most homes have been taken hostage. Their bulk of metals arouse people from sleep within the holy hours of the night. Honestly, yester-night’s incident that took place at one of the towns in Imo State could well arouse the settlers to even greater violence. Yes, the case has constituted tremendous controversy.
Though, each day, billions of naira are being coughed up for the sake of security. As a crime analyst, what could I have done than to watch with keen interest and continually embrace my harmless pen, and as well, look up to the ‘Almighty’ for His tremendous ingenuity.
Please, we ought to tell ourselves the truth and forget this cock and bull story that is constituting these lingering doubts and suspicions. Apparently, we’re deceiving ourselves and it would take us nowhere.
** 6 **
LABOUR
“I was shocked and enraged at such ingratitude,” someone lamentably concluded at my last meeting with him. Few seconds before the meeting begun, I was enraptured due to a contract I just won. But the series of lamentations that accompanied the meeting introduced an ennui. Some days after the meeting in question took place, I was privileged to be in the midst of another similar meeting. During the section for matters arising, after digesting a certain critical issue as the leader of the gathering, consequently someone submissively raised his hand. Having granted him the room to earn his view, he commenced with the clause, “if not that they tell lies and show no sign of contrition…” As if that was the end; a consequential gathering resulted immediately after the meeting. A good friend of mine who happens to be the Secretary General came from behind and whispered at my humble ear, “the meeting was very successful, but was dedicated to the chameleons.”
Brethren, if truly that one is conscience-stricken due to a war he solely initiated, then by now, he ought to devote himself to societal peace. I strongly believe that, our lovely grief-stricken public servants coupled with the vulnerable maids in their midst would have a forgiving mind if our honourable members would embrace a total repentance. In fact there’s no need for euphemism if euphoria must be ascertained; thus let’s go straight to the point.
Don’t forget, we’re discussing labour. According to the context of this chapter, labour is used to refer to the people who work in a country or industry.
To begin with, in Nigeria the above tool (labour) has been misunderstood thereby resulting to the ongoing state of neglect experienced by the public/civil servants. Needless to say that, they have been sidelined. It’s not in any way funny to hear that those whom I describe as the workaholics, and who most times suffer from nervous breakdown is being treated like bunch of ignoramuses. The other day, someone was telling me that she waited so long that by the time her turn came she was already a nervous wreck. According to her, she never recovered from it, and was very nervy afterwards. Honestly, it’s not funny at all. Most times at my lonely time, I wonder if we’re just daydreaming in regard to the vision 20:20:20 because in any society, the public servants should receive any credit as regards any ongoing productivity. To the best of my knowledge, in any developed nation, their interest comes first before any other would be debated or treated.
The above mal-handling has solely constituted the incessant industrial actions embarked by the Nigerian workers. Most times, the so-called strike is either being suspended or put to stop without any tangible reason. If truly that the reason for the suspension or termination was genuine, why shouldn’t the voice of the entire workers be heard and considered by their leaders before they would be mandated/asked to go back to their respective offices? The funniest part; in most cases the concerned authorities’ tactic seems to be, to bludgeon the demonstrators into submission. What a world!
In any occasion where the labour leader chooses to be stubborn, or different from his predecessors, even the workers in question see it as an expensive measure. Which is, they believe that any industrial action should have a limit whether their cry is heard or not. In other words, we’re even afraid while biding for our right, or the payment of the job we did. Tokenism indeed!
My humble message to the various governments; if the wheel of any moving vehicle can’t function properly, the machine can never work effectively. And, it’s the users’ will that would ascertain the efficiency. We must come together and fix this bad wheel. Thus, we ought to be willing because willingness comes first. So are we truly willing?
In this case with regard to the ongoing discussion, the labour is the wheel, the country remains the vehicle (machine), while the governments and other employers of labour are the users. This is a fact. Yes, a fancy fact. Let’s abide by it and we shall see that the Lord is good!
EPILOGUE
Brethren, you will agree with me that in Nigeria today, over seventy percent (70%) of the nation’s population live below half a dollar (about #75) in every two days or forty-eight hours which is far below the United Nation’s poverty line. The UN’s poverty line stipulates that any individual that spends less than a dollar (about #150) per day is definitely poor. Significantly, this implies that over seventy percent of the members of the country is not just poor but reckoned to be wretched.
This occurrence of ardent poverty is the sole cause of the rapid increase of vulnerability amongst the populace. Most of these life-styles such as child abuse/slavery, hawking, prostitution and begging seen among the citizens have constituted an alarming death rate in the country. And this issue cannot be properly or adequately addressed without considering all or most of the factors stated in this book.
Honestly for vision 20:20:20 to be a thing of the past, a drastic measure must be taken by the three tiers of governments in existence. And all hands must also be on deck. “A stitch in time saves nine!”
THE AUTHOR
FRED DOC NDU (FDN) NWAOZOR; an engineering & ICT personnel, educator, a freelance columnist and prolific social analyst/activist, has over thirteen books to his credit including six prose, one drama and three poetry. He’s affiliated to numerous professional and social societies, both indigenous and foreign. He’s the founder of various local/international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as Imo Fans Fortress (IMOFAF) and Fred Nwaozor Foundation (FRENOF). He's a blogger, whom has globally touched the lives of millions of people in a very special way through his writing and activism prowess.
Fred Nwaozor is a citizen of Nigeria; from Imo State. He presently resides in Nigeria, Owerri preicsely.
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