Who Raped the Naira?

WHO RAPED NAIRA?

    

The last time I checked, the Nigeria’s currency, Naira suffered a seemingly unpredicted rape though the identity of the rapist in question was significantly unknown. This critique was informed by the compelling need for every Nigerian to comprehend fully the overall nomenclature of the masked rapist.

    Currently, the worth of naira per a US dollar is almost #400 in the parallel market as against its official exchange of #198. Though it isn’t only Nigeria that is confronting the US dollar that is presently ravaging her once respected currency, naira and local economy – some other countries are obviously passing through similar fate, but it’s pertinent to acknowledge that the ongoing misfortune of the said currency didn’t abruptly emerge; suffice it to say that the above mentioned ‘rape’ was apparently a foreseen circumstance.

     Going down the memory lane, it would be recalled that from 1972 to 1985, the official worth of naira per a US dollar was between #0.66 and #0.89 involving a consistent slight fall and rise. From 1986 to 1992, it was worth between #2.02 and #9.91 involving a steady fall. Subsequently, from 1993 to 1999, its worth was between #17.30 and #21.89 involving an onward apparent constant exchange rate after an initial decrease. Similarly, from 2000 to 2009, it was between #85.98 and #145, which involved an outrageous continuous fall.

   
Then, recently from 2010 to 2015, we witnessed a steady fall from #150 to #171. And presently, barely from last year till date, it has declined to #198 per a US dollar, witnessing a free fall. The bone of contention is that ab initio, excluding the initial point when it was ostensibly steady, there has been a continuous fall of the value of naira when compared to the US dollar.

    
Hence, having painstakingly perused the above comprehensive chart, I have succeeded in disabusing us of the notion that the fall of the exchange rate of naira either at the official market or parallel market commenced in recent time. Needless to say that naira had suffered an untold hardship from genesis till this moment.

     But if you take a closer glance at the above analysis, you would observe that it was during the democratic era that the naira’s value fell outrageously, although the origin of its downward depreciation could be traceable to 1986 or thereabouts. In view of this assertion, one may be challenged to ascertain the reason for such anomaly.

     The answer is simple. Any democratic leadership, compared to military regime, is usually synonymous with loose principles or policies. This implies that the former often ends up overlooking the invariable nonchalant or lackadaisical attitudes of its citizenry which is definitely not a wholesome practice in any society that intends to grow economically. Most times, sustaining a certain policy requires a nonhuman face.

     Looking beyond the history, currently it’s obvious that the value of the Nigeria’s currency, naira is diminishing on a daily basis as if it’s being relentlessly and endlessly pursued by a hidden monster. The ongoing phenomenon unarguably is categorically not unconnected to the recent stiff measures taken by the nation’s apex bank – the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    
It’s no longer news that penultimate year, foreign exchange for importation of various commodities into the country was banned by the said bank. This severe approach warranted people particularly importers to divert their attention to only the various illicit Bureaux De Change (BDCs) situated across the nation. Consequently, the CBN ordered the closure of all the existing branches of the BDCs in Nigeria, and thereafter stated that it could not continue selling foreign currencies directly to them (the BDCs).

    
Owing to the above sanctions, the various seekers of foreign exchange have shifted their entire attention to the parallel market thereby causing an alarming increase of the demand for forex at the market. This is no doubt the sole reason a US dollar is being unofficially sold at almost #400.

    
However, the question remains: who raped Naira? Unequivocally, naira was dastardly raped by some unscrupulous elements in Nigeria as a result of their selfish interests. This signifies that the present pitiable physiognomy of naira was occasioned by the fact that she was gang raped. One of the rapists is the inability of Nigeria to export a finished product to other nations, not even the oil and gas which are in abundance in the country. How can a country be importing a product that is being generated from its land? Doesn’t it sound ridiculous? Undoubtedly, the relative steady rate of the foreign exchange in Nigeria during the early years such as between `72 and `85 or thereabouts might not be unconnected to the obvious fact that the various Nigeria’s refineries - in Port-Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, were functional during the said era.

     It doesn’t end at the fact that we are importing virtually everything including toothpick, our education and health sectors are also fundamental plights to our forex. It’s obvious that due to inadequacy in spite of the uncountable number of tertiary institutions situated across the federation, millions of our children are currently studying abroad even in such educationally less-privileged countries as Kenya and Niger Republic thereby warranting the export of billions of naira on a daily basis. Same nauseous practice is applicable to the health sector; none of our prominent citizens receives medical treatment in Nigeria, especially in issues relating to surgery. Every pregnant Nigerian woman wishes to deliver her unborn baby in the US.

    
Inter alia, the country’s science sector that was relatively alive and viable had abruptly become soared. All the country’s technical colleges are currently moribund thereby posing a deterrent to our teeming young ones in regard to production of scientific gadgets contrary to what was formerly witnessed among them. In the same vein, none of the government owned industries is functional at the moment. Frankly, everything has completely gone wrong, thus requires a total turnaround.

     The demand for foreign currencies, in particular dollar which remains a global commercial currency, is presently astronomically high in Nigeria as a result of the fact that virtually nothing is seemingly happening in the country; Nigerians want to get everything done outside Nigeria or by foreigners. Almost every contract is being awarded to foreign firms as if ours aren’t equal to the tasks. An average Nigerian would prefer embarking on a trip to England for a football match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC to travelling to Owerri for a match between Heartland FC and Enyimba FC. A two-day relaxation period or a honeymoon would be spent abroad as if our hotels are mere hatches. In a nutshell, we are currently enjoying foreign services in all our day-to-day activities. This is why the country is being hit by soaring inflation. Without mincing words, our past leaders assisted in raping naira because they had the immunity to address all these anomalies but they never cared.

     To restore normalcy, first we need to start by believing in ourselves which would enable us to at all times encourage our locally made products as well as our indigenous services. In other words the ban on forex against most goods and services ought to be strengthened headlong; this implies that our various borders need to be holistically checkmated at all cost. In the same spirit, the ban needs to be extended to other activities to include travelling abroad for trivial issues.  Similarly, all the illicit forex dealers must be captured and thereafter brought to book without much ado; the saboteurs don’t deserve any mercy. Hence, the Money Laundering bill that was recently sent to the National Assembly by the Presidency must be considered seriously.

      Most importantly, we must revive such most of our essential sectors as the aforementioned ones. In addition, the power sector ought not to be left out; it’s imperative to note that several countries not unlike the USA that can’t invariably boast of up to 15 degree Celsius are currently sourcing their electricity from the solar energy let alone a country like ours that constantly boasts 40 degree Celsius that lasts for a long period of time. Indeed, this proposed measure is meant to be handled with an utmost political will.

    
Surely, devaluing naira as being agitated in some quarters isn’t the required avenue towards bringing the group of monstrous rapists that are on the run to book. Hence, we needn’t a soothsayer to notify us that we’re expected to drastically do the needful to return naira to her initial resplendent countenance that has suffered a colossal rape. Think about it.  

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador

Photos of #TheMediaAmbassador

Aftermath of Fr Mbaka's Transfer

FR MBAKA’S TRANSFER AND THE POLITICS THEREAFTER

    

The last time I checked, the Enugu-based controversial Catholic Priest in the person of Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka who doubles as the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu had been transferred from his parish, Christ the King Catholic Church (C.K.C), GRA, Enugu metropolis in which he had spent over a decade to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Emene, Enugu State – a suburb of Enugu metropolis where the former is situated. 

    

It’s pertinent to note that fathomless public criticisms had greeted the aforesaid action. In some quarters, people are of the view that the decision to transfer the Priest was aimed at checkmating his activities which are apparently generating unpleasant wave within the body of Christ and the country at large. In their further reactions, they insinuated categorically that the Church’s plan to transfer all the priests in Enugu Diocese was to dilute any suspicion.

    

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had alleged that the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Callistus Onaga was manipulated by external forces into effecting Fr Mbaka’s transfer. In their official briefing via their South-East caucus’ Spokesperson Mr Osita Okechikwu, they stated unequivocally that “As a party, we have watched with concern and trepidation the criticism, the attack, assault, and unpleasant comments hurled against Fr Mbaka since he providentially prophesized that President Buhari would win the 2015 elections” among other issues raised therein.

    

The Catholic Church on its part had clarified the transfer of the clergyman, saying that the controversial Priest was merely being sent to where he would be more useful to the church which wasn’t an unusual exercise. It further claimed that the posting, which was strictly in line with the church’s tradition, was not meant to be punitive or to witch-hunt the Priest in question as being speculated by the public.

     

It would be recalled that earlier in the year 2014, the Catholic Priest Fr Ejike Mbaka had prophesized that President Mohammadu Buhari would emerge victorious in the 2015 Presidential election, and fortunately or unfortunately his prophesy came to past. Hence, the various speculations regarding his recent transfer might not be unconnected to the aforementioned assertion.

    

In view of these altercations or brouhahas, I was tempted to enquire which political party Fr Mbaka belongs to. And at this moment, I’m still fascinated to know which party’s membership card could be found in his robe’s pocket; an inquiry that is dying for a candid answer.

    

Frankly, in recent times, the manner in which people try to link religion to politics is really becoming unbearable, thus requires a compelling attention. People need to understand that politics and religion, both which are no doubt essential and veritable tools in any society, are not unlike two parallel lines therefore have no meeting point.

      

In one of the works I did previously entitled “Taking worship beyond politics” as was published on the back cover page of the New Telegraph Newspaper penultimate year, specifically on Monday 6^th of April 2015, I wholly made it clear that the church is an institution specially meant for the liberation of mankind from all forms of bondage, to strengthen or uplift their faith, as well as to bring them nearer to their salvation, and not otherwise as most Nigerians see it.

     

In a similar spirit, in a piece I wrote entitled “Letter to the Pope” as was published in the Daily Times Newspaper on Wednesday 3^rd February 2016, having disclosed that religious bodies were to work towards actualizing good governance and not to take part in politics, I stated that if an institution like the church that’s widely regarded as ‘opium of the people’ was being abused or misused, it signified that the society was liable to encounter unimaginable comatose circumstance.

     

Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with a man of God prophesying about an unforeseen or a future situation; such practice is undoubtedly as old as the world, if not older. The angle I’m against is playing politics with such spiritual act; hence, people must be guided in this aspect before they attract curses upon themselves, or even on their generations yet unborn.

    

In view of this, let the politicians play their politics and allow the church to do its work. Most times the derailment witnessed on the part of the clergymen is attributable to the activity of some so called politicians; for crying out loud, let’s allow them concentrate on their callings. Rather than distracting them, what we are expected to do is nothing but to pray for them because they are unarguably in a seemingly hot zone.

    

Even if Fr Mbaka’s transfer was targeted to punish him, let’s not absorb it as an action that was politically motivated; rather, ought to be seen as a consequential step or something that was called for in the priesthood. We must take into cognizance that the church, particularly the Catholic dominion, has its unique method of handling issues.

   

Thus, instead of raising cloud of dusts as regards the exercise that seemed abrupt, all we need to do for the affected Priest if we truly care for him is to pray vehemently for his person. The priest had already stated that he alongside his ministry was going to ‘suffer’, so let’s not aggravate the anticipated suffering. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador  

         

How many Media Aides has Buhari?

HOW MANY MEDIA AIDES HAS BUHARI?

     

The last time I checked, if I wasn’t mistaken, the amiable President of Nigeria in the person of Mohammadu Buhari had four substantive media aides. You can put up a disapproval hereafter if you have a contrary view.

     

The portfolios of the concerned appointees/technocrats are as follows: Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Special Assistant on New Media as well as Personal Assistant (PA) on New Media. Owing to these uncalled and inconsequential discrepancies, I was tempted to insinuate that this administration is equally synonymous with bureaucracy, which is not unusual in the Nigeria’s democratic terrain ab initio.

     

The worrisome part of the scenario is that it’s taking place at the moment when every dick and harry in Nigeria is deeply concerned over how the acclaimed giant of Africa can step down on excesses with a view to saving more funds for the anticipated economic diversification thereby ensuring that the ongoing crises emanating from the country’s dependency on mono-economy becomes a thing of the past.

    

Similarly, it’s being witnessed when we are bothered with or looking forward towards acquiring more experienced and respected economic aides for the Presidency that would look inwards on how the country could be salvaged from this unfortunate and unforeseen state of economic morass, especially at this time all eyes are on the 2016 appropriation bill that’s presently and pitiably lying in the National Assembly.

     

Undoubtedly, we are all aware how veritable the media, which is an inevitable tool, is; particularly in this era when everyone needs to be duly informed to avoid mere speculations among the people which are liable to constituting more severe societal tantrums and brouhahas in addition to the already existing ones. But such obvious fact never called for the engagement of several professionals all in the name of ‘media aides’.

     

One may appreciate the President for ensuring that the youth were carried along as regards the appointments in question, but it’s pertinent to acknowledge that there are various other vacant political positions the said group of persons (the youth) can fit in rather than involving too many hands in the media concernment which might even end up spoiling the soup.

    

Prior to when the current ministers were assigned respective portfolios, the country’s various ministries were merged whilst few others were scrapped which was aimed at eradicating bureaucracy thereby curtailing the not uncommon astronomical cost of governance on the nation’s democratic platform. This very step, which was indeed in line with the expectations of the citizenry, was really complimented in most quarters across the federation and beyond.

    

If this recollection holds water, then the Presidency is not expected to dampen the spirit of its followers that is already high as a result of the political wills showcased so far in regard to reviving the country’s economy. Thus it’s high time we started concentrating only on the needful and overlooked trivial issues solely for the sake of our collective national interest.

     

Right now, I urge our paramount interest to be shifted to the seemingly dying power sector. We must invariably note that the targeted diversification cannot be effectively and efficiently actualized if the aforesaid sector remains ostensibly moribund. We can’t meaningfully improve the agricultural sector without adequate and reliable power supply, likewise other sectors seriously yearning for revival. Hence, I’m of the view that switching over to solar energy as a source of electricity generation is long overdue. Countries that can’t even boast of up to 15 degree Celsius are already relying on solar, so what stops a country like ours that can currently boast of up to 40 degree Celsius from following suit?

     

So, as much as I appreciate as well as congratulate President Buhari for remembering the youth, I equally want to humbly and candidly appeal to his Excellency to endeavour to employ the role of ‘Scale of Preference’ as he ebulliently pilots this administration that’s targeted to ushering in the desired change. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador        

Where went Capt Iheanacho?

WHERE WENT CAPT IHEANACHO?

     

The last time I checked, I was of the opinion that sometimes an inquiry might be rational but inconsequential. This very one, which is spontaneous, is undoubtedly rational and consequential owing to the fact that it came at the apt moment. Naturally, I’m not the inquisitive type but in a critical situation of this kind, I often consider it necessary to do otherwise.

     

Prior to his nomination for a ministerial position in 2008 during the reign of the Late Umaru Musa Yar’dua, the name ‘Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho’ was relatively unknown in the Nigeria’s political terrain. Thereafter on 6^th of April 2010, he was appointed as the Interior Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan led administration; though he was later suspended for a reason best known to the President, probably political reasons. It was when he was the Minister of Interior that he made his dream to govern Imo State known to Imolites and Nigerians at large.  

    

He was really popular within that short while. His popularity might not be unconnected to the melodrama displayed by the then Imo State House of Assembly, perhaps by the effort of the state government ably led by Chief Ikedi Ohakim. The said legislators were looking for a means to recall him as the Interior Minister - a targeted punch that was traceable to the Minister’s intention to govern Imo State, thus they moved a vote of no-confidence against the gentleman. In their unanimous resolution, they enjoined the sitting President to urgently adhere to their outcry.

    

In regard to the baseless and uncalled agitation, I published a piece entitled, ‘The Imo Assembly and their Makosa dance’. Though the outcry, which lacked merit, was regarded as a trivial issue by the petitioned President – Dr Jonathan, but the group succeeded in overheating the polity. Contrary to their intention, rather than demoting his personality, they ended up making him more popular.

    

It was during the said era that I picked interest in his person, thus as a researcher I thought it wise to ascertain the reason his interest to govern Imo State was making other politicians panic. That was when I discovered the uniqueness he possesses as a Nigerian politician; since then, I’ve been taking cognizance of his footsteps when it calls for public outings.   

        

You would recall that immediately after the Imo gubernatorial polls, I did a piece on him entitled, ‘Iheanacho: refined politician from Imo State’ as published by the Sun Newspaper dated Wednesday May 13, 2015. In that piece which was occasioned by how the man in question conducted himself throughout the electioneering era, I made it clear that the mindset of an average Nigerian politician was preoccupied with deceit, insensitivity and arrogance, but that didn’t imply that there were no exemplary ones in their midst. Needless to say; amid the gangsters lies a saint.

    

I went further to state categorically and succinctly that as a citizen of Imo State and one who resides in the state, I’ve taken my time to study most of the politicians from the state and lately I came to a conclusion that Capt Iheanacho was one of the few politicians who were truly exemplary or worthy of emulation.

    

Candidly, I never intended to sound personal but I wish to seize this golden opportunity to state that people like Capt Iheanacho are not meant to be found in a political oblivion; they are meant at all times to contribute actively towards restructuring the Nigerian state in its entirety, especially at this moment the country is damn in need of respectable, distinguished and well experienced individuals.

    

This very piece was informed by the fact that the Imo, specifically Emekuku, born politician is currently relatively scarce in the Nigeria’s polity and the scenario is deeply telling on my person likewise any other stakeholder who comprehends the essence of statesmanship in nation building.

    

Capt Iheanacho whom I invariably refer to as an astute politician and industrialist ought to acknowledge that those who love him are not in any way enjoying his absence. Someone like him doesn’t need to be accustomed to a particular political party, although it pays for any politician to be an ardent member and supporter of a certain party; hence, we expect him to participate actively towards ushering good governance to the electorate irrespective of the political party at the helm of affairs.

    

In view of this assertion, I plead with the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led administration to extend its tentacles to such statesmen as Capt Iheanacho. Even the Mohammadu Buhari led administration isn’t left out in this plea. Let the respective governments be participatory to enable other well meaning citizens key into the system with the sole aim of ensuring that the overall Imolites or Nigerians as the case may be, are duly rescued or toward ushering in the awaited change respectively.

    

To other politicians; I challenge you to work towards making a good name rather than tussling over wealth or trivial issues. We must note that, unlike before, an average Nigerian citizen is now politically aware, thus can’t be deceived again by any politician parading himself as a saint when he knows within him that he’s nothing but a gangster. Mind you; no gender is exempted in this regard.

     

To say the least; Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho is unarguably a fascinatingly quintessential Nigeria’s ego. I must confess; I don’t know about his personal life but his public life is indeed near-perfect, hence worthy of emulation. I truly love his person, and he knows; the society really needs him, and he knows too. Someone ought to please tell him that I’m not enjoying the silence. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador  

 

  

An Entity Yearning for Panacea

AN ENTITY YEARNING FOR PANACEA

     

Recently, several unpredictable scenes ranging from the #DasukiGate to rapid fall of the crude oil price, hike of petrol pump price, reemergence of Biafra agitation cum Niger-Delta militancy, the governors’ protest over continued payment of the #18000 minimum wage, the alleged abrupt disappearance of original copy of the 2016 appropriation bill from the National Assembly alongside its alleged discrepancies thereafter, the sudden 40% increment of electricity tariff, CBN’s #50 stamp duty charge, and the ongoing drowsy physiognomy  of the Nigeria’s foreign reserve, among others too numerous to mention, have in different occasions transpired on the socio-political platform of an entity reckoned to be the ‘giant of Africa’ thereby posing an astronomical threat to its citizenry at large.

     

The aforementioned seemingly foreseen anomalies had made many of the its citizens both at home and in the diaspora coupled with concerned observers to unequivocally insinuate that it’s doomed. Though such presumption or insinuation presently preoccupying the mindset of the majority of Nigerians might not be unconnected to the fact that quick assertion of conclusion to happenings is peculiar to the human nature, but it’s worthy to note that that isn’t a wholesome perception; hence, not acceptable by any logical and rational creature.

     

Every sane being as well as anyone who thinks good of the acclaimed giant of Africa ought to be concerned with the panacea for this vertex of quagmire that seems not unlike a paradox. To this end, it’s needless to state that the topic of this piece was informed by this very fact – acknowledging the inevitable role of panacea in a situation like this.

      

In any circumstance, while searching for the most viable way of settling a crisis or putting a holistic end to any menace, it is imperative to firstly ascertain the origin or foundation of the plight in question; therefore the ongoing societal crises in this entity called Nigeria won’t be exceptional. In view of this obvious fact, there’s a compelling need for us to look inwardly with a view to unravelling the genesis of this apparently poignant odyssey initiated by a group of unscrupulous elements.

     

Thus, before seeking for the way out, the paramount question is, how did we get here? In some quarters, people are of the view that these predicaments are attributable to the 16-year misrule of the acclaimed largest political party in Africa – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); some persons in their understanding are preoccupied with a belief that these plights are attributed to so much promises made by the ruling party – the APC; on another axis, people believe that most of the ongoing crises were occasioned by Nigeria’s unending sole dependence on the oil sector. Among all, some schools of thought are strongly of the opinion that the origin of this state of poignancy is traceable to the presumed high level of docility that marred the Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership.

     

If I’m bound to be whole in my analysis, in a concise term I would say that there are two major factors responsible for all these tantrums and brouhahas currently ravaging all facets of our economy. One is that those whom are negatively affected by the ongoing anti-graft war or whom have perceived a ‘witch-hunt’ as the case may be had vowed to make the country ungovernable by the Mohammadu Buhari  led administration.

      The second factor is scepticism; various Nigerians are still sceptical over the established notion that President Buhari was the awaited Messiah; people are still sceptical over the sincerity surrounding the ongoing colossal anti-corruption cases; the electorate are sceptical over the anticipated actualization of the 2016 proposed budget; people are still sceptical if this administration truly has a genuine agenda that would lead this country to the anticipated promised-land. Therefore, the two factors are: the wrong use of opposition in a democratic dispensation as well as scepticism on the part of the electorate which is not unusual. Any interregnum often yields scepticism, apprehension, uncalled fear and what have you.

     

Undoubtedly, in such situation, it is the prerogative of everyone to nurture or be entitled to his/her own opinion. But for the interest of Nigeria whom is already crying foul, we are not meant to be concerned or bothered over people’s personal opinions rather how to salvage them from this untold hardship irrespective of whose ox is gored. Thus at this juncture, the most consequential and rational question becomes - what’s the panacea?

     

For the present administration to be thoroughly described and recognized as a responsible and responsive government, it must be ready to absorb constructive criticism, which remains an inevitable veritable tool in nation-building. It is expected to spread its hands open for any form of criticism that is aimed at addressing any anomaly or ill.

     

In the same vein, the administration must at all cost be willing to adhere to the principles guiding the rule of law. If anyone detained by the EFCC or the DSS has reached or tendered all the required conditions for him to be bailed, he should be released without much ado prior to when next he would be needed for further scrutiny or interrogation; it is only the military that does not understand the language of bail. To restrict the person’s movement afterwards or after the bail, they must endeavour to seize his/her International Passport or travelling documents.

     

And anyone who is still in detention that pleads to be allowed to see his doctor abroad or claims to be passing through a severe medical condition, should be allowed to travel out but in custody of the DSS, EFCC or ICPC as the case might be, or better still his doctor should be invited from abroad to attend to him in the cell. We must note that the person’s health condition is very crucial in such situation; a detainee must be medically sound to enable him/her pass through any stress during arraignment. In other words, one must be alive to attend to any query.

     

More so, the government ought to be prepared to charge accused persons to court; that is no doubt what every sane Nigerian yearns for. Unarguably, constitutionally it is only the judiciary that has the immunity to tender justice. Looters or corrupt individuals/organizations shouldn’t just return stolen monies and be allowed to get  away scot-free; if such practice is to be upheld, subsequently public office holders would attempt to steal funds in their custodies since they would only be asked to return them thereafter. In the same vein, the judicial custodians or members of the bench must endeavour to give speedy hearing to any prosecution with a view to salvaging the electorate from the bondage of unending suspense invariably witnessed during court proceedings.

      

Regarding the renewed Biafra agitation, I urge the government to handle the matter with extreme diplomacy. First, it ought to endeavour to unravel what actually prompted the reemergence of a protest that is believed to have faded off long ago, after all the aggrieved group in question has a constitutional right to ask for freedom if it felt marginalized; hence its members deserve a fair hearing. Thus, the treasonable felony established against the leader of the IPOB, Mr Nnamdi Kanu should be reviewed in earnest for the interest of Nigeria in its entirety.

     

Above all, the 2016 proposed budget was estimated on the targeted oil benchmark of $38 per barrel but right now the crude oil price is already below the stipulated benchmark and it is liable to fall further in the nearest future; this simply implies that for the said budget to be feasible when duly implemented, the government must not compromise every effort targeted towards diversification of the sources of the country’s economy. Against this backdrop, I enjoin the government to take the education, health, power, science and technology, tourism, agriculture and solid minerals sectors as priorities; the aforesaid sectors that were maltreated in the past need to be strengthened headlong. Taxing the poor masses by outrageously hiking their electricity tariffs as well as imposing a stamp duty charge of #50 on them isn’t the panacea. Honestly, if we do the needful, the ongoing continuous decline of the crude-oil’s value would soon be seen as a blessing in disguise.  

     

In the same spirit; as regards the alleged discrepancies in the proposed budget, the Senate Committee on Budgetary among other relevant standing committees in collaboration with those of the Green Chamber ought to invite the parties involved with a view to making amends where necessary rather than keeping us in suspense. They must acknowledge that the ongoing suspense is very detrimental to the country’s ostensibly pitiable economy since it’s obvious that budget remains the bedrock of any developmental strive.    

     

The educational arena requires a drastic upgrade or total overhaul in order to encourage entrepreneurship drive among our young ones; isn’t it ridiculous that among the best one thousand universities in the world, no Nigerian university is included? On a daily basis, millions of naira are being transported to foreign countries by most Nigerian parents/guardians to cater for their wards’ tuition fees. The health sector too, cannot be neglected because ab initio billions of naira are invariably sent to foreign nations by the rich for payment of medical treatments at the expense of our foreign reserve. This country is blessed with enormous cultural heritage; hence it’s high time we harnessed the viable and lucrative ones for the sake of tourism. It’s so pathetic that our farmers are still using farming implements used by our great grandfathers. The governors, rather than depending solely on the federal allocation should also be mandated to follow suit as regards diversification of the IGRs in their respective states to enable them not to see the continued payment of the #18000 minimum wage as a far-fetched concernment.

     

Most importantly, right now our leaders are expected to note that Nigeria requires meritocracy towards actualizing her anticipated change. People ought to be considered important and relevant based on their abilities and competence rather than their wealth, social statuses or political affiliations.

     

Inter alia, the electorate on their part must desist from cantankerous lifestyle. We can’t continue sitting on the fence and expect miracles to happen.  More so, we ought to learn how to use civil language while tendering lamentations, criticisms, protests, commentaries and what have you, if truly we pray and earnestly seek for a salvaged Nigeria. At least the political wills being showcased by this administration deserve some credit or kudos; thus let’s exercise a little faith while we wait, after all Rome wasn’t built in a day. Think about it!

 

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador  

As We Embrace Altercation-free Imo

AS WE EMBRACE ALTERCATION-FREE IMO

    

It’s only a sadist that would have wished to continue observing Imo acts not unlike a confused state. It’s no longer news that barely few weeks ago, Imo State – the Eastern Heartland, which is invariably reckoned as a peaceful arena, attracted the attention of not only Nigerians but the global community owing to a misunderstanding that transpired between the government of the state and the labour union.

    

The last time I checked, the dusts had settled. Of course, it’s apparent that currently the state in question is altercation-free. The long awaited moment was occasioned by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was duly signed by the state government through its Solicitor General, the organized labour, and the traders’ union (TUC) penultimate week, specifically on Wednesday February 10, 2016.

    

In the MOU, which disclosed that the disengaged workers had been reinstated and that the concession policy had been put on hold, government stated categorically that it would source for funds to pay workers which would be verified by the joint committee of government and the labour union. It further stated that, government would fund its operations with not more than thirty percent (30%) of the verified revenue for the affected month whilst the working committee would apply the balance of seventy percent (70%) in the settlement of salaries of public servants as well as pensioners in the state.

      

Now that Imo is altercation-free, every rational entity or individual would want to realize what the future holds for the great state. In other words, every concerned body is presently no doubt interested in the way forward since it’s obvious that ‘after rain come shine’.

     

It’s in this regard that I considered it wise and ideal to come up with this piece. Suffice it to say that this critique was informed by the need to inform as well as advise Imolites and all the concerned parties on what is actually expected of them, either collectively or individually, at this moment of sober reflection that requires pensive moods. Thank God it’s happening at the apt time – the Lent period.

    

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the person of Chief John Oyegun who was in Imo State on the day of the protest staged by the NLC that led to the signing of the MOU had appealed to workers in the state to face the reality and have a round table with the government with a view to proffering possible solutions that would continue to unite them. Thus, I urge the concerned groups not to do otherwise if the interest of Imo is paramount to them.

    

Similarly, in his words the governor Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha made it known that he never sacked any worker nor owed any, but only suspended them due to their indolence. In view of this claim, there’s no need asking the members of the said workforce to reexamine their consciences especially at this period of Lent. This is a period of penance, abstinence and of course total repentance; so we are expected to embrace it in its totality. 

     

It was the famous philosopher, Socrates of the blessed memory that said, ‘an unexamined life is not worth living’, and I assent to the aphorism. Every sane and sincere being in Nigeria is aware of the obvious fact that truancy, apathy, self-centredness, and what have you, are peculiar to the country’s public service sector. To this end, I would personally like to be of help to the government towards ensuring that the bad eggs amid the workers are fished out without much ado. Enough is enough!

     

Such practices as falsification of age, forging of promotion letter (Genre 35), lateness to duty, stealing of government properties, filling of the payroll with ghost workers, lousiness while at work, and deceit, among other forms of sabotage, theft and cruelty have unarguably in recent times become a tradition to most public servants, particularly those at the top. Every Nigerian invariably laments over the ongoing crises occasioned by unemployment, but it’s pertinent to acknowledge that in the real sense most current serving civil servants are in their seventies (70s). How would you reconcile these assertions?

    

Another worrisome issue we are required to note is that, according to Gov Okorocha, Imo in spite of being an oil producing state, receives one of the least allocations from the federal government. For the past ten months, Imo has been receiving between #1.9 billion and #2.3 billion on a monthly basis with a wage bill of over #4 billion. Though the governor needs to address this lingering anomaly with the sitting President – Mohammadu Buhari, but it’s imperative to acknowledge that diversification of the sources of the state’s IGR remains an inevitable measure.

    

This is undoubtedly the era of total turnaround. Any element of deceit emanating from any angle must be swallowed or thrown to the waste bin headlong. Anyone who truly loves Imo State ought to do everything humanly possible to avoid further emergence of acrimony in the state.

      

At this juncture, I must sincerely appreciate the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha for the urgent and humane step taken to address the altercation; he has indeed proven beyond any reasonable doubt that he’s a listening governor. Notwithstanding, his Excellency must take into cognizance that though Imo is in the hands of God but he’s the god the Imolites are seeing, hence must be extremely cautious of all his actions as he works vehemently towards rescuing Imo people in their entirety. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

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