Few nights ago, I was as not unusual
listening to my radio set with keen passion not until I became saturated with
the very station I was following; hence I thought it wise to touch the dial
with the intention of tuning to other wave bands to ascertain which one would
suit my listening pleasure. Before I could take the step as planned, a melody
that rekindles my humble soul was instantly played by the Disc Jockey on duty;
consequently, therein my arms became seemingly paralysed or were tightly tied.
What is currently witnessed in Imo State otherwise known as the ‘Eastern
Heartland’ as regards the state’s recent concessioning policy might be synonymous
with the above narrative. The former comprises Gov Rochas Okorocha, Imo workers
and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), whereas the latter (the narrative) is
made up of the radio set, the listener and the Disc Jockey (DJ); in this case,
Gov Okorocha could be linked to the listener having linked the Imo workers to
the radio set, whilst the NLC is apparently similar to the DJ. The rest is
history.
Let’s face the reality. It is no longer news that most of the
state-owned parastatals and agencies in the said state were recently
concessioned by the Rochas Okorocha led administration; and in consequence to
the measure, the affected civil servants were purportedly suspended
indefinitely by the government - a mandate that had succeeded in generating
uncontrollable uproar both in the state and beyond.
The NLC has warned the workers involved not to adhere to the purported
suspension notice issued by the state government thereby asking them to remain
in their various offices and duty posts without exercising any iota of fear
even if they are served with death warrants owing to their rebellion.
In respect to the directive of the NLC, I reportedly learnt that efforts
made by the Transition Committee Chairmen of most of the LGAs in the state who
had gone to displace the distressed workers in their respective councils with
the help of security personnel as were instructed by the government proved
abortive. According to news making the rounds, the futility of their efforts
was not unconnected to the repulsive measure taken by the members of the host
communities where the various affected parastatals are situated; apparently the
communities in question are not gladdened by the ‘unjust’ treatment received by
the poor workers.
I, albeit humorously, mocked one of my childhood friends some days ago
amidst an informal gathering. Thereafter, the said fellow confided in me and
disclosed wholeheartedly that he learned a lot from the sarcasm I used on his
person. What are we saying in essence? Life is all about criticisms and ability
of the supposed recipient to absorb or manage the constructive ones
effectively. Thus if a certain criticism is targeted to someone, he/she ought
not to be dismayed by the gesture, rather is expected to try as much as
possible to learn something tangible from it.
Concessioning, disengagement, suspension or what have you, may have been
the order of the day in Imo thereby constituting series of cacophony in various
quarters, but it’s imperative for us to comprehend some vital facts attached to
the seemingly unpleasant or unwanted scenario. Lest I forget; this very piece
was informed by the one I did penultimate week entitled ‘Okorocha and the
suspended Imo workers’, the subsequent reactions generated by the piece in
question as well as the latest development in regard to the purported
disengagement.
The fundamental and crucial facts we are meant to acknowledge are as
follows: concessioning of firms or parastatals is a worthwhile idea provided
tangible and rational reasons are given, and in this case we were informed the
action taken by the government was occasioned by the obvious fact that the
affected parastatals were moribund. Another vital fact is that most of the
workers involved are due for retirement; hence deserve to go for a compulsory
rest so that new ones or young and vibrant prospective civil servants would
fill the gap – this would also go a long way to increase productivity because
the old bloods are indeed weak and incapacitated.
But at this juncture, we need to ask ourselves some rudimentary
questions. If truly that those parastatals were moribund, who or what prompted
their disgusting physiognomies? Was it the government, the workers or the
public? Unravelling the answers to these questions would save us from distress.
Unequivocally, it’s pitiable that every occurrence had been blamed on the
present economic meltdown in the country; to this end, there’s a compelling
need for us to go back to the drawing board with a view to putting some
paramount things in order, especially at this moment we are preoccupied with
the way forward or diversification of the existing IGR sources.
Gov Rochas Okorocha might have taken a gigantic and commendable step but
it’s important for his Excellency to note that diplomacy remains the best
avenue towards reaching a dialogue, unless he actually doesn’t believe in the
aforesaid factor – dialogue. Right now, in the interest of Imolites and the
state at large, every logical being would understand that the only option is
that the amiable and people friendly governor need to cuddle the affected
workers and the labour union in general. Thus, it’s high time we went back to
the discussion table.
Several discussions undoubtedly might have taken place prior to this
time but there’s need and room for more. Any project begins with discussion and
equally ends with it. We can’t continue like this because the scene is already
telling on the entire Imo populace coupled with the ongoing economic crisis,
therefore there’s an urgent need for total turnaround. The private investors
involved ought to also assist in the proposed peace talk if their intentions
are really genuine. On their part, the workers and the NLC as an organized body
must endeavour to eschew violence at all cost because that is the least we
expect from them.
My paramount worry is that the health sector is deeply affected by the
ongoing mayhem especially at this moment the entire country is experiencing the
reemergence of Lassa fever and Avian Influenza popularly called ‘Bird flu’
which is tantamount to placing the state’s health status to a state of
jeopardy. The health workers whom are not willing to leave or vacant their duty
posts are being heavily distracted on a daily basis, and we are aware of the
consequences of such scenario. It isn’t funny at all.
I just learnt that the affected
workers had been asked to report to their respective ministries or places of
primary assignment for onward relocation or posting to other viable
parastatals, departments or agencies. It’s no doubt a welcome development but I
candidly plead with the government not to play politics with such sensitive
issue that has already overheated the polity. Think about it!
Comr Fred Doc
Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador 
No comments:
Post a Comment