The
last time I checked, the State Executive Council (SEC) of Imo ably led by
Governor Rochas Okorocha just released some fascinating and mind-blowing
resolutions made during its last meeting held on Friday 2nd
September 2016 at the Ndubuisi Kanu Executive Council Chambers – Government
House Owerri, which were disclosed to the general public penultimate week by
the state’s Commissioner for Information in the person of Chief Vitalis Ajumbe.
The
highlights of the resolutions were as follows: That,
v The
state’s Local Government Council election will hold in January, 2017.
v Every
pensioner in the state would be paid for the month of August 2016, while
Government continues its negotiations with the Pension Union on how to clear
the rest of the pension arrears.
v Five
graduates per ward, from the 305 INEC wards in the state, would be employed to
beef up the state’s civil service; and that the graduates must be computer
literate.
v Eke-ukwu
market as well as Ama-awusa, situated in Owerri metropolis, would be relocated
to their respective proposed permanent sites, on/before 30th
September 2016.
Since
‘it’s better late than never’, it’s good news that the pending LG elections in
the ancient state would eventually take place in January 2017. Of course, only
an imbecile would assert that such long awaited resolution was inconsequential.
But, the question is: how prepared is the government to ensure that the
prolonged polls would surely hold at the stipulated period or thereabouts? This
is equally how we were told that the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers would
conduct its election towards producing its next substantive leadership; but
till date, we are still looking forward to witnessing the materialization of such
crucial and sensitive pronouncement.
If
I’m not mistaken, this is the umpteenth time the state would schedule the LG
election. I can’t recollect vividly how many times I have written on this
subject matter, all to no avail. Hence, let it be that this laudable resolution,
that couldn’t have come at a better time than now, was emanated by a genuine
political will. Imolites are hopeful.
Why
would pensioners be paid for only the month of August; does it imply that
pension is now a privilege? After all those months of suffering and anguish,
the SEC thought it wise to pay the senior citizens only for a month. How could
someone think of such idea let alone making it public? Well, if the one month
pension is given to them right now, it would heal a reasonable percentage of
the injuries they have incurred so far; but, is the proposed ‘one month’
payment forthcoming?
It’s
even more appalling that no one remembered gratuity. Nevertheless, I’m not
surprised; how would they discuss gratuities involving millions when pensions
that involved just a token are swept under the carpet? It’s really saddening
that, at the moment, non-payment of pensions and gratuities is blamed on the
ongoing recession. Even if salaries cannot be paid owing to economic meltdown,
pensions aren’t meant to be affected, because pension is simply the result of
the overall contributions/savings made by the pensioner while in service.
Funnily
enough, the government is considering employing more job seekers from across
the state when those already employed are not entitled to their wages. How do
you reconcile this? Currently, the least I expect from any government is to
discuss employment. We are talking of how to strengthen the economy, so that,
lucrative job opportunities would be ubiquitously available, and not how to
further suffocate the epileptic economy. It’s obvious that there’s no
sufficient fund to pay workers. So, what’s the essence of engaging more hands?
Even if the government doesn’t truly mean it, such intent ought not to be made
public.
The
last but not the least; relocation of Eke-ukwu Owerri and Ama-awusa. I wonder
why it has taken the government so much time and energy to relocate the
Ama-awusa, which has constituted an enormous nuisance in the Owerri metropolis.
Is the place, or its occupants, more important than other several shanties and
structures already demolished by the government; so, why the much ado? Suchlike
delay isn’t unlike making a landlord look foolish while his tenant is being
adored. Read my lips.
The
proposed relocation of Eke-ukwu Owerri might be a very commendable move, but
it’s pertinent to acknowledge that such action shouldn’t be taken in haste. I’m
personally strongly in support of relocation of the said market because its
locality is apparently causing more harm than good. But, I’m afraid; it’s the
market that made the people of Owerri Nchi-Ise (metropolis) to be entitled to
an autonomous community. According to the law binding Autonomous Communities in
the state, any prospective autonomous community must boast of, at least, a
befitting market, church, school, hospital, and what have you. Suffice it to
say that the market in question, if it must be relocated, it should be taken to
a locality that’s under the Owerri Autonomous Community.
All
I’m soliciting for is that, the government ought to look inwards to ensure that
every of its proposed actions, is fair and neutral. Only a just action can
guarantee a unified society, thus fairness is bound to be our keyword in every
action we intend to take. Similarly, let’s not relegate other stakeholders to
the background while taking any sensitive decision. Everyone’s contribution is
immensely needed toward building a formidable society we all yearn for,
especially at this point we are deeply concerned about economic
diversification.
I’ve
come to realize that the major plight faced by government at all levels in
Nigeria, is not inability to propound a sound policy; rather, inability to
uphold sincerity. If any government strives to have a sincere intent or
political will, I bet you, there won’t be any barrier towards good governance.
Think about it!
Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
(TheMediaAmbassador)-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
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