OKOROCHA AND HIS FASCINATING AMNESTY COMMITTEE
The
last time I checked, peace remained the key factor towards attaining every
developmental stride in any society. This is the reason every rational leader
invariably makes a frantic effort to sustain peace. Sure, a peaceful atmosphere
brings absolute unity among the citizenry, and it is only formidable oneness
that yields the anticipated societal uplift.
It
was against this backdrop that the Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha thought
it wise to ensure that the various militant activities ravaging the state’s
socio-economic status were put to a stop. And, his giant stride in that regard
saw the light of the day few weeks ago when hundreds of members of the said
group jettisoned their weapons and ammunitions before the governor, among other
security chiefs in the ancient state, at the Government House Owerri.
The
aforementioned gesture was obviously greeted by series of commendations by not
just Imolites, but every well meaning individual across the country. In the
piece I did in respect to the accomplishment titled “Imo, the militants and
Okorocha’s stride”, which was published on this column, I categorically made it
clear that, by that achievement, other leaders in the country wouldn’t hesitate
to consult Gov. Okorocha on how best to handle cases pertaining to insurgency
coupled with other security issues. I equally advised the governor to hasten up
toward ensuring that the grievances of the repentant militants were addressed
in earnest.
This could be the reason the governor
thought it wise to set up an amnesty committee penultimate week, precisely on
Monday 26th September 2016. It’s very fascinating to acknowledge
that the number one citizen appointed his amiable wife, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha to
chair the said committee. This singular action was widely greeted by mixed
feelings and counter reactions among the citizens of the state and its
environs.
Undoubtedly, it is mind-boggling,
perhaps interesting to note that the governor made his wife the boss of that
very sensitive and critical committee. Personally, I was shock when I got the
news while in Lagos State. First, I asked myself what could have propelled the
governor to act in such direction. We are not unaware that the office of the
first lady of any state or country, as might be the case, is loaded with
enormous responsibilities concerning governance, and that of Imo isn’t
exceptional. Hence, appointing a first lady to man such essential committee is,
to say the least, not unlike causing more harm than good to the office in
question.
We have thousands of Imolites who can go
extra mile to ensure that they get the best if given the chance to serve in
such capacity. So, why weren’t suchlike persons called to fit in, rather than
complicating the First Lady’s office? It’s high time our leaders started
learning how to fish out good heads amidst the hidden. There are several
trustworthy and competent citizens who are eagerly willing and ready to
contribute their quota, even if they stand to gain nothing while in the
position.
However, lest I forget, it’s worth
noting that the governor’s action was solely informed by the motive to ensure
that the committee served effectively and efficiently so that at the end of the
day, only success would be recorded, and not for any selfish interest as being
presumed in most quarters. From my point of view as an analyst, the governor
wanted someone that wouldn’t tender excuses in the long run; hence, he decided
to appoint his bedmate so that he would continually, even at night, remind her
how crucial the committee is, thus ought to be treated as such.
Having acknowledged the above assertion, let’s
go straight to the business of the day. First and foremost, we must understand
that the governor meant well for the state; that’s why he apparently had
sleepless nights during the era the militants were ravaging every facet of the state’s
wellbeing. Someone who possesses such intent or political will wouldn’t like to
disappoint the insurgents having surrendered their arms as demanded. In other
words, he would ostensibly stop at nothing towards ensuring that the needful is
done headlong. This is equally the reason he dissolved the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) existing between the various communities and the oil firms operating in
the state, so that, a more viable one would be reestablished.
To this end, I wish to make it very clear that
the amnesty committee means well for the aggrieved faction of the state, and
Imolites in general; suffice it to say that it requires the contribution of all
and sundry toward recording nothing but complete success prior to the end of
its assignment. The ad-hoc committee is requested to submit its comprehensive
report in three months time. Ninety days could be long, but it’s indeed a very
short interval considering the terms of reference of the committee. In view of
this, its members are not expected to embrace a moment of rest till they are
done with the concernment. This is why I didn’t find it conducive and ideal
involving the First lady, let alone making her the Chairperson.
Notwithstanding, the deed has already
been done, thus all we look forward to, right now, is the way forward. The
committee members needn’t be told that all eyes are currently on them, and that
people’s expectations are very high, thus are expected to sacrifice anything
with a view to coming up with the best result. They should take time to visit
each of the affected communities, and endeavour to have one-on-one interactions
with their residents. They mustn’t depend on assumptions. This measure would go
a long way to ensuring that their findings are holistic and candid.
The point remains that, the fascinating
amnesty committee would determine the fate of the state in areas of peace,
security and conflict resolution, thus its members mustn’t take it for granted,
considering the fact that no state/society can strive successfully if it lacks
the aforementioned factors. Think about it!
Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Researcher, Blogger,
Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter:
@mediambassador
No comments:
Post a Comment