Opinion II Imolites, It's Another May 29!

IMOLITES, IT’S ANOTHER MAY 29!

         

The last time I checked, there wasn’t any sane mind in Nigeria as a whole, and Imo in particular, that was yet to realize the essence of May 29 in the country’s democratic setting. It suffices to assert that every dick and harry in this country is apparently not unaware what the above day represents.

        

For some of us who are yet unaware, it is on this day, in 1999 precisely, that the then military rulers in Nigeria thought it wise to voluntarily hand over power to prospective civilian leaders, thereby allowing democracy to ubiquitously be in charge. And, the democracy in question is marking its eighteen years of uninterrupted existence today being 29^th of May 2017. This signifies, if I’m not mistaken, that democracy has come to stay in the acclaimed giant of Africa. It’s therefore needless to state that such scenario arguably calls for a thunderous celebration.

         

For those who may be doubtful about why we celebrate a day of this kind, it is worth noting that there is no any other system of leadership anywhere in the world that can be equated with the democratic system. In other words, democratic pattern of leadership is unparalleled or unequalled. It is unequalled because it is the only system of government that allows freedom of speech from the citizenry regardless of the circumstance; it is the only system that gives the people the opportunity to elect whomsoever they would like to be at the helm of affairs; it is the only system that grants room for protest if need be.

          

So, having pointed out those unique features of democracy, who then would counter the need for the celebration? Having stated that democracy is the only form of leadership that can allow the people at all levels to freely air their views, who would then say that it does not worth celebrating? I tell you solemnly that it is only he who doesn’t know what it means for the governed to tender a free speech that would criticize democracy; hence, only an ingrate can say boldly that democracy is worthless. Read my lips. Let’s ride on!

        

As we celebrate, I want to be more concerned on how much the aforesaid system has fared so far in Imo State, particularly since the emergence of the Rescue Mission Administration led by Governor Rochas Okorocha. Let’s commence from the beginning. We may have forgotten in haste but it would be nice, and wise too, for us to recall that Gov. Okorocha emerged as the governor of the Eastern Heartland via a popular mandate instituted by the masses, thus the victory was occasioned by his popularity as at the time in question.

         

Having acknowledged how he came into power, as well as owing to his extreme passion for education, he without much ado declared free education from nursery through primary to secondary level. As if that wasn’t enough, he further extended the laudable gesture to all the tertiary institutions of learning owned by the state. It is noteworthy that our teeming children are till date enjoying the free education in their various citadels of learning.

          

Similarly, the governor’s passion for good health among the people necessitated the establishment of the Ochiedike Diagnostic Centre, Owerri coupled with the Imo Foundation. It was equally same passion that informed the ongoing construction of Health centres in each of the twenty-seven (27) Local Government Areas in the state, though I have often times criticized the emergence of this very project which I see as unnecessary.

          

In the area of infrastructure and security, the record is unprecedented, thus speaks volumes. This is the only government that single-handedly constructed first to fifth inland roads to ease traffic congestion that was continually faced by commuters. Prior to the creation of the said roads, the various areas utilized for the construction were all bushes. Before the emergence of this government, security threats were obviously unbecoming and on the rampage. But now, Imolites can sleep with their both eyes closed contrary to what it used to be in the past, though the recent reemergence of insecurity along the Douglas Road is yearning for urgent and frank attention from the apt authorities.

          

Inter alia, the Rescue Mission Government has succeeded in crippling the god-fatherism syndrome that was formerly the order of the day in Imo State. Before now, the man in charge, rather than paying attention to the needful, would prefer to continue paying royalty or homage to a few political juggernauts he believed played a key role in bringing him into power. Throwing such ugly custom to the waste-bin where it rightly belongs simply indicates that the ‘share the money’ pattern is dead and buried in the state. The said phenomenon indeed took the state’s democratic affairs aback. Thank God it now belongs to the history book.

         

However, it’s worthy of note that this administration, likewise any other form of leadership, has erred in one way or the other. The lingering vacuum being witnessed in our various LGAs, as occasioned by inability to conduct Local Government election in the state, remains one of the major areas the revered Gov. Okorocha – led government has derailed. In the same vein, the ongoing faceoff existing between the government and the retirees is also an anomaly that is speaking badly of the government. The point is that, these individuals known as ‘senior citizens’ are old, thus their intelligence ought not to be played on.

          

All in all, the current administration has done well from my overall observation and assessment. If I’m asked to grade its leadership style and accomplishments, I would allocate seventy-five percent (75%) to it. We all are aware that the aforementioned percentage stands for distinction. Although the government has done well, it is wise for it to use an event like this to reexamine its existing policies towards changing the porous ones. A porous policy is simply not unlike a bad tyre; it can never move an inch unless it is changed.

          

So, as I sincerely and immensely congratulate the governor on this great and remarkable occasion, I enjoin his Excellency to endeavour to address the lapses created thus far; so that in the long run, we shall all have no reason not to celebrate him and his entire team.

         

Imolites, on their part, are also required to live up to the expectations at all times.  Hence, as we celebrate as well as look forward to receiving the goodies that are yet to arrive, we ought to equally note that it takes two to tango. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director,Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

         

ShortStory II Dream and Quest

DREAM AND QUEST (II)

        Pondering over the strong message dropped by his father Prof. B. O. Ola, asking him to steer clear of his house as he (Kunle) was left alone by the couple right in the sitting room, Kunle couldn’t fathom the reason his biological dad would instruct him to leave his house simply because he had chosen to pursue a career he had developed extreme passion for. Obviously, he never saw suchlike sticker that required exegesis coming from anywhere; that was why he remained perturbed immediately after his parents exited from the parlour.

        Nevertheless, the 19-year-old chap wasn’t deterred by the threat. Though every other person within could tag it an ‘empty threat’, he was of the deep view that even if the professor turned out to mean his words, it would never mark the exodus of the seeming controversial pursuit; rather, it would spur him to put in more effort toward proving to his parents that a ‘rejected’ child could still attain greatness in life regardless of the enormity of the challenges.

       “Why did you make such pronouncement?” Mrs. Ola queried her hubby the moment she joined him in their matrimonial room, standing.

       “What’s so strange about it?” the young don responded as he sat on the bed.

      “Everything,” Mrs. Ola quarreled. “Everything is strange about it.”

      “Everything like what?”

      “How could you ask your biological son to leave your house?” she said, stood still. “Your first child for that matter.”

      “So..?”

      “Can you listen to yourself?” she ranted.

      “Woman, don’t come here and boggle me.” The don warned. “I needed to make that naughty boy sit up.”

      “And you think you can actualize that by threatening him?”

      “Since he has obviously lost his senses,” quoth the don. “That was the only way I could make him realize that we are not in any way happy with him.”

      “I totally disagree with you.” she said, sat on the bed at about half a metre away from him. “Honey, this is not the way you can bring his senses back.” She advised tenderly.

      “That boy has caused us enormous pains.” the don frowned. “I just wanted to discipline him in my own way.”

       There was a brief tranquility. “I understand how you feel, dear.” She broke the silence. “But, all I am saying is that you went too far.”

      “Okay, okay,” surrendered the don. “I have withdrawn my statement.”

      “Are you sure?”

      “Yes, of course.” he said. “Go and tell him that the statement had been withdrawn.”

        Mrs. Ola smiled. “Now you are talking, my Prof.” she complimented. “Let me quickly go out there and tender the good news.” She exclaimed, stood up and walked towards the door.

        He smiled too, shook his head as he watched her depart. “Mothers and children.” He thought elatedly.

       When she got to the parlour, Kunle had already left the place, thus she went to his bedroom in search of him. “Kunle, dear.” She called as soon as she stepped into his room.

       “Yes mum.” He managed to answer as he lay in his bed, seemed deeply thoughtful.

        Mrs. Ola walked towards him, sat on the bed. “I came to give you the good news.” She announced, looking into his eyes.

       “Good news?” he said. “How?”

       “Yes dear.”

       “What’s the good news?”

       “Your dad has retrieved the utterance.”

       “Which utterance, mum?”

       “Asking you to leave the house for elsewhere.”

       “Oh that?” quoth Kunle, still lying down. “Well, I am sorry.”

       “Sorry about what?”

       “I don’t care about the retrieval.”

       “Why..?”

       “Because I have already taken a decision.”

       “A decision on what?”

       “I have made up my mind to leave this house.” He notified frankly, glancing at the PVC ceiling. “And, I am doing that first thing tomorrow morning.”

       “You are not serious,” she doubted. “Are you?”

       “Then, you watch me do it by tomorrow morning.”

       “No naow..” the mum cautioned tenderly. “How could you think like that?”

        “Because I have noticed,” he responded. “I am no longer needed in this house.”

       “Says who?”

       “But dad just said it awhile ago.” He cleared the air. “What other evidence do I need for it to be proven?”

       “Common.., your daddy was only joking nah.”

       “I have made up my mind, mum.” He insisted. “And there’s no going back.” He informed. “Sorry about that.”

       “So, where will you be going to?”

       “Let me worry about that, mum.” The chap enjoined. “I would be fine, okay?” he assured.

        Therein, Mrs. Ola gushed out huge tears, felt like passing out.

        The following day, Kunle left the house as planned for a destination unknown to his parents, in spite of all the efforts put together by the latter – particularly his mum – to discourage the move. His abrupt departure, which created a colossal vacuum in the entire Ola’s family, was indeed a big blow to them especially his mum and four siblings.

       The family remained in the emotional and psychological trauma for years till one fateful day when something very fascinating transpired. On that day when the mum was watching the television at home all alone, she was so shocked and amazed to see Kunle being interviewed on one of the revered global television channels. The most amazing part was that the interview disclosed that the dude, who was now 24, was based in the United States of America (U.S.A) practising musicology.

       The good news was that, after he left home five years back, he ran into a mentor that helped him secure a visa to the U.S.A where he was conscientized to undergo a professional programme in Musicology. After the studies, he established a career development centre in the country (U.S.) where he trained thousands of people with musical talents and potentials. Within a short time frame, as God would have it, he metamorphosed into a well-celebrated musical trainer/educator in the States that he hardly had time for leisure activity.

       The intriguing and ironical part of it was that, rather than being on stage practising music based on his earlier dream, he was grooming countless individuals for the job. Yes Kunle had a dream, but his unrelenting quest to achieve the dream in question made him got to the peak of the ladder.

         It’s noteworthy that, the father, Prof. B. O. Ola had all it takes to channel him aptly into that line but the don was rather foreseeing a situation where Kunle would take over from him as an academic professor, not knowing that everyone had their respective calls to answer.

        Having seen him on the TV, the family whom was yet to hear from him since he left home, made frantic effort to reach him via several means. Consequently, their move became successful, thus in few weeks time, Kunle left America for Nigeria towards having a reunion with them. Prior to this point, he had already forgiven everyone particularly his dad who created the scene that prompted his unscheduled departure.

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

_____________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador

     
    

Opinion II Still on the Pensioners' Plight

STILL ON  THE IMO PENSIONERS’ PLIGHT

        

The last time I checked, the supposed senior citizens in Imo were pathetically-looking set of individuals, to assert the least. Yes, they currently appear not unlike the overused arms and ammunitions during the Nigerian civil war. Though I wasn’t a living witness to the aforementioned battle field, history has it that virtually every arm deployed for the combat was deeply overused owing to insufficiency.

        

Do you have a pensioner around you? If you do, please do take a walk towards his or her presence with a view to taking a painstaking look on his overall posture. Maybe, just a glance at his person would be enough for you to tender the required commentary. But if peradventure a look isn’t enough, then I would advise you to transcend to engaging him or her on a talk. Probably, a speech from him would be more than enough.

         

But if you don’t have any pensioner within your territory, please endeavour to search for one. I urge you to make effort to see at least one because that is the only way you would assent to the above assertion that reads ‘pathetically-looking set of individuals’. It is only when you witness something or an event that you can authoritatively report on how it looked like, or how it went, as the case may be. Hence, it’s not helpful and wholesome to base our theory on speculations or hearsay.

          

Since I commence my writing career, I have ensured that I don’t write or comment based on what I was told; rather, in accordance with what I verified, or personally learnt. So when I said, our teeming pensioners were looking so pitiable the last time I met them, I was speaking in line with what I saw for myself. In fact, the set of people in question seriously needs to be rescued by the revered Rescue Mission Government graciously piloted by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

          

It is indeed mind-boggling to acknowledge that they willingly entered an agreement with the government penultimate year with a view to salvaging the lingering untold hardship that abruptly befell them, yet they are still ravaged by same monster. At the moment, they unequivocally seem like persons whose intelligences were played on during the period in review. In order not to go into detail that could be boring, the said agreement had it that after the sacrifice they were enjoined to make, which they eventually did, from January 2017 onwards, each of them – ranging from Grade Level one to infinity – shall be receiving hundred per cent (100%) of his or her pension.

         

It would shock you to note that since January till date, none of them has received a dime, let alone the statutory pension accruable to him/her. Worse still, the current proposal is that, those with Grade Level seven and above shall receive only fifty per cent (50%) of their respective pensions, contrary to the previous pledge, or agreement so to say. Whilst, those with Grade Level six and below shall receive full payment. It is not even a proposal, rather the concluded plan of the government, because there is presently no any arrangement for an extensive talk between the two parties involved in that regard.

         

I want to seize this opportunity to announce solemnly that the situation is becoming intensely unbearable for these respected individuals. They are ubiquitously addressed as ‘senior citizens’, but now could best be described as vulnerable. That is the irony of life. This government is widely reckoned to be a listening government, or one that operates with a human face; it’s on this backdrop that I call on the revered governor, to please give the issue the attention it truly deserves. We can’t continue to claim ignorance of the level of hardship these people are passing through.

        

This is the only government that thought it wise to clear the backlog of pensions it met on board, the moment the governor assumed office in 2011. In the same vein, I could recall vividly with passion that some time ago, a pensioner in the state who retired as a school headmaster once addressed Gov. Okorocha as not just a governor but ‘an astute administrator’; the eulogy wasn’t unconnected with the measure the aforesaid political leader was using to ensure that no pensioner in the Eastern Heartland was owed, not even a Kobo.

         

So, we can’t forget in haste that this administration sincerely means well for the ‘senior citizens’. We cannot equally forget in a hurry that all these hullabaloos were occasioned by the ongoing recessionary era that emerged unannounced two years ago. We can’t as well deny that the government is making frantic effort to see that every form of debt is duly cleared. But what we are confused at is why these persons would receive a certain promise just last year, but currently, actualization of such a lofty pledge seems far-fetched.

         

It is on this note I plead with the Rescue Mission Administration to kindly do the needful. It ought to endeavour to rescue these individuals that are presently crying foul in every nook and cranny of the state. As much as I candidly appreciate this government for all the commendable efforts put in place thus far, I want to equally notify it that it would be so shameful and unspeakable for the teeming pensioners to remain in agony when we are celebrating Democracy Day. Think about it!

Comr. FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director,Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador

   

ShortStory II Dream and Quest

DREAM AND QUEST

       Only time could tell what Kunle’s fate entailed. He had refused to further his education having sat for his Senior School Certificate Examination (S.S.C.E) in spite of the fact that he hailed from a revered academic home; his 56-year-old father was an astute Professor of Linguistics, and 53-year-old mother – a Masters degree holder in History Education – was a teacher of a reputable government owned secondary school in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

        The couple, Prof. and Mrs. B. O. Ola kept wondering what had came over their first child who was supposed to take the lead among their five children in terms of academic quest. What baffled them most was that Kunle wasn’t a weakling academically, thus shouldn’t be marred by apathy in that regard. Rather than thinking deeply on how to add a crown to his shoulders, education wise, he had chosen to desperately pursue a career in music, forgetting where he was coming from or the background he was linked to. Hence, they were of the strong notion that the 19-year-old chap who concluded his secondary education two years back was being faced by a hallucination.

        Indeed, Mr. Kunle Ola was academically and morally sound, and had tried to remain one of the best among his peers throughout his primary cum secondary schools’ time. But, how his psyche abruptly became so fixed to pursuing a musical career was something that kept his friends and relatives in a serious sober mood. To him, attending a tertiary institution was a complete waste of time, energy as well as resources since there was no white-collar job that awaited any undergraduate.

        His parents had employed several avenues for the umpteenth time toward urging him to jettison the ‘weird’ idea, all to no avail.

      “Kunle.” Prof. Ola called as he was seated in his home lounge alongside his wife who sat very closely to him, in a sofa.

       “Yes, daddy.” He answered from an adjacent side.

       “Please, can you tell us,” the don rode on. “What exactly prompted this your sudden quest?”

       “Sudden quest?” the chap reiterated.

       “Yes,” said the Prof. while his wife listened attentively leaning on the settee. “Your sudden quest to pursue a musical career?”

       “Dad, I have been into this for almost a year plus..” Kunle argued. “So why tagging it a sudden quest?”

       “I know,” the Prof. concurred. “But all these brouhahas started after your SSCE.” He said, paused. “I could recall that you were so passionate about finding yourself in the university all through your secondary school time.”

        There was a brief silence. “So, why the unannounced change of mind?” the don supplemented.

        Kunle was quiet, speechless.

       “Were you influenced by some friends or what?” quoth Prof. Ola.

       “Dad,” Kunle called. “I was not influenced by anybody.” He clarified, paused. “Rather, I am only pursuing my dream.”

       “But son,” Mrs. Ola interrupted calmly. “This wasn’t initially your dream, like your father pointed out”

       “Mum, what did you mean by initially?”

       “Meaning,” Prof. Ola came in. “This was not your earlier plan.” he said, paused. “You have always dreamt of becoming a work-class engineer.”

        Kunle dished out dazzling smile. “Dad,” he called, looking at the don. “Mum,” he added, turning to his mum. “With your level of understanding, you should know that change is constant.”

       “Hmmm…” Prof. Ola released a deep gas, shook his head.

       “Son,” said Mrs. Ola. “I still believe, you can have a rethink.” She asserted, paused. “Remember the son of whom you are.”

       “That is the problem.” Kunle ranted. “Every time, remember the son of whom you are.” he said, frowning. “Am I a criminal, or have I done anything unlawful?”

       “What has come over you, Kunle.” Prof. Ola inquired furiously.

       “Am I not old enough to nurture my own dream?” the chap thought aloud. “Or, don’t I know what is good for me?” he continued, not minding his dad’s tantrum.

       “Will you shut up?” roared the don. “Do you realize you are seated right before your parents?”

        “Na wa ooh…” Mrs. Ola exclaimed, marvelled.

        “Or, have you lost your senses.” the Prof added.

        “Dad, I am sorry.” tendered Kunle. “Mum, please I am so sorry.” He supplemented.

        There was tranquility. “Just that, I don’t see any reason I shouldn’t be allowed to pursue my dream.” He broke the silence. “As my parents, I expect you to support my ambition rather than discouraging me...” He enjoined submissively.

       “Support you?” his mum interrupted. “Support you in what?”

       “My musical dream, of course.’

       “Is that a dream?” she quarreled. “Who told you that you can get anything done in this twenty-first century without obtaining a basic education?”

       “Mum, I have acquired basic education.”

       “S.S.C.E?”

       “Yes mum,” replied the chap. “That remains the standard basic education anywhere in the world.”

         His dad shook his head sympathetically, remained calm and silent.

       “My dear,” Mrs. Ola called tenderly. “For your information, First Degree is currently the required basic education anywhere across the globe.” She informed strongly. “The era of SSCE has gone.”

       “I totally disagree with you, mum.”

       “Will you shut up?” the don came in again, in a weird mood. “I can see, you are really sick.” He observed, paused.

         Kunle was completely cold over the roar.

       “Have you seen your son?” the don ranted, fixing his eyes on his wife. “You better talk to him.” He added in a jiffy.

       “My son..?” Mrs. Ola said, surprised. “So, he is no longer your son?”

       “How am I sure he is?” He thought aloud, sighed, looking at Kunle.

        Kunle was shocked, remained in cold mood.

       “Prof...” the wife calmed him down over the last utterance. “What are you up to?” She supplemented.

       “Dad,” Kunle broke his silence. “So you have disowned me, simply because I have chosen to pursue a career of my choice?”

       “What stupid career is that?” the Prof. queried, stood up fiercely. “If you must continue with this strange quest of yours, then be prepared to relocate to your own house.”

        The wife was so bemused over the outburst, couldn’t utter a word.

       “Dad…” Kunle exclaimed, flabbergasted. “Are you actually sending me out of your house?”

       “You heard me right,” the don reiterated. “Didn’t you?” He said, frantically walks straight to his matrimonial room.

       “Son, you better have a rethink.” Mrs. Ola conscientized, stood up and joined her hubby.

       “Mum, so you are siding him?” quoth the poor chap as he watched his loving mother take a bow.

        What transpired afterwards ought to be a narration for subsequent edition, so keep a date with us.

        Meanwhile, if you were in Kunle’s shoes, what would you do thereafter? Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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