THE 2017 IMO FREEDOM DAY ANNIVERSARY IN REVIEW
The last time I checked, Imo – the Eastern
Heartland – was indeed agog on Saturday 6th May 2017 to the delight
of all and sundry both within and beyond. The moment of excitement was not
unconnected with the commemoration of the Imo Freedom Day usually celebrated on
May 6 of every year as instituted by the Rescue Mission Government led by
Governor Rochas Okorocha.
According to the said governor, 6th
of May, which was the day the supplementary polls that brought him into power
in 2011 took place having declared the main gubernatorial election inconclusive
by the electoral umpire (INEC), remains the day the entire Imolites were
liberated or rescued from all forms of societal maltreatments as well as
political god-fatherism; hence, such day deserved to be regarded as a day
freedom came into existence in the ancient state. In view of this assertion, he
pronounced that May 6 each year shall be observed in the state as ‘Imo Freedom
Day’.
It’s noteworthy that since 2012, which marked
the maiden edition of the commemoration, the event had invariably been observed
at a special venue popularly known as ‘Imo Freedom Square’ established
purposely for the celebration. It is equally worthy to note that that of 2017,
which held two weeks ago – precisely on Saturday May 6 – was very unique,
enticing and commendable.
Prior to the 2017 anniversary, channels were
created for the members of the public to tender any sort of grievance or unfair
treatment they have received from the Gov. Okorocha - led administration. The
numerous petitions were received by the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union
of Journalists (NUJ) who was a major stakeholder of the awaited event. About
one hundred and twenty (120) petitions were reportedly tendered by different
individuals and corporate bodies. The plan was that those petitions would be
read on the day of the ceremony right before the members of the gathering.
Before the occasion took place, many
were still sceptical that it would not happen as planned. In other words, the
Thomases were of the strong view that there was no how the governor would allow
those petitions to be read before the public, or those who were expected to
grace the event. The occasion was meant to be covered live by various
electronic media including Channels TV, AIT, and Orient FM, coupled with
countless print media outfits.
To the people’s utmost amazement, on
that very day, everything occurred just as planned; various petitions were read
out right before the governor, his guests, allies, alongside his teeming fans
whom were present, and the petitioners were equally called out by the anchor to
throw more light on their respective grievances. Aside the people present,
let’s not forget in haste that the ceremony was covered live by various
electronic media, thus the whole world was undoubtedly viewing it from all
walks of life. Personally, I had to watch the event from Abuja, where I travelled
within the period in review.
It was awesome and astonishing, to
assert the least. Where I was seated while viewing the event, I was graciously
flanked by many friends and associates. Before I could notice it, I found
myself shedding tears inadvertently; yes, tears of joy. I could not believe
that a political leader in the contemporary African society could organize such
an occasion. My friends who were with me understood my feelings, thus they
became affected by my mood thereby making them eulogize the governor therein.
Believe it or not, that was the best gift a leader in any democratic setting
could give his/her teeming followers.
However, it was understandable that some of
the petitions were not read at the event. They were kept pending till when next
a subsequent phase would be organized. In his words, the Chief Host Gov.
Okorocha told the gathering that the government subscribed for three hours to
ensure that the event was duly televised as long as it lasts, but it seemed the
duration paid for wasn’t enough to accommodate the whole event; this
necessitated the outright postponement of announcement of other petitions yet
to be read, upon the consent of the individuals present. I’m using this medium
to appeal to the government to ensure that a certain day is fixed for the
unread petitions to be holistically unveiled, so that, it would be fair to all
concerned.
Similarly,
those petitions that were read on that fateful day were thoroughly responded to
by the governor who therein assigned their anticipated resolutions to the apt
authorities cum personnel. For instance, those that pertained to land matters
were allocated to the Commissioner for Land, Survey, Housing and Urban
Planning, whilst those relating to security were allocated to the state’s
Commissioner of Police. The governor is expected to follow those cases squarely
towards ensuring that the personnel in charge handled them as required. If they
are not followed up, I’m afraid, all the efforts put in place so far may end up
not yielding any reasonable fruit. And, I don’t think that is what the governor
wants for his people.
As much as I candidly appreciate the
amiable governor for this rare gesture showcased, I’m on the other hand
enjoining His Excellency to do the needful thereafter, so that in the end,
there won’t be any reason not to celebrate his person. Think about it!
Comrade FDN Nwaozor
Follow me: @mediambassador
http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor
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frednwaozor@gmail.com
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