The last time I checked, the twenty-eight Commissioner nominees that were
successfully screened by the Imo legislators recently as tradition demanded had
been sworn in by the state’s governor Chief Rochas Okorocha and therein
assigned to various ministries to super-head their affairs. It’s noteworthy
that the appointed twenty-seven Transition Committee (TC) chairmen of the 27
Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state were equally inaugurated.
It would be recalled that in June this year,
the governor relieved virtually all his cabinet members of their duties; an
action that affected the then serving commissioners in each of the existing
ministries in the Eastern Heartland. It suffices to say that since the
aforementioned month till Monday, 4th December 2017 when the
swearing-in ceremony took place, the various ministries had been lacking
commissioners to pilot their respective day-to-day activities.
Considering the above paragraph, it’s needless
to reiterate that the event that eventually ushered in the new commissioners
was conspicuously long overdue. In other words, every rational and sane Imolite
or a true friend of the state could not wait to embrace such an epochal moment.
Before discussing what truly informed
this piece, I would like to take a slight look at some fascinating things that
happened at the said occasion, which held at the Imo International Convention
Centre (IICC). At the venue, before the distinguished guests, Governor Okorocha
rightly disclosed that some of the ministries would be relocated to other parts
of the state. This is arguably a welcome development to the best of my
knowledge.
I was, to say the least, so delighted
when the governor made the pronouncement. I had prior to the ceremony, for the
umpteenth time, analyzed on the need to decentralize some of the existing
ministries in the state just as it is seen in states like Lagos among others.
Among several benefits that await such remarkable measure, decentralization of
various ministries leads to drastic societal uplift as well as tremendously
helps to cushion the ongoing excruciating effects of rural-urban migration.
This implies that I cannot wait to see
the governor implementing such lofty initiative, even though the affected
workers wouldn’t be pleased with the idea. After actualizing the relocation
through the use of the executive immunity, I employ the governor to ensure that
the approach is sold to the lawmakers to enable them deliberate on it via a
bill towards making it a project that would stand the test of time.
However, another intriguing factor that
emerged on that fateful day was the assignment of a portfolio to a former aide
of the governor who never participated in the screening exercise conducted by
the revered legislators. A woman whose name was never mentioned as one of the
commissioner nominees was decorated as the ‘Supervisory’ Commissioner for
Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment, which later was rebranded ‘Happiness and
Purpose Fulfillment’.
One may even ask; what is really the
essence of such portfolio? What other happiness or fulfillment does Imolites
require if the commissioners assigned to the already existing ministries carry
out their duties effectively and efficiently, or are not found wanting in the
long run? The funniest part was that the newest ministry was renamed just a few
hours after the inauguration ceremony.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that
this critique is mainly necessitated by the need for the newly inaugurated
commissioners, TC-chairmen cum members coupled with the concerned expanded EXCO
officials to comprehend what next is expected of their persons as they assume
duties.
As they have eventually climbed the mantle of
leadership, they need not to be told that this is simply a clarion call; a call
to serve; a call for stewardship; a call to assist in building the state. It is
obvious that some of these appointees aren’t just assuming duties but resuming;
needless to state that they have been in the system from the outset. Whether
you are assuming or resuming, the consignment is designed for you to see
yourself as a steward and not an emperor.
Similarly, these appointees shouldn’t be
reminded that completion of the numerous projects across the state initiated by
the Rescue Mission Administration now lies in their court. The governor made it
clear on the day of the swearing-in that the reason he ensured that each LGA in
the state got a commissioner slot was the need for the said appointees to see
that the ongoing projects in their respective councils are duly completed. Hence,
there is no need reiterating that we shall hold them responsible if the
projects in their various LGAs failed. Most importantly, they must note that to
actualize this, team work mustn’t be taken for granted.
Inter alia, the appointees must take
into cognizance the indisputable role of time management. They need to be ready
to manage their time aptly. Some of them may decide to be in the office at
11:00 am or even anytime beyond; such a mentality is very bad and unethical. A
good leader ought to be the first to be present at his/her working place or
venue for a proposed meeting.
They must also be conscious of how they
entertain their guests while in the office. Some guests may want to spend
several hours in the office of a commissioner or TC-chairman, as the case may
be; such way of life is uncalled for in a formal setting, thus unacceptable.
The bosses are required to make their respective guests understand that they
are working with time and that other visitors are waiting, hence the need to be
brief and succinct.
I can’t round off this piece without letting
the appointees acknowledge that they represent the governor in their respective
jurisdictions, thus mustn’t relent to advise, inform the number-one citizen on
what should be done in the areas they are super-heading.
All in all, the TC-chairmen ought to in
their capacities remind the governor the compelling need to conduct the long
awaited LG polls. In view of this, they must see themselves as apostles of
truth. Think about it!
Comrade FDN Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri
________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
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