Analysis I As Nigeria Witnesses Another Interregnum

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



At the moment, every dick and harry domiciled in Nigeria is apparently well informed concerning how critical the current state of the nation is, especially as regards the political circle.
The Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, boldly stipulates that every elected political leader in the country shall reign in his/her office for a period of four years, upon which fresh elections would be conducted by the electoral umpire to usher in another set of elected leaders.
Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999 with the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the first democratically-elected President in the era, the country would be witnessing its fifth interregnum on May 29, 2019, meaning literally that the ongoing republic has graciously clocked twenty.
The fourth interregnum saw the enthronement of Muhammadu Buhari as the fourth democratically-elected President in this era. The 5th power transition is once again ushering in the said political leader as the fifth elected president of the country in the 4th republic.
The above paragraph signifies that this interregnum is witnessing the return of the just concluded administration, which is predicated on a change mantra with its prime intention of ending corruption, insecurity and revamping the overall economy.
Nigeria as a country has really gone a long way, both in politics and life generally. Her contemporary democratic system has equally covered a tremendous distance thus far having transcended to the point of witnessing five different interregnums.
Nigeria truly deserves some tangible accolades having proceeded this far and been able to sustain a system of government that’s much and widely celebrated across the global community. She has indeed done novel in the eyes of the discerning onlookers.
But how prepared and keen are the teeming Nigerians to continue enjoying this democracy? This is a question every concerned mind would like to ask. One may equally ask; is democracy actually enjoyable?
The candid answer to the latter is Yes. Democracy is arguably enjoyable in all ramifications, because its elements are unequalled compared to other systems of government. It has been popularly opined in various climes that the worst democracy is better than the best autocracy among others.
Aside the key rudimentary features, such as freedom of speech and what have you, that make a democratic pattern very unique, it’s the only system that imbues the people with the power to enthrone and recall any elected officer, as the case may be.
Beside all these beauties, the greatest of all lies in governance. Democracy ably allocates power to the people to decide the type of governance to be instituted in their respective lands. Hence, institution of good or bad governance mainly depends on the people.
The aforementioned facts indicate that the people possess the power to repulse any despotic government as it pleases them. Several occurrences, both in the past and present, have showcased that the beauty of democracy is unparalleled and unquantifiable.
However, the citizenry cannot smoothly sustain democracy by talking down on their leaders. As much as we perceive unfair or uncalled leadership, it’s as well pertinent to acknowledge that a redress cannot be actualized by tendering destructive criticism or other related reactions.
As Nigeria witnesses yet another interregnum that’s returning President Buhari for a second term in office, every facet – to include the government, the governed and the onlookers – is expected to keenly and painstakingly embrace a rethink in all their doings towards meaningfully contributing their respective quotas in the days ahead.
The best thing that would happen to any leader is to be widely celebrated while in office and having left the arena. It’s worth noting that no leader can receive such manner of encomium from the followers if he fails to lead sincerely and passionately.
Leadership pays only when the leader extract any element of prank from his day-to-day leadership stride. So, if a certain leader truly wants to be loved by the people, he must endeavour to unconditionally carry everyone along in his scheme of work.
On the other hand, followership equally pays only when the follower extract any form of partisanship in his/her daily doings. It takes the candid efforts of both the leaders and the followers to bring the anticipated good governance.
On their part, the onlookers who may not be citizens of the country or society are also expected to remain rational and impartial at all times. As they make effort to contribute their quota, they mustn’t come up with anything targeted to disrupt the existing peace or that would bring disunity among the entire citizens/residents.
As Buhari continues in his leadership of change, I urge him to strictly focus on national issues or matters that would critically help to strengthen national unity. He ought to be able to eject sycophants or bad bloods from his team in its entirety.
Similarly, the president must equip his caucus with good number of eligible technocrats – who must be truly Nigerians – to enable him aptly pilot the craft to the desired destination. He should therefore endeavour to consolidate on his good works during the first dispensation and be willing to jettison the ones reckoned to be bad.
For Nigeria to get and remain better, we all must be ready to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. So, as I candidly congratulate Mr. President for this golden moment, I enjoin His Excellency to take into cognizance that Nigerians are earnestly in need of nothing less than gold.
In view of this, he shouldn’t be reminded that this is the time to face the reality squarely. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Analysis I X-raying Okorocha's Recent Avowal On APC

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



The last time I checked, the scheduled general elections across the Nigerian State were conspicuously over, if not a few senatorial districts that are yet to realize their fate.
As many losers from the events – particularly best ones – are variously laying their respective complaints and grievances either in the Tribunal or on the streets, the incumbent cum outgoing governor of Imo State Chief Rochas Okorocha wouldn’t be left out.
Chief Okorocha, in recent times, has inadvertently become one of the most – if not the most – controversial politicians within the shores of Nigeria, perhaps owing to his superiority complex or what have you.
He contested the rescheduled February 9, 2019 National Assembly (NASS) election to represent the Imo West Senatorial District and was reportedly declared the winner of the contest, but the Returning Officer Prof. Innocent Ibeawuchi who made the declaration swiftly informed the public that the pronouncement was done ‘under duress’.
Owing to the report, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – the body imbued with the powers to conduct or nullify elections – vowed never to issue any Certificate of Return to the governor alongside others whose purported victories were announced in controversial circumstance as reported.
Subsequently, the governor’s most preferred candidate for the February 23 Imo gubernatorial election, Mr. Uche Nwosu who ran under the auspices of the Action Alliance (AA) emerged the best loser in the highly competitive outing, following Chief Emeka Ihedioha of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who was confirmed the winner of the contest.
Considering that Okorocha cannot currently boast of becoming a member of the NASS come June, 2019 – a position he has longed for – coupled with the fact that the Imo State Government House won’t be occupied by his ‘anointed’ candidate at the expiration of his tenure by 29th May 2019, the governor is publicly crying not unlike a wounded lion.
Ever since the aforementioned elections respectively ended, Okorocha – who has already approached the court to seek for redress over his ordeal – has been doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the Return’s Certificate is issued to him by the INEC led by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
On the other hand, the seemingly battered politician equally prays to the Governorship Election Tribunal – by proxy though – to declare his son-in-law Mr. Nwosu as the winner of the guber poll having alleged that Chief Ihedioha’s victory was secured via irregularities.
Two weeks back, precisely on 1st April 2019, he privately met with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, probably towards discussing some personal issues.
Immediately after the meeting, when he was hurriedly approached by the press on the premises of the State House, he lamented profusely over the injustice allegedly meted to his person prior to the 2019 general elections by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
He insinuated that the APC might be headed for a point of extinction before the 2023 general elections if drastic measures weren’t deployed to address the ongoing ‘abnormalities’ taking place in the party, having told the newsmen that Oshiomhole was the architect of the perceived derailment. He, therefore, opined that if the National Chairman wasn’t removed in earnest, the party might be found in a sorry state soonest.
It would be recalled that the Okorocha’s son-in-law couldn’t secure the APC guber ticket prior to the elections as against his desire and frantic efforts, thereby making the latter to defect to the AA in a bid to fulfill his ambition.
In a related development, just after the Presidential poll before the gubernatorial election, the Oshiomhole-led NWC of the APC outrightly suspended Okorocha from the party. Since then, the governor has been apparently standing aloof like a tree in the wilderness. This could be what informed his latest visit to the Aso Rock.
Okorocha’s abrupt u-turn that’s targeted towards ensuring that Oshiomhole is removed is really laughable and unbelievable, to assert the least. Even if our memories are too short, we wouldn’t forget in haste, or so soon, the intrigues and politics that heralded the emergence of the latter as the Chairman of the APC.
Before the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun took a bow, President Buhari wasn’t in support of his foreseen exit because the number one citizen was wisely of the view that scheduling a national convention targeted to produce new leadership of the APC, would negatively affect the party’s success at the polls that were then awaited.
But, contrary to Buhari’s view, Okorocha alongside his likes insisted that Oyegun deserved to go, perhaps because he wasn’t seemingly in support of his (Oyegun’s) leadership. Before this time, Oshiomhole had already been decorated to take over the mantle of leadership, solely by the efforts of Okorocha and his allies who had succeeded in lobbying a national leader of the party, Chief Bola Tinubu to share their sentiments.
Surprisingly, Oshiomhole’s emergence ended up not being in favour of the Imo governor. The former who had accused the latter of planning to build “Okorocha’s dynasty” frantically refused to play along with him having reportedly chosen to embrace neutrality and fairness for the party’s sake rather than that of an individual that’s likely to mar the party’s existence.
Now, the wounded lion whose injury could be tagged self-inflicted is publicly calling for Oshiomhole’s head. Wonders indeed, shall never end. The former ought to have unequivocally faced reality at the moment by jettisoning the fallacy and illusion earlier embraced by his person. But it seems he’s still daydreaming.
It’s baffling that a political leader who had all the chances of producing a successor as well as becoming far more popular after the general elections is now crying foul in every nook and cranny. It’s equally paradoxical that the incumbent Deputy Governor of the State, Prince Eze Madumere whom the governor earlier thought he could easily suppress or enslave is currently the most celebrated politician in Imo.
Okorocha’s case is clearly a big lesson to any leader imbued with superiority complex, which usually result in inconsequential controversies. However, as we continue to watch this drama and await its outright end, isn’t it ideal to insinuate that the governor’s ongoing experience is likened to karma? Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, TheMediaAmbassador, is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement

Analysis I On Madumere's Vigour And Ihedioha's Victory

By Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, Imolites have swiftly switched their tentacles and concerns from the current government in the state to the impending one, which isn’t unconnected with the outcome of the just concluded Imo guber poll.

It’s not anymore news that at about 12am on Tuesday, 12th March 2019, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Imo State gubernatorial election held on 9th March, 2019, Prof. Francis Otunta officially declared Chief Emeka Nkem Ihedioha as the Governor-elect of the Eastern Heartland.

It’s noteworthy that the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly’s Green Chamber, Chief Ihedioha who keenly contested under the aegis of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly polled a total of 273,404 votes to defeat his closest contender Uche Nwosu who competed under the auspices of the Action Alliance (AA) and garnered a total of 190,364 votes.

At the moment, virtually every nook and cranny within the shores of Imo is obviously branded ‘Ihedioha’, meaning literally that the victory of the erstwhile legislator is apparently remarkable and acceptable by almost all residents of the state.

It’s equally worthy of note that Chief Ihedioha had been in the guber race for four years now. He was remarkably there during the 2015 general elections but luck couldn’t smile at his person. This is to say that prior to his victorious emergence last two weeks, he was a popular candidate.

Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be misinforming anyone if I assert that his popularity didn’t play the major role towards his election as the next governor of Imo. We cannot finish discussing what truly resulted in Chief Ihedioha’s victory without mentioning the incumbent Deputy Governor of the State, Prince Eze Madumere.

Though Prince Madumere was, and is still, strongly of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his popularity and vigour played a major role towards the victory in question. I would opine that he, advertently or inadvertently, contributed immensely in making the candidature of Chief Ihedioha to be widely acceptable by the electorate. Read my lips.

Let’s swiftly revisit the political history in Imo to enable us fully acknowledge the picture I’m trying to portray herein. We may have forgotten in haste but those who are keen in politics or political trending would invariably recall that Prince Madumere and the state’s sitting governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha recently displayed their muscles to each other owing to the duo’s political differences.

The faceoff wasn’t unconnected with the governor’s insistence on installing his ‘anointed’ son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as his successor. The number one citizen remained resolute and dogmatic in his dream, ignoring the popular call from the Imo People to consider reversing his decision to favour the loyal and pleasant deputy governor who they believed has all it takes to govern the state.

In the long run, the APC’s guber ticket wasn’t grabbed by the governor’s candidate, nor Prince Madumere who had an overwhelming support from the Imo residents. Although the latter candidly, deeply and obviously supported the eventual guber flag-bearer of the party, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, his teeming allies and followers abruptly made a u-turn, defecting to the camp of Chief Ihedioha of the PDP who they believed was the only alternative candidate that could be wholly entrusted with the welfare of the overall Imolites.

According to these countless supporters and lovers of the deputy governor who seemingly meant well for the state, Chief Ihedioha was well qualified compared to any other aspirant and hails from the zone (Imo East) who they were of the view had been marginalized as regards the Imo leadership structure or Charter of Equity since the inception of the state. It’s worth noting that Prince Madumere is equally from the Imo East senatorial district whilst Sen. Uzodinma hails from Imo West.

The above candid analysis implies that what really led to Chief Ihedioha’s victory at the Imo guber poll was devoid of politics, or had no political undertones. Prince Madumere’s outstanding and astonishing acceptance by the Imo People, irrespective of party affiliations, was apparently the main reason for the current season.

It suffices to assert that as Imo is presently awash with celebrations, millions of well-meaning Imolites are equally celebrating the number two citizen of the state, even though the royal prince isn’t of the PDP extraction that secured the mandate.

One might then enthuse that the nature and features of Prince Madumere, of the APC, have succeeded in making the majority of Imo People, both home and in the Diaspora, to bear one indivisible voice regardless of their socio-political and religious inclinations. Politics and humanity undoubtedly have no meeting point.

This is the reason it’s currently opined in various quarters across Imo that, had it been Madumere clinched the APC’s guber ticket, he would have effortlessly emerged successfully at the polls as the Governor-elect of the state.

People are, therefore, predicting that Ihedioha would perform very well when enthroned as the Imo governor come 29th May 2019, since his victory is likened to divinity. According to them, considering that his successful emergence at the poll wasn’t apparently as a result of politics or politicking, but humanity, “he is destined to lead Imo”.

As Madumere’s vigour has eventually yielded Ihedioha’s victory in a grand style, it’s imperative for the victor to acknowledge that power comes from the Creator, or that power is being given by the people, not taken as wrongly opined in most quarters.

Acknowledgement of the above fact would enable him to be so magnanimous in victory. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

Analysis I As INEC Postpones The Polls

By Fred Nwaozor



Just exactly as one, who had doggedly been preparing to participate in a certain ancient cultural festival but later learnt that the scheduled event has been abruptly shifted to another date, would feel, that’s how the teeming Nigerians felt in the early hours of Saturday, 16th February 2019, precisely at about 2:30am.
On the wake of the aforesaid date, the citizenry were unfortunately informed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the scheduled national ritual had been postponed by one week after the long wait.
It’s no longer news that the Nigeria’s long awaited general elections were initially billed for 16th February and 2nd March, 2019 for the Presidential cum National Assembly (NASS) and Governorship cum States’ Houses of Assembly, respectively. It’s equally not anymore news that the polls were eventually postponed to 23rd February and 9th March, 2019, accordingly.
In his words, the INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who on the aforementioned time briefly addressed the Nigerian State as regards the postponement, cited problems surrounding “logistics and operational plan” as the reason behind the commission’s abrupt decision.
In his further clarification at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the INEC boss who disclosed before the election stakeholders and of course the general public that the unforeseen postponement was devoid of external influence contrary to the people’s speculations, lamented that the commission was lately faced with tremendous challenges pertaining to logistics.
He revealed the plights to include burning of thirteen INEC offices across the federation, numerous ongoing litigation filed by various political parties against the commission, coupled with other related issues. He, however, promised that the authority would address the anomalies prior to the rescheduled dates.
We can’t forget in haste that this latest development came barely a few days after the electoral umpire notified Nigerians in strong terms that they were fully ready and prepared to conduct the general elections, hence assured of free, fair and outstanding polls as expected.
First, I blame and ‘scold’ the INEC for mentioning litigation as part of the reasons for the so-called postponement. We are aware that only names of political parties, not candidates, are inscribed on the ballot papers. So, even if any court judgement regarding substitution eventually comes up after the elections, it won’t stop the commission from adhering to the order.
It’s noteworthy that most of the opposition parties – particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) – had blamed the development on the Federal Government (FG) led by President Muhammadu Buhari who they accused of seeking for avenue to win the presidential election by all means.
The citizens are presently filled with mixed feelings over the unexpected experience. One might presume that most of the people have been compelled, by this action, to lose interest in the impending events having ostensibly lost confidence in the INEC.
I can’t agree less with the above presumption, considering the fact that the INEC’s notice regarding the postponement wasn’t timely. Even if the move was apt and needed, I personally fault the idea of issuing the information on the very day the election was made to take place.
Taking a critical look at what transpired, someone may, without equivocations, opine that the polls in question were aborted, not postponed, because the purported postponement occurred at the time of commencement.
It’s unarguable that this isn’t the first time elections would be shifted to fresh dates in the Nigerian society, but it’s very unequivocally disgusting and disheartening that this very one took Nigerians unawares. There wasn’t previously any sign of unpreparedness from the INEC, only for the electorate to wake on the day of the election to be rudely greeted with the news of ‘postponement’.
We shouldn’t be told that many had already travelled for the exercise whilst some of them respectively covered tremendous distances, before the news of the postponement filtered in. It’s even more saddening that most of these voters borrowed money to enable them embark on the journey. This is needless to assert that these affected patriotic Nigerians are currently stranded in their various political wards.
The INEC surely had no good reason to postpone an election of this kind, having in mind that the commission has a whole four years to prepare towards the consignment. Be it security, logistics, contingencies, or whatever, four years are enough for any person or entity to have a sound preparation toward any scheduled event let alone a national election that’s usually observed by not just members of the concerned country but the global community. In other words, a development of this kind triggers an international embarrassment.
Notwithstanding, I want Nigerians to acknowledge that it’s better to abort, cancel, or postpone elections severally than to end up conducting one characterized by several irregularities. We ought to, therefore, be well informed that any form of loophole can create room for all forms of malpractice, which will never augur well for the polity.
It’s on this premise I urge the electorate to conduct themselves in such a manner that wouldn’t bring any kind of shame to the country. If the interest of Nigeria truly matters more than our individual interests, then I expect us to variously preach to the people around us the need to remain calm, law abiding, patriotic, resilient, and discerning.
And, on the part of the participating political parties, they needn’t be reminded that the voters are seemingly marred by apathy by this development, hence the need not to involve themselves in any act, inaction or reaction that would further cause more harm to the entire system. It’s our collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity and sanctity of this country, thus we must do so with all our might and exuberance.
So, inciting the voters against the government or any constituted authority has never been the way forward in such a situation like this. Nigeria as a country has once again been put to test, and Nigerians cannot afford to fail this one. Think about it!

Analysis I Averting Technical Hitches At The Polls

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



Before now, we used to say “the elections are by the corner”. But at the moment, I can boldly assert that the polls in question are already here.

The elections are truly here with us, because in just less than seventy-two hours time, Nigerians in their number would be trooping into their various polling booths to cast their votes for whosoever they would like to see as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come May 29, 2019 as well as who to represent their respective constituencies in the both chambers of the National Assembly (NASS).

Every sane and discerning Nigerian, domiciled either at home and abroad, wouldn’t hesitate to publicly say that he/she desires for something not less than free, fair, credible and peaceful polls come February 16 and March 2, 2019, respectively.

As we variously clamour or canvass for well transparent and worthwhile polls that would stand the test of time, the electoral umpire –otherwise known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – is expected to take into cognizance some key inevitable factors as regards the anticipated credibility of the elections.

As today’s world has become conspicuously tech-driven and acknowledging that the current Nigeria’s political processes and activities are powered by various technologies, the INEC must ensure that the needful are done towards averting both usual and unusual technical hitches at the polls during the two separately scheduled national rituals.

It’s now obvious that the Card Reader is relatively the engine room of the voting process in the Nigeria’s electoral terrain. Against this backdrop, the INEC presently led by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is required to do everything humanly possible with a view to ensuring that the said electronic device functioned effectively and efficiently as expected by all concerned.

Survey indicates that the use of the card reader has in recent times proven to be one of the main avenues to witness an election free from all forms of pranks and malpractices. This is the reason every right thinking person who means well for the country he belongs dispassionately advocates for its unending use in the country’s electoral activity.

Since inception in the electoral process of the acclaimed giant of Africa, the card reader has hitherto been faced by myriad of technical challenges that ordinarily ought to have been avoided if some pertinent factors were keenly considered by the concerned authorities.

It’s on this premise I deeply urge the INEC to implement various outstanding measures that would guarantee hitch-free elections as regards the expected deployment of a few tech-driven gadgets at the long awaited polls.

As I have earlier strongly advocated for a separate special unit for the continual usage and maintenance of the electronic equipment and allied sensitive materials, I still maintain my stance. Such a unit would ensure that apt and timely attention is granted to the use of the devices.

It would equally ensure that only qualified and experienced personnel are in charge of the regular deployment of the instruments. Believe it or not, the truth remains that it would only take well tested tech experts to ensure a reliable and credible use of the ‘almighty’ card reader.

Then, at the various polling units across the federation where the machines would be duly deployed for the electorate to get in touch with them, acknowledging that nowhere in Nigeria could currently boast of uninterruptible power supply, there’s a compelling need for the unit or department in charge of the functionality of the equipment to make adequate provisions for alternative electricity source as long as each of the exercises lasts.

The only known alternative means of electrification in this part of the world, particularly Nigeria, is the power generating set. Hence, the aforementioned gadget must be made available at each of the polling booths where votes would be cast by the teeming voters domiciled in the recognized political wards nationwide.

Similarly, sufficient Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, must equally be made available. Insufficient provision of this very material or substance would go a long way in jeopardizing the overall anticipation of the electorate and the accredited observers.

Even though the card readers may have been fully charged prior to the D-day, there’s a tendency that in the long run the boosted cells would discharge, thereby making the batteries in need of further charging or boost at the polls. This is the sole reason we cannot avoid providing electricity at the booths.

It would be ideal to also inform us that the INEC cannot handle this part of the national consignment without involving some other relevant stakeholders. In view of this assertion, the various community leaders cum traditional rulers need to be duly engaged or contracted to assist the electoral umpire. It would be the duty of these stakeholders to ensure that the needed power generators are provided at their respective jurisdictions.

I want to warn decisively that such a task shouldn’t be carried out by any political party or contestant, or even a party ally, to avert any sort of partisanship by the INEC ad-hoc officials posted to the polling units. Allowing any vote seeker, either individual or group, to assist the conduct of the elections in any way would definitely create room for derailment or loophole among the electoral personnel. So, the INEC must be extra careful and extremely guided in respect of this.

Inter alia, the card readers need to be thoroughly tested and retested to really guarantee adequacy when they are eventually being used at the polls. Same measure ought to be employed in the case of the vehicular tracking devices to be used by the electoral umpire.

Since the INEC, having earlier declared to deploy electronic collation pattern, has reportedly made a u-turn in order not to violate the extant Electoral Act, it’s then conspicuous that the major tech-driven approach to be utilized in the process is the use of the electronic card reader and tracking devices.

The INEC, therefore, needn’t be reminded that the anticipated credibility of the awaited polls lies mainly on the adequacy of the two tech security instruments, hence the urgent need to ensure their accuracy before the D-day. Think about it!


Comrade Nwaozor, tech expert, policy analyst & rights activist,
is the National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
___________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

Analysis I It's Time To Make Another Choice

By Fred Nwaozor



The last time I checked, May 29 annually remained a very remarkable and memorable day in the political history of the acclaimed giant of Africa.

The aforementioned day remains a moment every sane and rational individual or entity domiciled in the country wouldn’t like to miss, because it refreshes the mindset of the good memories of the past.

It’s, however, noteworthy that the interregnum in question can never come to past if elections aren’t aptly conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It’s only through such national ritual, the overall people can duly elect who to be sworn in by the country’s Chief Judge, particularly in the case of the Presidency.

It’s equally worth noting that the elections that would herald yet another transition or interregnum in the Nigeria’s leadership sphere are to be held in just ninety-six hours from now, precisely on Saturday, 16th February 2019, as scheduled by the INEC who has the sole statutory right to conduct the awaited polls as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

As Nigerians in their number swiftly and impatiently ride to the D-day towards making another choice, it’s understandable that a choice can only be made when options are readily available.

Hence, the electorate are meant to choose among many who they believe could effectively and efficiently govern the Nigerian State for the next dispensation. It ought to be extremely noted that this can only be done when they are aware of how best to differentiate the chaff from the grain.

This phenomenon is synonymous with those days while in the school when we usually find ourselves in the examination hall and were presented with an ‘Objective’ question paper where each of us was separately expected to make a choice among the given options for the entire numbers ranging from one to fifty or thereabouts.

Aside institutional exams, virtually on a daily basis, we are all faced with life examination whereby we would be required to decisively make a choice among the available options nature often brings in our day-to-day activity in a particular field of endeavour.

It suffices to assert that making a choice is invariably expected of us from time-to-time wherever we may individually find ourselves. In other words, it’s not solely in the political sphere or during electioneering era we are meant to choose between two or more things or persons, as might be the case.

Since we are already well experienced concerning choice making and what it entirely entails, no sane individual ought to be referred to as a novice whenever such a term is mentioned or being debated. This is the reason we are all seen as experts in any event that concerns elections.

In view of the above facts, as we are all variously prepared to make another choice at the polls in a matter of few hours, we do not need anyone to tutor us on the severe consequences that await any person or group that makes a wrong choice in life irrespective of his/its status.

One pertinent and key factor to consider when making any choice is the essence of doing so. We must fully take into cognizance the core reason we are making the choice. So, in summary, you can’t make a choice without telling yourself what you stand to gain from the choice to make among the provided options.

The truth of the matter is that, it pays to make a good and sound choice. One who made an apt choice will surely live to enjoy its dividend. Just like someone who intends to settle down, if he/she ends up making a wrong choice in choosing a life partner, they would definitely live to regret it the rest of their lives. This is why proper thinking is needed when it calls for choice making.

The teeming Nigerians – both home and abroad – are conspicuously here and ready once again to make another choice with a view to choosing who would be in charge of the country’s helm of affairs for the coming four years.

It’s boldly enshrined in the Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, that only those who have attained the age of eighteen are eligible to vote or be voted for. This implies that only Nigerians from 18 and above are constitutionally allowed to make this long awaited choice. This is so, to enable only those who are mature in mind and otherwise to participate in such a national ritual.

Hence, since only adults are permitted to be involved in this choice making, it’s presumed that they already know what they really want. These recognized participants or choice makers, therefore, are required to conduct themselves in such a manner that the outcome of the exercise would be unanimously applauded by all and sundry. They mustn’t display any habit or attitude that’s detrimental to the country’s wellbeing.

Most importantly, as this choice is being made, we are urged to have the interest of the country at heart. Thus, the country’s desire ought to be allowed to override our individual wishes. This would enable us to make a choice that could stand the test of time.

So, as it’s obviously time to collectively make another choice, Nigerians are enjoined to do so with a true sense of maturity, so that, they won’t live to regret it. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, National Coordinator of
Right Thinkers Movement, writes via
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

Tech I Dissecting JAMB's Tech-Driven Innovations

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



I do not hesitate to tender an extensive and exclusive commentary each time I take note of any issue or policy pertaining to education. This feature of mine might not be unconnected with my explicit love for impaction of knowledge.

In various quarters, it is being opined and echoed that education is the key to any success room hence ought to be regarded as an inevitable pathway towards attaining one’s anticipated height. But I see it as the success itself, because anyone who acquires it is already ostensibly inside the said room.

The above assertions are the reason in advanced societies educational institutions are handled with absolute care, thus given every attention they deserve. In such part of the world, funding of the institution by the concerned authorities is never compromised. It suffices to say that such a gesture is invariably seen as a priority.

This is why developing countries like Nigeria that are apparently following the footsteps of these climes as mentioned above in regard to learning don’t seem to overlook establishments such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

JAMB, which remains a household name in the Nigerian polity as regards education, has in recent times been making great waves in terms of innovations and enhancement driven by technology. The rebranding mechanism has continued unabated till date.

Its introduction of the ongoing Computer-Based Test (CBT) four years ago under the watch of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde – the then Registrar – was not unlike a mere concept that would never be physically felt. It was to the onlookers’ utmost amazement when the initiative fully metamorphosed into obvious reality.

Initially, the CBT was meant to be optional or elective whereby the prospective candidates were permitted to freely choose between it and the then usual Paper-Based Test (PBT). In other words, the CBT mode was being test-run or put to the test during that era, precisely in 2015.

At the time, having commended the tech-driven innovation without much ado, I critically and extensively recommended therein the possible ways the JAMB could advance in the initiative. Other concerned Nigerians who were equally keen to educational matters, also followed suit.

I was so impressed when I realized that the newly introduced mode of testing had eventually become non-elective or compulsory among the admission seekers. Every well-meaning education stakeholder welcomed the idea which was aimed at ushering in a zero-malpractice and marking-with-ease era.

Since the full emergence of the CBT, all forms of examination malpractice have seemingly been a thing of the past. Similarly, contrary to the manual pattern of marking formerly in vogue, the activity is now done with great ease thereby making it a labour effective scheme. Among all, results could at the moment be released by the board as soon as possible, even within a few hours after the exams.

Several improvements regarding the CBT have hitherto been recorded under the current leadership of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. In spite of a few technical hitches observed in the process, the e-mode testing has thus far made significant impacts to the delight of most Nigerians.

In the same vein, it’s equally worthy of note that an electronic registration method has fully been implemented by the JAMB. By this routine, e-mode materials are issued to the prospective candidates having purchased the e-form (e-PIN) as well as successfully registered.

For instance, only digital devices such as Compact Disc (CD) containing e-Syllabus and e-Brochure are given to the applicants, not manual booklets as done in the past. And, the payments can be made via various channels including banks, the Point of Sale (POS) machine, Automated Teller Machine (ATM), JAMB’s online portal, or the mobile phones.

In the ongoing e-registration for the 2018/2019 exams, that’s meant to last between 10th January and 21st February, 2019, all applicants would be entitled to electronic Personal Identification Numbers simply known as e-PINs the moment they made their payments. Each e-PIN, which is sent to the person’s personal phone number and grants him/her access to the registration portal, is reportedly tied to individual profile, hence not transferable.

This implies that any e-PIN is to be delivered electronically to the applicant, and not to be handwritten. Before going for the e-PIN, the applicant must have obtained his/her profile code via the cell phone number used for the preliminary exercise.

Prospective candidates are, therefore, warned to keep their respective e-PINs secret and safe toward averting any form of hacking by unscrupulous and unpatriotic elements who do not mean well for the exercise and the country at large. They are in this regard advised to see the e-PINs as strictly personal.

It’s noteworthy that only JAMB approved CBT centres nationwide are eligible to carry out the e-registration process. Each applicant is consequently required to proceed to any of these accredited centres. They have to present the e-PIN for completion of their respective registrations.

The full name of the prospective candidate as entered/typed towards acquiring the profile code, or during the preliminary stage of the e-registration, would automatically be displayed on the input of the e-PIN by the CBT centre staff.

It’s equally worth noting that anyone can also register in any of the eight JAMB recognized foreign countries, which include Ivory Coast, Ghana, Ethiopia, Benin Republic, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, England, and Beau in U.S.A.

The rigorous e-security processes to be undergone by the applicants will no doubt go a long way in curtailing different kinds of frauds and malpractices that have ab initio been in existence. It would ensure that only the persons who applied for the exams are granted the access to the e-mode question scripts.

The overall tech-driven innovations recently introduced by the JAMB will guarantee a high level of credibility and transparency in respect of the conduct of the entrance examination in its entirety. The institution is therefore encouraged to sustain the enhancements.

The JAMB, however, needs to be mindful of some key technical factors. The board must employ strict strategic approach with a view to ensuring that uninterrupted power supply is made available by the various approved CBT centres. They should also be directed to contract reliable and well experienced Information Technology (IT) experts to ensure deployment of standard and tested softwares on their computers.

Inter alia, adequate human security must be put in place to safeguard the electronic gadgets in the centres. The JAMB needs to equally inculcate these strategic measures in its headquarters towards averting any challenge either during the e-registration or the CBT.

It’s invariably great to make any innovation but far greater to painstakingly consider its apt sustenance afterwards. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, Tech Expert, Policy Analyst
& Rights Activist writes via
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Analysis I Before Nigerians Embrace The Polls

By Fred Nwaozor



The last time I checked, Nigerians in their entirety could not wait to embrace the 2019 general elections which are already by the corner. Before now, they waited patiently to witness this epochal moment.

As Nigerians in their number are basked in the ecstasy that accompanies the long awaited national ritual, before they eventually embrace the D-day, there are prime inevitable factors that mustn’t be swept under the carpet by the key actors of the impending exercise.

In any political clime across the globe, the major actors remain the political parties, electoral umpire and the electorate, hence that of Nigeria wouldn’t be exceptional. These three groups are mainly the reason for this piece, though the stance of the security outfits cannot be possibly overlooked.

We have been reliably informed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that about ninety one registered political parties would be participating in the elections scheduled to take place on February 16 and March 2, 2019, respectively.

These parties alongside their respective flag-bearers need to take into cognizance that their activities before, during and after the polls will go a long way in communicating to the electorate what they are really made up of and their real intentions.

The various parties are the main players in the pitch, hence the way and manner they play the ball as well as dribble their rivals would determine the amount of followers to be attracted to them. It suffices to enthuse that if they refused to play well or reasonably, they are liable to lose millions of fans among the spectators.

On the ballot papers meant for the contest, what is legibly written are the names/acronyms of the various political parties vying for the available positions, not the names of the recognized contestants. Thus, political wise, the electorate cast their respective votes in support of the parties as disclosed on the ballot papers, not the politicians or flag-bearers.

Acknowledging the above indisputable fact, each of the parties are expected to conduct itself in a manner where people would see it as the most suitable party for the posts being contested for. It’s noteworthy that the way they dress would surely determine how the viewers would address them.

It is primarily the duty of the parties to market or advertise the aspirants in a mature pattern, to enable them attract large and good number of prospective buyers to their shops. If the shops or products are not looking attractive and sound, no reasonable buyer will walk up to them or be moved by the wares let alone making a purchase. There are no two ways about it.

On their part, the electorate must be mindful of the product they intend to purchase. They must note that “all that glitters is not gold”. That a certain shop or ware is very attractive doesn’t actually mean the content is good or sound enough for consumption. This implies that the electorate must not only be watchful, but equally careful and cautious.

As the parties go about marketing their various flag-bearers, the electorate need to be prepared to get very close to the aspirants with a view to assessing them thoroughly and carefully towards ascertaining the qualities they truly possess.

So, don’t be deceived. And, in order not to be carried away by deceit, you need to know what you really want or desire. One who doesn’t know what he/she actually desires would be easily cajoled into purchasing the wrong product or brand. You must, therefore, discover your desire and stick to it.

Inter alia, the electorate are also urged to realize their needs. There is a great dichotomy between want and need. What a certain set of people want might only quench their personal/individual thirsts, but their need will surely satisfy the urge of the entire constituency, state, or country, as the case may be. Hence, one’s need supersedes his/her want. You are by this exegesis enjoined to go only for your needs at all cost.

The electoral umpire, the INEC, is not left out. You are the referee in this pitch, thus shouldn’t be reminded that all eyes are on you. You are, therefore, required to settle any score without sentiments. Your neutrality must not be compromised or in doubt. You must remain neutral, impartial and strict, no matter whose ox is gored.

Do not mortgage the future of our constituencies, states, or country for a mere pot of porridge yam. Posterity will undoubtedly judge you if you walk on the wrong path, and sooner and later, you would be disgraced in the public sphere. Be duly notified that no one will ever escape from the Law of Karma. It’s a law that has come to stay, hence absolutely nothing will truncate its existence.

Like I hinted earlier, the security outfits are equally part of this ritual. You have been contracted by the Nigerian people to ensure absolute calmness and peace as long as the exercise lasts, thus the citizenry aren’t expecting any excuses from you irrespective of the circumstance. If you ceased to be patriotic in carrying out the consignment, then you aren’t good or needed for the job.

Before we embrace the long awaited polls, we mustn’t be reminded that Nigeria as a country doesn’t need second best, but second to none. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, National Coordinator of
Right Thinkers Movement writes via
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Opinion I Senate As Retirement Hub For Governors

By Fred Nwaozor



As a growing child, I strongly nurtured the concept that if I eventually joined politics in future, I would like to serve in the Senate whereby I would be involved in making national laws and opportune to be addressed as Senator.

But it seems currently, I’m gradually losing that dream, which I once nurtured with great passion and vigour. The loss of interest might not be unconnected with the ongoing trending across the federation I’ve taken time to observe.

With all due respect, the continued melodrama being displayed by our serving governors has ostensibly made the revered Red Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS) to inadvertently lose its honour by the day. My choice of words ought to be considered apt if you make a bit effort to be in my humble shoes.

I wouldn’t be informing us if I say our various serving governors have made the Senate to be seen as their retirement hub. Virtually all wants to land in the NASS’ upper chamber having handed over as the Executive Governor of his State. This glaring situation is pathetically fast becoming a norm.

It has amusingly continued unabated that any governor who’s serving his second term and almost completing the tenure wouldn’t hesitate to start dreaming how he would be addressed as a senator the moment he left office. They continually think in this direction as if it has become statutory for them to vacate the Government House for the Senate upon the expiration of their tenures.

The question remains: how did we get here or who actually initiated this? Aside ascertaining the brain behind the initiative, there’s equally need to realize the reason the electorate are yet to question – in its entirety – this practice, which has succeeded in truncating the chances of ‘virgin’ Nigerians securing a senatorial seat.

As the purported political tradition lingers, most concerned analysts are engulfed in uncertainties as they ceaselessly argue that there’s no good side of the unending practice. According to this set of thinkers, the system is unwittingly throwing normalcy to the dust by allowing a few gladiators to hijack what belongs to all. I concur wholly with this school of thought, hence deeply perturbed about the existence of the uncalled act.

As I keenly observe the intrigues and intricacies surrounding the perverted political system, I can’t help but remain sober. The unfriendly ripples emanating from the anomaly is enough reason to worry over the future of our nascent democracy. This, therefore, calls for an alarm from any well meaning onlooker.

It becomes more worrisome when realized that any of the said politicians who intends to retire to his country home, or outside the Senate, after serving as a governor is strongly ‘scolded’ by his teeming followers for nurturing such interest let alone disclosing it. This implies that the followers are partly, if not mainly, the reason the leaders have apparently chosen to remain the bidders while the former continue to clap with their teeth widely open.

It’s so sad, to assert the least, that no Nigerian politician – on the average – wishes to retire having served ‘successfully’ in a certain position of authority; rather, he would want to taste virtually every other political post as he leaves office. This has abruptly become a recurring decimal among these politicos. One could boldly opine that this is an aberration.

Retirement is a good thing that every right thinking person should yearn for. It is a time when an individual is required to take a resounding rest having meritoriously served in a particular position within a given duration. Such a period in one’s life deserves to be celebrated by all and sundry. But it’s absurd that in this part of the world, people fear to go for such rest.

On the part of the civil servants, particularly the state employees, their fear is understandable. They are invariably afraid to embrace retirement owing to the fact that receiving their pensions, and even gratuities, would be far-fetched. So, in this case, we are moved to sympathize with this class of persons.

But in the case of the politicians who may have acquired ‘all’ while in office, such fear of the unknown is laughable, thus not in any way acceptable. Funnily enough, these past governors would gladly collect pensions while serving as senators. How do we reconcile this?

My prime worry and furry is that the country’s revered Senate is fast becoming a retirement ground for our various politicians. Lawmaking which is a very critical and sensitive activity, hence supposed to be reserved strictly for only ‘fresh bloods’, is now seen as a duty meant for retirees. This ugly development is mischievously implying that our young ones cannot handle the said portfolio as expected. What a nation!

We cannot continue to mortgage our collective future for a mere pot of porridge yam. It’s conspicuously high time the youth rose up from this slumber that has already unequivocally consumed their fortune. This arrant apathy, or perhaps ignorance, that smacks of cowardice, ought to be wholly terminated headlong.

As I weep on this rostrum, I don’t seek for one that would wipe the tears but someone who would truly and fully comprehend the real essence of the sobriety. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, National Coordinator of
Right Thinkers Movement, writes via
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Analysis I FG's Advisory Committee and Organized Labour

By Fred Nwaozor

Even a dummy in the Nigeria’s polity cannot afford to claim ignorance of the ongoing melodrama being acted by the Federal Government (FG) and the organized labour comprising mainly the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The aforementioned scene, informed by the organized labour’s quest for an upward review of the national minimum wage of the Nigerian workers from the current N18,000 to a more reasonable and tangible figure, has been on the centre stage for several months now.

It would be recalled that the N18,000 currently enjoyed by the workers was effected by the FG in early 2011. The International Labour Organization (ILO) stipulates that the national minimum wage of any nation ought to be upwardly reviewed every five years. This implies that reviewing the country’s minimum wage is long overdue.

Considering how the ongoing melodrama has lingered thus far, a keen onlooker might boldly insinuate that the FG is playing some pranks on the organized labour, though various financial experts comprehend that the apparent inaction displayed by the government is necessitated by fear of the unknown.

As Nigerians perceive that the governments at all levels possess the financial muscle to bear the burden to be occasioned by the proposed N30,000 as new national minimum wage, concerned analysts have feared that even if the FG ends up fulfilling its own part of the bargain, other sectors involved such as the state governments and private investors might still suffer a severe setback. The truth is that the FG is presently uncertain over its capacity to fully implement the said amount as agreed by the tripartite committee, if signed into law.

This could be the reason the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has delayed the transmission of the bill regarding the newly proposed minimum wage to the National Assembly (NASS) for onward constitutional deliberations. This apathy on the part of the FG has been against the wishes of concerned Nigerians who hoped that the bill would be transmitted to the NASS before the end of 2018.

As their hopes were dashed penultimate year, at the wake of the 2019, the NLC led by Comrade Ayuba Waba tendered a strong New Year message, informing the citizenry that there would be a total shutdown across the federation by 8th January 2019 unless their demands were met by the government prior to the stipulated date.

Owing to the above threat, the FG further engaged the organized labour in rigorous meetings with a view to averting the intended strike. The outcome of the harmonized discussions was an ultimatum issued to the government to transmit the money bill to the NASS on or before January 23, 2019. This doesn’t override the fact that the FG is still jittery over the anticipated implementation of the amount in question.

In regard to the anxiety, President Buhari on Wednesday, 9th January 2019 set up a 30-man Technical Advisory Committee to work out modalities on how the proposed N30,000 new minimum wage could be implemented smoothly and successfully. The committee was given thirty days from the inauguration date to submit its report.

Since the 30-man committee is charged with a feasibility study, or the responsibility of aptly advising the government on how best to source the funds for implementation of the proposed figure, a discerning mind would like to advise the members of the committee to tactically stick to the needful as they carry out the consignment.

With all due respect, I want to scold the relevant authorities for coming up with the concept of setting up an advisory committee at the late hour. It’s worthy of note that even if the motive is lofty, the Fire Brigade approach accorded to it has the tendency of negatively affecting the foreseen laudable outcome of the entire idea.

The organized labour has already warned decisively that the deliberations of the constituted committee shouldn’t in any way alter the January-23 ultimatum. This strongly signifies that the ultimatum is sacrosanct, hence must not be seen as a mere threat as it has played out in the past.

Since the labour is hell bent to shut down the country if the government failed to transmit the money bill before the expiration of the given deadline and considering that the general elections are around the corner, the FG is expected not to shun the frantic request of the workers.

Let’s assume the government eventually adhered to the demand of the organized labour and the advisory committee submitted its comprehensive report after 23rd of January, what then becomes the fate of the FG if the committee asserted that the proposed N30,000 isn’t feasible? This mind-boggling question is enough reason the committee is meant to tender its report before the controversial bill is transmitted.

Among all the suggestions cum advices to be given by the committee, it shouldn’t forget to mention the compelling need for the governments to cut down bureaucracies and excesses. All forms of leakages related to taxation must be duly blocked. Also, on no account should borrowing be suggested for recurrent expenditure.

Similarly, an advisory committee ought to be set up for the case of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who embarked on an industrial action since 5th November 2018 and had vowed never to resume until the FG fully implements the agreement reached with the union.

We can’t fold our arms and claim that all is okay while in the real sense, all is actually not well. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor,TheMediaAmbassador, is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement

Analysis I Making New Year Resolutions Amid Challenges

By Fred Nwaozor



The long awaited 2019 has eventually arrived. Just like an odyssey, the beginning of every year is invariably accompanied with influx of fresh dreams, concepts, anticipations, plans, or what have you.

It’s imperative to acknowledge that towards actualization of these wishes, the bearer is expected to inculcate reasonable resolutions into his or her life to enable him/her stick to the rules as the journey progresses.

The resolution would serve as a viable guide as you pursue the dream vigorously. One thing we must take into cognizance is that two major factors – altitude and attitude – determine the realization of any plan at all times.

The former, which literally means the distance you are meant to cover during the journey, cannot be actualized if proper planning is taken for granted; secondly, you must follow the apt route for you to get to the anticipated destination. The latter, which signifies the lifestyle or policies of the plan bearer, is needed to enable him do the right thing while relating with his fellow humans whilst the odyssey is on.

One’s attitude indeed speaks volumes when pursuing anything whatsoever. Your attitude or character would make your partners – benefactors, colleagues, or associates, as the case may be – give you the required support or attention when need be.

It would equally put you in a form that would enable you apply the overall needed strategies adequately. For instance, if you are used to drinking indiscriminately, such attitude could ruin your plans, because it can make you not to concentrate, or do the right thing, as well as make your intending partners detest your person, thus wouldn’t like to work or cooperate with you.

A bad attitude would make the journey crash along the line owing to your inability to relate well with your fellow travellers. A bad attitude is simply like a flat tyre; it can never go anywhere until you change it irrespective of the circumstance.

In view of this, a sound resolution serves as a recipe to a viable plan or concept. Having initiated a plan in accordance with your dreams or wishes, courtesy demands that you draw good resolutions that would help to reshape your attitudes.

The proposed resolutions must be in respect of your flaws, and not that of your relatives or friends. Hence, you must design a resolution that would suit your person. Don’t make resolutions in line with what others are making. It ought to be done to address your shortcomings, and not that of others.

Since a dream/wish is expected to beget a plan, it’s needless to state that a dream without adequate resolutions is seemingly meaningless or would remain futile. So, as every year often unveils a distinct dream, it is worthy of note that the dream might suffer a severe setback in the process if its bearer fails to summon good resolutions prior to implementing the strategies begotten by the plan.

In other words, without a resolution, a dream is virtually useless, and vice-versa. It suffices to say that dream and resolution are interwoven. But it takes only a sound resolution for a dream to excel as expected.

Though making a resolution is very crucial, it’s noteworthy that sustaining it is a different issue entirely. Several factors – including influence, environment and idleness – serve as a deterrent toward the sustenance of any resolution. The company you keep can jeopardize your chances of maintaining your resolution due to influence. So, as you make a resolution, you ought to endeavour to delete some names from your friendship list.

In the same vein, in his words, the great philosopher, Karl Marx stated that ‘Environment determines the action of the mind’. I strongly concur with this ancient assertion. Where you live or the place you found yourself at a given time plays a key role in keeping a resolution.

Among all, idleness on its part can also contribute negatively to the sustenance of a certain set of resolutions. The saying that ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ is enough reason to worry. A well conceived concept can be bedevilled by idleness.

It’s noteworthy that all forms of challenges can pose threat to any kind of resolution regardless of the level of determination of the bearer. This implies a certain challenge can constitute nuisance in the long run, thus can destruct the wholesomeness of the journey in question. In some cases, such a circumstance makes it so difficult for one to make a resolution let alone sustain it.

Making resolutions amid challenges might seem very tough but there’s need to comprehend that such a challenge can be subdued if the needful is done. In a situation of this kind, one who truly intends to make as well as keep a resolution is required to be resolute and resilient at all cost.

Inter alia, you are required to be deeply prayerful and faithful. You must build your spiritual life to the core and never depart from your faith. Prayer is as powerful as faith, but always note that the latter is arguably more powerful.

However, it’s worth noting that a certain challenge might be to your advantage. Those whom their flaw is about debauchery ought to see a challenge such as financial incapacitation as a blessing in disguise. This condition would enable such persons to go only for their needs, not wants. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor (TheMediaAmbassador)is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement

APC, Oshiomhole And The Distressed Governors

By Fred Nwaozor

Even an outsider in the Nigeria’s political sphere wouldn’t claim ignorance of the melodrama being acted by the current National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the governors of Imo, Ogun and Zamfara States in the persons of Rochas Okorocha, Ibikunle Amosun and Abdul-aziz Yari, respectively.

The scene that could best be described as intriguing isn’t unconnected with the primary elections conducted recently by the APC under the watch of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), particularly as they concerned the governorship race in the aforementioned states.

It’s not anymore news that the governors in question were ab initio reportedly making frantic effort to foist their favourite candidates on the ruling party for the forthcoming guber polls in their respective states.

Their dreams apparently became futile few weeks back when Mr. Oshiomhole publicly informed the teeming Nigerians via a press briefing that he had refused to please a few members of the APC who felt they could maneuver the party’s activity, thereby displeasing the majority who ought to be the prime determinant of the party’s doings.

Oshiomhole’s unequivocal declaration triggered mixed feelings among the overall party faithful and the entire Nigerians, especially those who initially presumed the boss was the governors’ instrument. As some were busy commending the former Edo State governor, some others opined he had shortchanged their interests hence condemned the move in its entirety.

In his words during press briefing, Mr. Oshiomhole told the world that the NWC led by him had fairly chosen to dance to the tune of those they felt had the support of the party’s majority. He therefore notified that since the said aspirants emerged victoriously at the party primaries that took place in their various states, their names would be outrightly forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s substantive candidates for their respective states’ guber elections.

The wishes of the trio or distressed governors, which was tagged by the NWC as that of the minority, was finally silenced when the electoral umpire eventually published the comprehensive list of the candidates for the impending gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the 36 states across the federation.

Since the emergence of the latest development, the trio has ostensibly insisted on its struggle. On his part, Gov. Okorocha alongside his allies has frantically vowed to confront the outcome through any available legal means towards ensuring that his son-in-law, Mr. Uche Nwosu becomes the guber flag-bearer of the APC.

It would be recalled that in his speech, Mr. Oshiomhole had asserted that Okorocha was making effort to create a “political dynasty” in Imo whereby all political offices in the state come 2019 would be virtually occupied by his relatives or whosoever that’s ‘ordained’ by him.

Funnily enough, reacting to the insinuation, the governor concurred with the assertion, stating he was only ensuring that after his exit as the Imo number one citizen, the state would be managed by his likes or those who mean well for the Eastern Heartland; a claim that has reportedly resulted in uncontrollable laughter in different quarters within the state.

The issue at hand is that Oshiomhole has been accused by the trio of manipulation. It’s equally in the know of the public that the boss had been accused of collecting N50m bribe to alter the APC primaries held in various states. The allegation had since been refuted by the accused person and the Department of the State Service (DSS) has as well reportedly interrogated him in that regard.

As various concerned groups and individuals have called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to thoroughly investigate Ohiomhole, it would also be imperative for the exercise to be extended to the aggrieved bigwigs of the APC. It’s already rumoured in some quarters that a certain governor allegedly offered the boss a sum of $500,000 but “he rejected it”.

It’s noteworthy that millions of Imolites – both home and abroad – have already applauded the APC’s guber candidate for Imo, Sen. Hope Uzodinma for ensuring that Gov. Okorocha didn’t succeed in his dogged bid to build a ‘political dynasty’ in the ancient state.

It’s similarly worth noting that most of the accolades were allocated to the revered Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere whose unequalled cum unquenching determination and vigour led to the current joyous scene.

However, now that the APC as a family has thus far been inconsequentially overstressed by those who were meant to cater for her welfare, it’s pertinent for the leadership of the party to go back to the drawing board with a view to restrategize if they are really looking forward to embracing victory at the fast-approaching 2019 general elections.

Since the downpour is eventually over as anticipated, the best thing that could happen to the ruling party at the moment is to ensure that all major injuries incurred so far are reasonably healed prior to the awaited polls. To actualize this, some vital tools such as apologies, promises, hand of fellowship or what have you, which invariably beget sense of belonging, mustn’t be relegated to the background.

Hence, it isn’t all about constituting a reconciliation committee but doing the needful headlong. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor is the National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement

Analysis I On Government's Lethargy and Labour's Vigour

    

    

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

 

A kid might claim ignorance of the ongoing ‘tour’ recently embarked upon by the Nigeria’s government and labour as regards minimum wage but if a full-fledged adult displays such an attitude, he may be regarded as an imbecile.

         

From the onset, the teeming Nigerians have been watching with keen interest, though with soured physiognomies. In some quarters, many have opined that if care isn’t taken, the excruciating effects of the tour is liable to cripple the functionality of the system especially at this point the country is deeply concerned about the fast approaching general elections.

         

It would be very pertinent to appraise some key fundamental facts with a view to presenting a fair and objective analysis herein. Mind you; the fairness as mentioned above has to do with all concerned, not a particular party.

         

In accordance with the stipulations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) whose principle governs the relationship between the government and labour in any nation across the globe, the national minimum wage is meant to be upwardly reviewed once every five years.

          

The current N18,000 Nigerian workers are entitled to as minimum wage was fully implemented or signed into law by the government in March 2011. It suffices to say that the country’s wage threshold was last reviewed over seven years ago, which is against the ILO’s standing rule.

          

Late penultimate year, the organized labour comprising mainly the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) came up with an agitation, reminding the government that onward increment of the workers’ minimum wage of N18,000 was long overdue.

         

In line with the demand, after rigorous consultations, the Federal Government (FG) under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari set up a 30-man tripartite committee consisting of the representatives of the governments, the private sector and the labour union, though the Local Government wasn’t reportedly represented.

         

The Ministry of Labour and Employment led by Dr. Chris Ngige informed Nigerians that the awaited new national minimum wage would be presented by the committee by the end of the third quarter of the ongoing fiscal year being September 2018.

          

It’s noteworthy that prior to the setting up of the tripartite committee, the NLC was proposing N56,000 as new minimum wage. Amidst the committee’s deliberations, N30,000 was reportedly agreed by the sectors involved as was claimed by the NLC headed by Comrade Ayuba Waba.

         

It’s worthy of note that the committee couldn’t come up with any tangible resolution, not until the workers embarked on a warning industrial action. Another thing of worry is how the FG could be presently be proposing for N24,000 contrary to the figure the committee allegedly agreed upon, knowing full well that the apex government was part of the deliberations. How do we reconcile these? Does it mean that the labour is lying or that the FG is being economical with the truth?

         

As we dissect these questions begging for candid answers, it would equally be crucial for any sane observer to scold the FG over its quest to implement the ‘no work, no pay’ mantra with the aim of discouraging the workers from further embarking on strike as the bid for a new minimum wage lingers.

          

By such intended action of the government, the workers are indirectly notified that they don’t deserve any wage let alone agitating for increment. It’s not anymore news that in most cases, workers in various quarters are being owed arrears of salaries, yet they don’t get despaired by such action of their employers.

          

They only deploy the strike mechanism whenever the ‘maltreatment’ becomes much unbearable or life-threatening. Could it be that the government is mistaken their patience cum patriotism for cowardice or inferiority?

         

The various state governments under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) are currently offering N22,500 as the new minimum wage, stating the government workers constitute merely about 5% of their respective states’ population; hence, if they end up receiving up to N30,000, or N24,000 as being proposed by the FG, their funds would be impoverished, which according to them, would be to the detriment of the entire populace or the common man who make up the majority.

         

The problem right now is that there’s already an element of deceit on the part of the benefactors, if not, I would have sincerely ask the organized labour to accept the amount being proposed by the state governments considering that at the moment actualization of N30,000 minimum wage isn’t realistically feasible across the country.

          

For me, the states such as Benue and Bayelsa that have indicated interest to pay any amount, did so for political reasons; needless to assert that it was a mere political talk. We must note the dichotomy between implementation and actualization. Till date, most establishments in the private sector are yet to pay most of their employees up to N10,000 let alone the N18,000 stipulated by law.

           

From my candid point of view, N25,000 would be tenable. The government should equally not be reminded that the new national minimum wage is expected to be captured in the about-to-be tendered 2019 appropriation bill.   

           

No patriotic Nigerian wants a strike action neither do we want any form of deceit, hence all concerned ought to earnestly do the needful. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, an analyst & activist, could 

be reached via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador