Making Sound New Year Resolutions Amid Challenges

By Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, the long awaited 2022 had eventually arrived to people’s utmost amazement. Hence, it’s not anymore news that the year in question is already here with us. Just like an odyssey, the beginning of every year is invariably accompanied with influx of fresh dreams, anticipations, plans, or what have you, and 2022 isn’t exceptional.

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 or 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 or 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 irrespective 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. You must stick strongly and passionately to your dreams and resolutions regardless of the nature of the challenges, and always endeavour to return to the original plan having suffered a setback. Let the anticipated destination remain your driving force as long as the journey lasts.

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 has been about indulgence in excesses or debauchery ought to see a challenge such as financial incapacitation as a blessing in disguise. The aforementioned condition would enable such persons to go only for their needs, not wants; hence, should be seen as a welcome development. Even if the circumstance later became a thing of the past, the truth or good news is that it had succeeded in making you discover your frivolous lifestyles, thereby addressing them. Hence, you are urged to make a sound resolution today, and work towards sustaining it by sticking to the specified rules. You alone is bound to determine how your dream can materialize into reality, so do not wait for someone to do the thinking on your behalf. I can’t wait to celebrate with you towards the end of 2022 when you would be informing us on the various resolutions you were able to keep throughout the odyssey. So, never be carried away by frivolities, as you are enjoined to focus on priorities at all cost. Think about it!

Christmas Commemoration And The Expectations Ahead

Fred Nwaozor

Many of us have taken to wearing visors and other similar devices to protect our eyes and visages from the possible effects of harmattan. Taking Nigeria as a case study, many would testify that the ongoing climatic phase causes virulent feelings, and may as well lead to various virulent diseases, whilst some would definitely testify that it is a welcome scene, therefore ought to continue for eternity. Honestly, these and more similar phenomena observe amongst mankind is not man-made but wholly natural.

Let’s put it this way; if brandy is good in bringing the real man or woman in you as a person at any given time, and that fellow that appears to be intimate to you believes in the work of whisky in respect of similar purpose; then conclusively, it signifies you both are of different nature, or possess distinct idiosyncrasies. Thus significantly, no matter the level of intimacy in any relationship or affair, be it symbiotic or parasitic, the exact nature of the two or more parties involved can never be compromised or interchanged. In geography, we were taught that about seventy percent (70%) of the earth crust is covered with water, while about thirty percent (30%) is engulfed by land. There’s a big problem or error attached to this geographic estimation coupled with approximation. The astronomers who carried out the research and rounded off with such conclusion were so myopic to understand the fact that, even the part of the earth crust covered with water is equally made up of land. It’s not a paradox. It’s a fact, and it is natural.

Of course the bedrock of any sea, ocean, river, pond, lake, et cetera, is land. In agriculture, we call it the soil. It suffices to say that every part of the earth crust is covered with the soil (land). But this is not my optimum interest in this piece. My concern is; despite the level of intimacy between the land and the natural water, they still don’t mix together. This simply signifies each of the compounds or substances in question is made of a certain distinct nature. This is a fact. Each of the paragraphs above has proven to us that nature is indeed very powerful. Nature could be regarded as all the animals, plants and other things in the world that are not made by man; and all the events, features and processes that are not caused by mankind. In a nut shell, nature is anything that is not man-made. In other words, it’s older than the world. Yes, nature has been in existence before the world was created. This is the reason most times anything caused by it seems to be mysterious; that is, beyond man’s imagination, creativity or creative ingenuity. Therefore, nature controls; it rules; inter alia, it finalizes.

Let’s I digress; this piece is solely focused on Christmas otherwise known as Xmas. We’re discussing its annual commemoration. First and foremost, what is Christmas celebration or commemoration? It’s simply a religious festival or ritual being observed on every 25th December by the Christendom to mark the birth of Christ. Then, who is Christ? Christ is one of the names of Jesus whom Christians believe to be the only begotten son of God and whose teachings are the basis of Christianity. According to the Christian writ, the Creator sent Him to sanctify the sinful world and He wholeheartedly obliged.

He came, saw, taught, healed and delivered the world. Most importantly, He died for our sins to be forgiven. It’s needless to assert that He eventually conquered during His sojourn on earth. As a devoted Christian, Catholic to be precise, I understand that Christ was not really born on the 25th of December, but such date was selected by the ancient Christendom in order to mark the day such generous being came into the world since the actual date of His birth was not recorded by the scribes or historians of His time. They considered it consequential for such date to be monumental or be remembered by mankind, because the day in question marked the beginning of mankind’s sanctification, deliverance as well as total emancipation, which remains the most vital Christian tool in existence. Truly, Christ came or was born, saw and conquered. Above all, He accomplished His mission, because mankind was freed from bondage by His death. After the death of Christ, He resurrected. Before His death, He resurrected many souls; this remains the most mysterious act performed by Him.

Hence, resurrection is nature. If truly we believe that such vital tool is nature, in other words, Christ is nature. He’s beyond man’s imagination. Starting from His birth down to His death, everything about Him was mysterious. So, as we commemorate this season of holy birth and love, let’s endeavour to recall the spiritual essence of its existence towards doing the needful as long as it lasts. Therefore, I enjoin us to use the period to have a rethink in our respective endeavours with a view to making our immediate societies a better place for the residents or occupants. There is really a tremendous reason for this season. Such a moment set aside to mark the day Christ was born ought to not in any way be compromised, because it’s the birthday of our Messiah. This signifies that Christmas remains a worthwhile Christian virtue, which is arguably ‘the best of its kind’. Think about it!

Analysis II My First Open Epistle To Hope Uzodinma

By Fred Nwaozor


The last time I checked, I needed to – in my usual way and pattern – cordially and candidly advise the current Executive Governor of Imo State in the person of Senator Hope Uzodinma, hence this epistle.
Towards fulfilling my obligation as a stakeholder in the State and one who truly means well for the growth and uplift of the Eastern Heartland, I needn’t shy away from doing this, which is targeted to ensure the presence of good governance amidst the good people of the revered State.
If I’m not mistaken, I’ve hitherto been keenly following the political trending in Imo for the past two decades now, thus in a very good and apt position to aptly counsel any sitting governor of the State in the sole interest of the people.
If any concerned fellow has from the outset been following my myriad of analyses, he or she could boldly attest to the fact that I’ve never for once been involved in any partisan cause or crusade. It suffices to assert that my involvement thus far has been strictly non-partisan. This is the reason every discerning mindset is invariably willing and ready to listen to, or read, my words as might be the case.
Your Excellency, it’s four months now since you graciously assumed office as the six democratically-elected Governor of Imo State via the wisdom displayed by the apex judicial body in Nigeria otherwise known as the Supreme Court.
It was on 15th January 2020 the wind of change conspicuously blew to Imo, thereby making the reality dawn on Imolites. The unannounced interregnum was to a great amazement to some, while to a great bitterness to a few others. It’s noteworthy that such kind of circumstance is natural among mankind.
So far, if I’m to rate you, I would unequivocally say that you have been dogget and brave, though wouldn’t hesitate to frown at your Excellency in a few areas I’ve observed lapses. Nevertheless, we all have our flaws no matter how much we claim to be perfect.
I, first and foremost, need to commend your effort thus far since the emergence of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Your strides have obviously been giant, to the best of my knowledge. We thank the Almighty that no fatality has been recorded in the State yet.
I equally want to appreciate your ebullient effort toward ensuring that workers and pensioners in the State are paid as and when due. The ongoing electronic migration to a digital platform whereby they would aptly receive their respective salaries and pensions is highly commendable.
However, your Excellency, there’s a compelling need to let you comprehend that the said migration, as informed by the Imo Government, is being lingered, thereby posing untold hardship to the supposed beneficiaries.
Considering the fact that the State, likewise all others in the country, is presently facing a lockdown as occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, you needn’t be notified that the employees of the State are seriously in need of their wages – likewise the senior citizens. Hence, anything that lingers the receipt of their respective wages ought to be tagged unacceptable.
On the other hand, posterity will never forgive me if I fail to personally applaud you for the most recent feat recorded by the New Imo Government. To have boldly and genuinely sponsored an Executive Bill aimed at repealing the law making the past governors cum speakers and their deputies to be entitled to pensions is enough indication that you apparently mean well for the State. And, acknowledging that the said bill has already been assented to by your Excellency, creates room for even your enemies, or the thomases, to pour encomiums on your person.
Notwithstanding, there’s an anomaly I’ve observed with optimum dismay. A situation whereby we – for months now – can witness countless appointees of the government who could boast of no portfolio, is really saddening and unheard of. These gentlemen and ladies have, since their various appointments were announced, been parading themselves within the Government House like ‘walking corpses’.
It’s even baffling when realized that most of them have abandoned their respective businesses for the sake of the appointment, yet till date, they can’t boast of any portfolio. We are not unaware that a ‘portfolioless’ appointee is just not unlike an individual who has been offered a job or employment but cannot boast of any Employment Letter. It’s even more pathetic to note that they have been sworn in for the past two months now.
In view of the aforementioned eyesore, your Excellency, I plead that in your extreme wisdom, the needful ought to be done henceforth, so that, your enemies won’t laugh at you. You must take into cognizance that this kind of aberration is better heard than seen.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that this set of appointees without portfolios equally deserved to be paid in arrears, because we are reliably informed that their names aren’t yet captured in the payroll. This mustn’t be shortchanged for any reason if you’re interested in earning a good name amid your teeming aides.
As regards governance, I wouldn’t want your Excellency to forget in a hurry how you emerged as the Executive Governor of the Eastern Heartland. You are, therefore, expected to invariably recall that you came as a Godsent, hence the need not to overlook the prime needs of the overall Imolites.
Imo is conspicuously in need of good and afordable education; she needs standard healthcare sector; she’s seriously yearning for massive industrialization; she’s in damn need of accountable and transparent leadership; she’s really hungry for a well refined Imo. More so, apt payment of the working class coupled with the retirees is required to be seen as paramount and non-negotiable.
Above all, I enjoin you to keep the citizenry abreast of happenings in the State. They ought to from time-to-time be intimated on whatever that has transpired or occurred in the recent past. You must, through the available channels, be always ready to put them in the know of the government’s activities, with a view to averting inconsequential speculations.
All in all, your Excellency, for the core mandate of the New Imo Administration – which is centred on Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery (3Rs) – to yield the desired fruit, you must ceaselessly be willing to listen to genuine advices and shun sycophancy at all costs.
I can see you have come to change the narrative. But please, your Excellency, let it be for good in its entirety. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, Policy/Political Analyst & Rights Activist, is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador

Opinion II Uzodimma's 100 Days: All Eyes On Imo

By Toni Wakiki Akuneme





In his inaugural address to Imo people in January this year, as their 6th democratically elected governor, Senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma reiterated his commitment to purposeful governance benchmarked by free enterprise, social security and rule of law. He pledged (on oath) to "restore financial discipline, entrench due process and conduct government business in the most transparent manner "

I met the man Sen. Hope Uzodimma sometime in 2011 when my cousin, Hon Uche Obiozor, presented me to him as his constituent who was posted to the Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa, Canada as Immigration attaché (then he had just become the senator for my Orlu Zone).

The next time I met Sen. Uzodimma again was in 2015 when I just returned to Nigeria after my foreign service and he had asked to meet with the youths of my town, as part of his non partisan constituency briefing. Fortuitously, I was nominated unanimously to tell the distinguished senator, the expectations of Awo-Omamma youths. After that meeting which held in the home of one of our elder statesmen, Sir Jerry Onuwa, the senator held my hand and whispered to me, "no wonder they made you their spokesman ". I smiled.

We never met again until in 2017 when I was elected president of the global forum for all Awo-Omamma people (ADF) and we paid the senator a courtesy visit in his Abuja office. Again, we interacted cordially on the need to include Awo-Omamma in his constituency program and projects. Instantly, the obviously impressed senator, asked his then Legislative Assistant, Ralph Nwosu, to allocate one civic center, one solar borehole and two feeder roads for Awo-Omamma community in their list of NDDC interventions. The borehole was completed within few weeks while the roads are still under construction and the civic center has been published by NDDC in their 2019 projects but yet to be commenced.

I cut a deep impression of the man Hope Uzodimma after those meetings and other more intimate contacts I had with him later on in 2017 and 2018 in company of my cousin Alloy Nnawugo, his classmate way back from Mgbidi Boys college, who always visited from London. I never saw Sen. Uzodimma as someone who pretended to be perfect. He rather came across as a simple, friendly but highly focused man who knew exactly what he wanted from life and possessed an unambiguous and charming style for pursuing his life's ambition.

Fast forward to January 2020 and behold Sen. Uzodimma had become the Executive Governor of Imo State after a two time stint in the Nigerian Red Chamber. The New Imo Governor must have come prepared, having had his eyes on the crystal ball in Douglas House since 2003, seventeen clear years before he finally wrestled the coveted seat from Mr Emeka Ihedioha of the rival People's Democratic Party.

I have no doubt that the new governor has come on board with an uncommon zeal that is already energizing the entire state towards sustainable development founded on inclusiveness and collective responsibility. His robust political experience and active Legislative career at the federal level must have equally exposed him to policymaking cum leadership strategies and skill sets that will help him navigate the curves of statecraft in his avowed bid to achieve the New Imo of his dreams.

I am convinced that Sen. Uzodimma fully understands the need to very quickly impress Ndi Imo who may not afford him a second chance for a good first impression, given their checkered political experience and against the backdrop of the remarkably divine way in which he launched himself into Douglas House, beginning with his dislodging of the Okorocha hold on Imo and then the unseating of an Ihedioha who claimed to be the governor albeit not meeting the mandatory two third spread of votes cast in the 27 local government areas of the State.

Recent political history in Nigeria shows that such governors who reclaimed their mandates by divine Judicial intervention like the Peter Obis and the Rotimi Amechis, wasted no time in giving their people real QUALITY service delivery, being naturally fired up by their peculiar circumstances.

Sen. Uzodimma is not likely to be any different, judging by his sure and steady flow in the last 100 days of his administration, by way of citizen based governance. His first moves included the continuation of all genuine policies and programmes initiated by the ousted, ill fated government of Mr Ihedioha, to truly underscore that government was a CONTINUUM, such as retaining the famous water engineer Emeka Ugoanyanwu who has started the reactivation of the hitherto moribund Otammiri Water scheme, retaining all the road construction contractors in the state especially in the state capital, Owerri, retaining all the panels of enquiries instituted by Mr Ihedioha against the activities of former governor Okorocha, prompt payment of workers salaries and pensions but with a caveat that only physically identified persons will be captured. No more ghost workers and ghost pensioners.

Other salient but silent milestones of the Uzodimma's administration that are not easily discernible to the uninitiated, include the prompt signing into law the bill on Enhanced Criminal Justice Administration which aims at simplifying complex court proceedings and decongesting the prisons in line with Federal Government Reform efforts to make Nigeria Prisons more of Correctional facilities than punitive. Thus, innovations like speedy trials, alternatives to imprisonment such as Community paroles and Plea bargaining will be the hallmarks of Justice administration in Imo state which becomes one of the few states to domesticate this new law in consonance with the Federal government.

Sen. Uzodimma's greatest achievement in the past three months is unarguably his ability to forestall the entry of the dreaded Corona virus into the entire Imo state, which has received both local and International commendations. Doubtless the total lockdown of the state naturally affected social and economic development in the state especially the arrival of dozens of foreign investors that had been issued visas for business meetings with the governor and his team.

Some of these investors were to come from Japan to discuss alternative power generation and distribution potentials in the state, while another group from Canada were set to arrive Owerri for high level discussions on livestock and other agro based services. A third group from Israel had also gotten their visas to come for signing of agreements on affordable housing and construction projects and the beauty of all these engagements is that they are bringing their own funding from offshore and all imo government is expected to provide is just the enabling environment and political will to drive these businesses with the attendant multiplier job creating potentials.

Sen. Uzodimma sure has such political sagacity in quantum deposits and little wonder he prefers to call himself the Oracle of PROSPERITY as he gears up not just to create wealth for nde Imo but also to ensure that such wealth is equitably distributed among the rich and the poor with Special focus on the vulnerable groups in the state. The governor is fully convinced that if a greater percentage of imolites are gainfully employed, crime will reduce, tourism, for which Owerri has come to be known, will triple and Imo will become more prosperous.

Already, once the lockdown is over, the governor is personally set to engage the leadership of major professional organizations like NBA, NMA, ICAN, COREN, NUT, NLC, and so on, so they can come to Owerri for their Annual General Meetings, which he will personally attend the opening ceremonies and encourage the government owned hotel to offer them free venues and discounted rooms and services. The idea, which Uzodimma copied from the city of Miami, is to ensure that all round the year, the state capital and its environ will remain busy with activities such that hoteliers, restaurants, beer pubs, cab drivers, business owners and other tour operators will be fully engaged from January to December. With this plans comes the massive reorientation of all major stakeholders in the tourism sector to ensure that visitors to imo state go away with the desire to come back again and again, based on a solid impression.

The governor is committed to upgrading the infrastructural and environmental systems around the state, with urgent emphasis on Owerri the capital. He literally has taken over the daily supervision of waste disposal and monitoring of on going road construction projects in the state.

Sen. Uzodimma is so passionate about the Recovery, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the New Imo he visualizes that he has vowed to go round by midnight once the lockdown is over, to physically inspect street lights, pot holes, security patrols and traffic lights to be sure that contractors don't try to compromise his aides. He Hope's to make the state free from such abuse like littering the streets and urinating publicly as first offenders will be used as scapegoats to test the determination of the state.

Sen. Uzodimma is aware that all eyes are on him, having made clear promises during his campaigns and inauguration. He does not have any slightest plans to go back on those promises. He sees the whole process of governance and politics as a hobby and is not in it for personal aggrandizement.

Sen. Uzodimma has a date with destiny and will rather quit than try to shortchange Ndi Imo. Uzodimma ultimately wants to make Imo the symbol of QUALITY east of the Niger. Quality people. Quality products. Quality services. Uzodimma has already dusted the original master plan for the state as created by the legendary Dr Sam Mbakwe and is willing and able to reinvent the New Imo of Mbakwe's dreams, which successive governments ignored.

Sen. Uzodimma will engage with all stakeholders in periodic town-hall meetings to review his strategies and plan new ones. At the end, all Sen. Uzodimma wants is for Ndi Imo to get the good life while God alone takes all the glory.

Let the Corona virus pandemic go away, so the good times can begin.

Toni Wakiki Akuneme
Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor, writes from Awo-Omamma.

Opinion I As Power Changes Hand in Imo, What Next?

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



The last time I checked, just like most other states across Nigeria and the country in general, political power would unarguably be changing hands in Imo on this day being May 29, 2019.
At the moment, every dick and harry domiciled in Nigeria, Imo in particular, 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 Achike Udenwa as the first democratically-elected Governor of the Eastern Heartland in the said era, the State would be witnessing its fifth interregnum today, meaning literally that the ongoing republic has graciously clocked twenty.
The fourth interregnum saw the enthronement of Chief Rochas Okorocha as the fourth democratically-elected Governor in this era for a second term in office. This 5th power transition is ushering in Chief Emeka Ihedioha as the fifth elected Executive Governor of the State in the 4th republic.
The Udenwa’s administration was predicated on “Redemption” mantra. Subsequently, that of Chief Ikedi Ohakim was centered on “Clean and Green Initiative”. Whilst that of Okorocha was based on “Rescue Mission’ mantra. The just enthroned Ihedioha’s government is reportedly going to focus on “Restoration”. It’s noteworthy that, in all, what matters to the people is governance.
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, Imolites in particular, 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 Imo witnesses yet another interregnum that’s ushering in Chief Ihedioha, 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 state, as might be the case, 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 Ihedioha comes on board in his leadership of ‘restoration’, I urge him to strictly focus on pertinent and critical issues or matters that would critically help to strengthen the socio-economic base of the Eastern Heartland. He ought to be able to eject sycophants or bad bloods from his team in its entirety.
It’s noteworthy that the state in its entirety is in need of viable policies that would strengthen peace and unity among the overall residents of the state. Anything short of this would be irrational and disastrous.
Similarly, the new governor must equip his caucus with good number of eligible technocrats – who must be truly Imolites – to enable him aptly pilot the craft to the desired destination. He should therefore not hesitate to jettison the ones found to be bad as the journey progresses.
For Imo to get and remain better, we all must be ready to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. So, as I candidly congratulate Mr. Governor for this golden moment as well as wish him well, I enjoin His Excellency to take into cognizance that Imolites are earnestly in need of nothing less than gold.
Hence, he shouldn’t be reminded that the expectations of Imolites are very high, thus the need to concentrate solely on the priorities to the detriment of frivolities. This is a fact the new government mustn’t joke with if it’s truly ready to do the needful.
Chief Ihedioha alongside Engr. Gerald Irona who has hitherto been well informed about the State ought not to be notified of what Imo actually needs at the moment. Think about it!

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

Opinion I The FUTO Four, Nigeria's Tertiary Institutions and Others

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



The last time I checked, Imo as a State had been bedevilled with a case pertaining to drug abuse. And in this regard, she has from the onset remained jittery over what the state’s future entails.
It’s not anymore news that two weeks back, four students reported to be of the revered Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) kicked the bucket having indulged themselves in intake of prohibited drugs.
The report, however, disclosed that three of the deceased were of FUTO extraction while the remaining one who happened to be the only female in their midst was of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede (FEDPONEK), though the authority of the latter has refuted the alleged studentship of the female victim in the institution.
The three male undergraduates, who passed on immediately after the ugly practice, were reportedly found dead in their lodge situated off-campus, precisely Umuchima at Ihiagwa in Owerri-West Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State, whilst the female casualty was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent resuscitation but eventually joined the rest to their early grave.
The lamentable and unspeakable incident, which rightly revealed that the deceased persons took some substances related to Tramadol and Codeine, took place on 3rd April 2019 during the late hours of the day.
Ever since the bad omen occurred, concerned Imolites and Nigerians in general have not ceased to ask themselves what the future of our various tertiary institutions of learning entails. The affected families who have been abruptly thrown into a mourning mood are equally not left out in this obvious state of sober.
Of course, it’s only a sadist that wouldn’t be saddened by the unexpected event because its unbearable consequence indicates that if drastic and apt measures aren’t taken, these citadels of learning might be headed for a doom state soonest.
But come to think of it; where have we really gone wrong? What actually informed all these uncalled practices indulged by our numerous students, particularly the undergraduates? We have overtime been challenged by the menace of cultism, and now we are facing drug abuse.
If such acts could occur among students of FUTO, it means there’s a high tendency that it is already taking place in virtually all other tertiary institutions located across the nooks and crannies of the federation. Read my lips!
The above assertion is informed by the notion that FUTO appeared to be the least of all the institutions in Nigeria I thought its students could be related to any kind of drug abuse, because in the said university, there’s virtually no tangible time for leisure let alone having any for anti-social vices.
It would interest you to realize that the university in question is my alma-mater. While we were on campus as undergraduates – particularly those of us in Physics/Electronics, years ago, we barely had reasonable time for recreation or various usual social activities such as playing football, clubbing, award nights and student politicking, let alone that of vices. The only activity I and my likes hardly cough up time for was student unionism and activism.
Even during our time, cultism was not really an ill of great concern in the university. It was at intervals the crime was relatively being heard of in some quarters, and in most cases, it never involved the FUTO students. I’m not saying such a societal menace wasn’t occurring on the campus or being indulged in by the students, but it was hardly heard of.
This recent incident of drug abuse is a conspicuous indication that our various higher citadels of learning have lately degenerated into an untold state, hence the compelling need for the relevant authorities to start thinking inwards and differently on how to aptly and timely address the myriad of ills.
It’s more appalling when realized that our secondary schools’ students have equally followed suit or joined the chorus. The incidence of uncalled practices among our young ones is not only found in the tertiary schools but also in the secondary ones. The news have been on that these students of secondary institutions of learning have for quite some time now been creating series of cult groups in their respective jurisdictions; and till date, the news haven’t changed.
It’s indeed disheartening, to assert the least, to hear that these young ones when sent to school to study for the sake of their future, they rather indulge into all sorts of immoralities and illegalities or what have you. Sadly enough, it has been reported that they usually take these illicit drugs to motivate them in sexual acts. What a world!
It’s really sad to note that when their contemporaries are busy thinking and making frantic attempt on how to impress their parents/guardians by making good grades after sitting for their examinations, they are rather concerned on how to bring shame to their households. What a shame and irony of life!
What’s actually the way forward? It has been discovered that most of our present days’ parents or guardians pay so much attention to their businesses, trades, offices or what have you, to the detriment of their children’s upbringing, thereby endangering their future.
These affected guardians ought to have a rethink by continually checking on their wards whom had been sent to distant schools, either via phone calls or whatever possible means. In addition, they should be ready to pay unscheduled visit to these guys from time to time.
It’s also irritating that the wealthy parents are invariably fond of sending any sum of money, upon request, to their children without hesitation. This set of guardians ought to comprehend that only necessary or needed funds should be made available to these students, so they wouldn’t go about constituting nuisance with their ‘heavy/loaded’ pockets.
The schools’ authority should, on their part, equally make candid efforts towards constructing as many on-campus hostels as possible, so that their students would be compelled to reside on the campus. Additionally, measures ought to be mapped out on how to checkmate those living off campus.
Similarly, the various schools’ management shouldn’t hesitate to expel any student found or caught in any ungodly act or who is being reported and confirmed to have been part of any illicit group parading itself on the campus. Expulsion shouldn’t in any way be optional or negotiable but strictly compulsory while issuing relevant penalty over these uncalled acts.
The governments at all levels should equally expedite action toward ensuring that these illicit drugs are holistically banned in their various jurisdictions. It’s saddening to understand that the sale of drugs like Codeine and Tramadol, among others, have been banned by the Federal Government, yet they are currently being sold by various pharmacies and patent drug dealers. Hence, apt and severe approach ought to be introduced by governments to tactically end these illegal practices.
All in all, the youth or students who indulge in this kind of wayward life ought to take into cognizance that they are variously endangering their precious lives, hence the compelling need to turnaround or have a rethink. You can't be constituting nuisance while others are concerned about how to become great representatives in the wider society.
As I candidly commiserate with the entire FUTO management ably led by a no nonsense academic/disciplinarian and well-celebrated industrial physicist Prof. Francis Eze as well as the affected families over the painful and irreparable loss, I urge us to henceforth map out a decisive measure towards ending this kind of catastrophic action and other related lingering ones.
If we don’t act now, I’m afraid, we may soonest be told that the country’s future is doomed. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst & Rights Activist,
is the National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement

Opinion I Setting Impeccable Agenda For Buhari

By Fred Nwaozor




The long awaited Presidential polls have eventually come and gone to the Glory of God who made it possible, and a victor has consequently emerged to the people’s delight.
At the moment, it is obvious and unarguable that come May 29, 2019, the incumbent President of Nigeria in the person of Muhammadu Buhari would be enthroned once again to lead the country for another four-year term.
In view of the aforementioned fact, it has become pertinent and ideal for any right thinking citizen within the shores of the Nigerian State, or anyone who thinks well of Nigeria at large, to be deeply concerned and jittery over what the country’s fate would entail in the impending tenure of President Buhari.
Such a feeling as stated above is not unrelated to ‘fear of the unknown’, which has hitherto been not uncommon fever that invariably greet the mindset whenever a certain era is strongly being awaited by the human race. Hence, that of Nigeria’s political system wouldn’t be an exception.
As a true and rational citizen of Nigeria, I’m of the view that what’s rudimentarily actually expected of me as an individual is to candidly wish the incoming government well as well as think on its behalf towards making the needed progress.
If this assertion holds water, or anything to go by, then it would be reasonable to, in my capacity, assist the awaited administration in setting a concrete agenda for the good of all concerned. It was on this premise I thought it wise to come up with this analysis.
For a formidable agenda to be set, we must critically consider what we can currently boast of, or have really achieved so far. Either as an individual or entity, you cannot set an agenda, or formulate a policy, without looking inwards with a view to acknowledging your immediate possessions coupled with the efforts being made thus far toward actualizing the lofty goals you set previously.
Since the impending government is equally expected to be led by the same man who is leading the present government, before an agenda would be set for the former, it’s imperative to cross-examine what has been accomplished in the latter.
It’s worthy of note that there was an agenda set upon the inception of the ongoing administration. So, for a subsequent agenda to be set, it’s ideal to consider if there was any reasonable and tangible effort made or step taken towards accomplishing the previous one or the one currently in use. This measure would guide the persons involved to set a sound and better agenda for the days ahead.
I’m here to set a concrete agenda for the awaited government having painstakingly considered the aforesaid parameters and rudiments. It’s noteworthy that the ongoing administration is predicated on a change mantra, which entails anti-corruption, security and economic boost. So far, how far?
Having taken a candid note of the above question, I want to begin by urging President Buhari to ensure that the incoming government is built with a good and sound foundation. The foundation in this case is centered on the kind and nature of individuals that would make up his cabinet. This ought to be the first agendum to be seriously put into consideration on the agenda list.
It’s worth noting that no policy or motive, as might be the case, would be achieved if the president’s cabinet is porous. Hence, he is urged to look inwards toward recruiting the best and reliable brains that are tested and trusted. It’s on this premise I enjoin him to consider contracting only technocrats with proven integrity.
Secondly, Mr. President ought to consider disintegrating the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. The ministry is required to be split into two or three. Power supply remains the bane of the country’s economic stride, hence should be given a whole and critical attention.
In view of the above, a separate ministry ought to be created for the power sector. Such a step would enable the government tackle the electricity quagmire with all the needed measures. Additionally, such a ministry must be manned or overseen by an apt and well-experienced hand. Technicalities mustn’t be taken for granted if the needful must be done.
Thirdly, the downstream subsector of the petroleum sector needs to be seriously looked into headlong. It’s high time Nigeria boasted of at least a functional world-class refinery within the shores of the acclaimed giant of Africa. We can’t continue to import what is being drilled or generated in the country.
This ongoing practice is an aberration, hence must be tackled without much ado. Thus, the president should be very willing to appoint someone to man the petroleum ministry, and such a person must be eligible, trustworthy and fully experienced.
All in all, the upcoming Buhari-led government must beware of sycophancy. The aforementioned cankerworm is a societal menace that blows no leader any good and has eaten deep into the bloodstream of our political system.
The worst is that most of the leaders herein are yet to acknowledge the existence of the aforesaid uncalled behaviour let alone comprehending its dangers inherent. Mr. President must, therefore, not overlook the ugly trend if he truly desires success all the way.
Time and space might not permit me to tender all the needed approaches expected to be taken by Buhari, but he must take into cognizance that the expectations of the citizenry are very high. Think about it!

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

Opinion I Why Imolites Must Handle Imo With Care

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

The last time I checked, Imolites in their entirety were apparently filled with mixed feelings, perhaps owing to what transpired at the just concluded gubernatorial poll in the state.
And as I write, the aforementioned set of persons is still preoccupied with same feelings. In some quarters, some are engaged with discussions regarding the outcome of the said election. Whilst, in other areas, some are deeply concerned about what the fate of the state would entail after the next political transition.
As we variously undergo or participate in this myriad of discussions bordering on the impending interregnum, we are expected to think more of the interest of Imo or be more concerned about what would happen to the state as we pass through this circumstance.
This piece, therefore, is informed by the compelling need for each of us to candidly handle Imo with care; the need for us to guard the state with absolute care as we discuss, argue, wail, or rattle over the outcome of the state’s guber election that took place on 23rd February 2019.
Imo must be well guarded with all our might because there’s absolutely no other province we can truly call Imo. We mustn’t do anything to jeopardize the interest of the Eastern Heartland. Imo really cares about us, thus we are expected to boldly and proudly safeguard her welfare at all cost.
We might have felt shortchanged in one way or the other, but that isn’t enough reason to indulge in any activity that would in any way mar the interest or progress of the state in general. Irrespective of our grievances, we must not overlook the state’s interest as we react.
Imo as a state has been impartial concerning our wellbeing regardless of the circumstance, so we are required to reciprocate such a lofty gesture in whatever dealings we indulge ourselves in.
In view of the above facts, it would be pertinent to do anything we intend to do with all manner of maturity. We must be well-behaved and well-mannered in our inactions, actions or reactions. It’s only a mature attitude that can guarantee safety in any society.
For instance, considering a nuclear family as a society, it’s only mature behaviours invariably displayed by the man of the house that can guarantee peace or calmness in the home. Thus, if the man decides to behave childishly, he would have himself to be blamed in the long run.
So, if a man of a certain house truly wants his home to remain safe and become better, he mustn’t resort to selfish attitudes or behaviours that would jeopardize the overall interest of the family. He must be willing to place the interest of the family first before considering any personal interest.
The progress of any home is predicated on the way and manner it is being handled by its overall members. And in any family, the members remain the husband, wife and of course the children. Any of these individuals has a distinguished role to play towards ensuring that the family is well protected at all times.
Now, in the case of Imo as a state, it is the statutory duty of each of the citizens to handle it with absolute care and maturity if they actually look forward to embracing a calm, peaceful, harmonized and accommodating state.
Hence, those who want to react over their grievances as regards the outcome of the guber poll or any other election must do so with extreme maturity. We can’t afford to set Imo ablaze due to our individual motives.
What ought to be of paramount important to us as we react is the motives of Imo. The state has its own goals, and it’s noteworthy that her interest is for the good of all. This is the reason we must not relegate the state’s interest to the background as we argue or react on a daily basis.
Imo is seriously in need of our true care at this trial period. We shouldn’t betray her because she has hitherto given us enough. Her love for us has been enormous that we cannot afford to pay her back with betrayal or anything of such.
Let’s individually or collectively consider the state before taking any action. An injury to Imo is definitely and unarguably an injury to all irrespective of our respective statuses. Imo shouldn’t be brought down at a time we are expected to uplift her.
As we await the impending power transition, I enjoin us to remain calm and resilient even if we were not favoured by the outcome of the polls. We must comprehend that only one contender was expected to emerge victoriously at a particular poll, hence the need for us to be rational.
Whatever our interest was prior to the elections, at the moment, we are required to throw our support behind the person whom has been declared the winner of the competition by the electoral umpire. But if we wish to object the outcome, or the declaration, we must do so lawfully as stipulated in the Constitution.
Imo has so far gone too far to be truncated by a mere interest of a certain group embedded in the state. It’s on this premise I urge us not to shortchange the state as we go about with our support, objection or what have you, as the case may be. We need to sincerely think Imo in our various dealings; this is the only way we can witness a stronger entity called Imo.
No matter the level of provocation we might be experiencing right now, I must tell us without equivocation that our actions or reactions would solely determine the wellbeing of Imo at large, hence the compelling need to act or react maturely. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, is the National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement

Opinion I After the Blame Game, Winner Emerges

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

Life generally is conspicuously characterized by tremendous intrigues and intricacies. This is the reason some persons who truly comprehend the features of nature don’t seemingly hold anything firmly.
They do so, believing that whatever one beholds can depart at anytime, and in most cases, it happens unannounced. This set of individuals, that’s invariably found anywhere across the globe, is often referred to as a group of realists.
Realism is simply the ability to face any ongoing circumstance or trending events squarely as they appear without making any effort to twist their real outlook or value. This school of thought enables mankind to be rational and real at all times.
In elections or electioneering era for instance, several intrigues are usually observed by the onlookers. Taking Nigeria as a case study, each time any election approaches, the concerned aspirants or political parties are – rather than dwelling on issue-based campaign – relentlessly involved in exposing their dirty lilies in the public domain.
An aspirant or candidate who is expected to inform the people what he/she intends to do towards ushering in the anticipated good governance when he emerges victoriously, would end up telling the electorate why they shouldn’t vote for his/her rival(s), thereby contradicting the scenario.
In a situation whereby the ruling party is contesting for a certain position or reelection and its closest rival happens to have tasted the leadership seat in the past, the two parties – both the ruling and opposition – would be mainly involved in castigating each other as they go about their day-to-day campaigns towards gaining the people’s votes.
They invariably concentrate on this wayward style of campaign, and they do so vigorously and doggedly, forgetting that what the voters really need to hear from them is their plan on how to position or reposition the country/state positively if they became elected at the polls.
This character assassination as mentioned above, popularly known as “blame game”, has currently eaten deep into the bloodstream of the Nigeria’s political system and its likes. It has hitherto continued unabated as being witnessed in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country.
Such a game was keenly, though ‘shamefully’, played by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that happened to be its closest rival, towards the last presidential polls that eventually held on 23rd February 2019. And it is still occurring across the country as we await the Gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly elections come 9th March 2019.
At the moment, it’s obvious that after the blame game that heralded the 2019 Presidential election, a victor has consequently emerged as was publicly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, 27th February 2019, precisely at about 4am.
The INEC through its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, having painstakingly studied the overall outcome of the elections as was separately tendered by the states’ Returning Officers, graciously announced Muhammadu Buhari of the APC as the winner of the keenly contested poll. The Certificate of Return was given to the victor at 2pm on the same day.
Millions of people the world over are currently celebrating with the victor as some others are reportedly aggrieved with the pronounced outcome of the poll. Whatever the case might be, the bone of contention remains that a winner has finally emerged from the blame game after the suspense and intrigues that transpired.
At this juncture, I want to candidly appreciate Nigerians for the maturity and patience displayed thus far. Election as an exercise is a process, hence entails various sections. The first part of it is for the electorate to collectively cast their votes; Nigerians participated in this phase with extreme maturity.
The second phase entails awaiting the pronouncement of the outcome of the election. This section equally requires to be participated with patriotic mindset imbued with patience. Nigerians in their number also did as expected while in this very phase.
The third phase involves declaration of any of the contenders as the victor of the exercise or competition. It’s noteworthy that the victor is constitutionally the candidate who garnered the maximum number of votes as against his/her co-contestants.
I equally commend the citizens for accepting this section in good faith as we appeal to the defeated candidate(s) who wish(es) to query the outcome or the declaration to use the apt channel, which remains the legal means. The PDP has already approached the Election Tribunal; we therefore enjoin them to remain calm and mature till the entire proceeding is over.
Similar appeal goes to the candidates or political parties who were reportedly defeated at the various 29 states that experienced the recent conduct of the gubernatorial elections. They must endeavour to use the right and lawful channel in showcasing their respective grievances.
So, as I congratulate Mr. President alongside his entire team for reemerging as the next democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I also congratulate the teeming Nigerians for the fantastic and remarkable role they have variously played so far towards ensuring that peace and harmony are maintained across the shores of the Nigerian State.
Above all, as I appreciate the INEC for eventually concluding this labour and cost intensive task, I enjoin the commission to look inwards to ensure that whatever lapse(s) experienced in the last polls isn’t/aren’t witnessed in the impending ones.
Hence, the electoral umpire must tactically go back to the drawing board. The practice of spending up to four days or thereabouts after the election before the final results are announced must, therefore, be reviewed with a view to ensuring that such an inconsequential suspense doesn’t repeat itself.
All in all, as we collectively enjoy this relative peace, I urge us to continually remind ourselves that there’s no other country, aside Nigeria, we can proudly and boldly call our own. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Social Crusader,
is National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement

Opinion I Intrigues of Elections And Democratic Values

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

The last time I checked, democracy seemingly remained the best system of government. And till this very moment, this generally accepted assertion hasn’t changed.
Many in various quarters have overtime opined that the worst democracy can never be compared to the best autocracy anywhere in the world, meaning literally that the former is far better than the latter.
In view of the above, several persons all over the global community have invariably and rigorously been canvassing for apt sustenance of democratic system and processes in their respective societies. According to them, the said system has convincingly proven to run an all-inclusive pattern of government compared to others.
It’s noteworthy that democracy is conspicuously characterized by two prime recipes namely: elections and freedom of speech. These key factors spice up the regular functionality of any democratic terrain wherever it is found.
An election or electoral process heralds the swearing-in era of the aforesaid government, whereby a set of leaders is constitutionally empowered to be at the helm of affairs of the given nation or province, as might be the case.
The above clause implies that it is through elections the leadership class of any democracy emerges. It suffices to say that it’s only by the conduct of an election the people would meet their leaders. When the leaders are eventually produced via the polls, the people or the electorate can be classified as followers.
The bone of contention is that an election is not unlike a pivot on which a democratic state firmly stands. It is, therefore, the progenitor of the system of leadership in question. It is the foundation or basis of this lovable platform currently enjoyed by the majority of countries across the globe.
Elections are simply the rudiments of democratic values; they are invariably one of the paramount reasons people all over clamour for democracies; they are the origin of good governance, which equally is one of the main features of any existing democracy. An election is summarily the engine room of all democratic processes and values.
It’s on this premise people are urged to safeguard elections with all their might. The obvious beauty of an electoral process is why discerning mindsets in every nook and cranny have at all times preached the reason it must be treated with all manners of seriousness.
It’s of note that the peaceful and credible conduct of any election, either national, state or association, does not depend on the electoral umpire alone. That is to say; for any election to be peaceful or for its outcome to be appreciated and acceptable by all and sundry, all hands – such as the umpire, voters, candidates, security outfits, the media, and observers – are required to meaningfully contribute their quota.
Each of the stakeholders mentioned above has a very vital and inevitable role to play towards guaranteeing a well transparent and commendable election, particularly a societal electoral process. Their respective roles are well defined in the Electoral Act guiding the election in question in such a way that they aren’t meant to derail in the long run till the exercise is holistically concluded.
The most basic attitude that’s expected of all participants in any election is to see the overall interest of the benefitting entity as more crucial than the various interests of the individuals that make up the union or group.
Considering the interest of the province, nation or association, or collective interest of the members, as sacrosanct would enable all participating parties to render contributions that are devoid of pranks or what have you. Placing the people’s general interest ahead of their personal gains remains the best way indisputable credible polls could be witnessed in any clime that upholds or understands the language of democracy.
Taking Nigeria as a case study, it’s needless to assert that the acclaimed giant of Africa is presently undergoing a serious trial period as regards elections and their possible outcomes. As well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians are at the moment apparently perturbed, there are key facts they are required to embrace with a view to ensuring that the country isn’t in any way marred by any form of crisis, irregularity, or mayhem.
If any right thinking Nigerian truly looks forward to seeing a more peaceful and greater country called Nigeria, then he/she shouldn’t be told or reminded that the citizenry are expected to remain calm, rational and law abiding throughout the conduct of the entire scheduled polls and as they await the outcome of the exercise.
The candidates or political parties involved need to bear the national interest in mind as they variously receive the results of each of the elections. Thus, if the results aren’t in their favour, they must be willing and ready to accept them in good faith.
They shouldn’t see victory after the elections as a “do or die affair” or an anticipated outcome that must come to past. It’s imperative to comprehend that, among the numerous contenders, only one of them is meant to emerge victoriously at the polls.
It’s pertinent to acknowledge that not being successful at a certain poll doesn’t signify you can’t succeed subsequently, or no more room for you to excel. We must always take into cognizance that election is a continuum, hence remains endless. In other others, if the outcome of today’s election isn’t in your favour, tomorrow’s might make you grin again.
It’s undoubtedly our collective civic responsibility to at all cost defend the sanctity of this country and the human life at large. To adhere to this mandate, we must at all times be fully prepared to accept our individual fates in good faith.
If it’s ideal that a certain election outcome ought to be disputed, let the aggrieved party endeavour to head to the election tribunal. Mind you; if you incite your followers against your rival, you’re equally doing so against Nigeria. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement

Opinon I As The Elections Are Rescheduled, What Next?

By Fred Doc Nwaozor


The last time I checked, Nigerians – Imolites in particular – were apparently unhappy. The said countenance was not unconnected with the bad omen that befell the country over the weekend.
Just exactly as one, who had impatiently waited 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 – otherwise known as elections – 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 13 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, which had been described as unfortunate and bad omen, 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.
I blame the INEC for mentioning litigation as part of the reasons for the so-called postponement. We are not unaware 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.
At such an ugly time like this, what do you expect from those who are eligible to participate in such an awaited national ritual? Being human, Nigerians in various quarters have expressed their disappointment over the unannounced occurrence. In their number, they have variously trooped to the streets to register their displeasure.
According to some of the citizens, the INEC could not come up with any tangible and convincing reason that resulted in such unspeakable circumstance. They opined that, by so doing, the commission had made the electorate to express some doubts over its readiness cum willingness to conduct credible and peaceful elections.
It’s also worth noting that most of the opposition parties who had ‘scolded’ the INEC for not meeting up with the requirement as earlier pledged, 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 truth of the matter remains that the citizens are at the moment filled with mixed feelings over the unexpected experience. In view of this, one might assume 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.
As a concerned and patriotic Nigerian, 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, one might, 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 is 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 localities or political wards.
If I must not shy away from the truth, I would say the INEC 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 national 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 the elections severally than to end up conducting one characterized by several irregularities. We ought to therefore, be well informed that any form or 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’s name. if the interest of Nigeria truly maters 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.
Inciting the voters against the government or any constituted authority isn’t the way forward. This is a test Nigerians cannot afford to fail. Mind you, this might be a blessing in disguise. Think about it!

Opinion I As Election Approaches, Before We Go To The Polls

By Comrade Fred Nwaozor



The last time I checked, even a dummy across Nigeria – Imo in particular – could attest to the conspicuous fact that the long awaited general elections are already by the corner.
The aforementioned situation is obvious that any living creature can easily take note of the circumstance as well as the intrigues and intricacies surrounding it. It could arguably be noticed by not just a dummy but an epileptic patient.
It suffices to assert that every right thinking Nigerian – particularly Imolite – is at the moment filled with mixed feelings as regards what the outcome or endpoint of the impending exercise would entail.
Since prediction is not unconnected with mankind, in various quarters, many have already predicted who becomes the next Executive Governor of the Eastern Heartland or the President of the country as the case may be. The predictions have continued unabated that it has in some cases resulted in arguments.
Whatever the case might be, what matters most is the need for Imolites and Nigerians in general to fully prepare their mindsets for the fast approaching events; the need for the electorate to acknowledge that the anticipated output of the elections can only come into reality if the expected input is duly tendered.
The ‘input’ as stated above is the voting aspect expected to be carried out by the prospective voters. It is only through voting the country or state can boast of an election results. In other words, results cannot be manufactured by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Results, which would determine the output or outcome of the civic exercise, can only be gotten and counted if the electorate do the needful.
The needful as stated in the last paragraph is to ensure that they cast their votes aptly and equally ensure that the votes are duly counted by the electoral officers or collation officials assigned to the various polling booths.
As the elections are fast approaching, I want to in my capacity as an analyst and activist deeply advise the three key actors of the political outing namely: the political parties alongside the aspirants, the electoral umpire and the electorate.
The various political parties and their respective flag bearers must endeavour to stick to the rules at all times as they undergo the ongoing campaign process as well as at the polls come February 16 and March 2, 2019, respectively.
The parties need to genuinely conscientize their teeming followers to eschew violence at all cost as they collectively throw their support for them. They need to be meant to note that they are not expected to go about posing muscles and fists to their perceived opponents. They are rather required to comport themselves in any occasion they find each other in regard to the ongoing political era.
The parties cum aspirants in their own accord are equally expected to remain civil and disciplined. They shouldn’t see the incoming contest as a ‘do or die affair’. A good and decent politician who truly means well for the people is ready to contest for a particular position as many times as possible provided the election is free and fair. But one who doesn’t mean well for the people would want to acquire the post by all means; this practice is unequivocally an aberration.
The aspirants, therefore, must distance their mindsets from any thought concerning rigging or allied matters. They ought to solely concentrate on how to gain the people’s votes at the polls, and nothing more. Hence, they shouldn’t indulge themselves in any form of thought or action targeted to go contrary to the accepted norms or electoral rules.
The electoral umpire, INEC, on their part, must be willing to carry out their statutory obligations without violating the extant laws or Acts. Thus, its officials shouldn’t intend involving themselves in anything that has undertones of pranks or misdeed. They must take into cognizance that the people at large coupled with various concerned entities are keenly looking up to them, hence wouldn’t welcome any excuses from them.
The INEC is required to be neutral, patriotic and unbiased no matter whose ox is gored. ‘Neutral’, in the sense that, they are required to be at the centre stage. One who is at the centre stage is the person who ensures that the activity in question is carried out peacefully and successfully. Among all, he mediates between competing or disagreeing parties, hence is expected to ensure that the contest doesn’t result in any form of crisis.
‘Patriotic’, in the sense that, they must have the interest of the country or state at heart. A patriotic citizen is one who loves his or her country/state and strongly supports the progress of such society. If you really love a certain locality, you must do everything humanly possible to encourage or promote its activities and dreams. So, the INEC is required to be patriotic at all cost.
‘Unbiased’, in the sense that, they are meant to remain fair and truthful at all times, thus mustn’t show any act of prejudice or favouritism. The INEC is expected to be objective in its judgement over the polls. Its officials are, therefore, required to free themselves from all emotions and one-sided calculations irrespective of the circumstance.
Inter alia, the electorate must be sure of what they actually want. It is only by acknowledging what they want, they can ascertain the candidate that has what it takes to do the needful. They shouldn’t allow uncalled issues to becloud their sense of reasoning. They are the only ones that can determine the outcome of the polls.
If any aspirant informed them that he is damn determine to fix the economy of the state or nation, as might be the case, they should ask the person to show them the processes through which he/she intends fixing the economy or system. They shouldn’t depend on mere pledges; rather, they ought to rely on the practical-oriented avowal that accompanies the promises.
Above all, those who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), should do so without further ado. Like I stated earlier, only the electorate are expected to tender the input that would determine the output of the awaited elections. So, they must note that without their PVCs, no input would be recorded at the polls, and this smacks of danger for the entire system. It’s appalling to acknowledge that over 650,000 PVCs are reportedly yet to be collected in Imo alone.
All in all, every party involved, either institution or individual, shouldn’t allow frivolities to override priorities. Think about it!

Opinion I The Many 'Sins' of Nigerian Politicians

By Fred Nwaozor




We can’t boldly deny the conspicuous fact that the physiognomy of the Nigeria’s political terrain is freckled, yet millions are carried away by frivolities rather than being disturbed about how to eliminate the fathomless freckles.

It’s not anymore news that Nigerian politicians have from the onset been seriously feeding on the electorate’s ignorance, that, it has seemingly become not unusual to witness a scene whereby the former would be seen inducing the latter to support him at the polls with a mere peanut.

Insincerity has abruptly become synonymous with most politicians in this part of the world. They continually, especially during electioneering era, tender speeches they do not really mean. They pleasurably do so with the sole aim of luring the ignorant, or perhaps vulnerable, electorate into their nets.

This set of people is deceitful. They have inadvertently, or probably knowingly, seen deceptive utterances or actions as acceptable. They invariably nurture such perception, believing they would never be found wanting at any time because are ignorantly of the view that power revolves around them.

An average practising Nigerian politician is desperate, hence at all times displays actions that are inimical to humanity. Owing to this kind of lifestyle, which has apparently been absorbed as a norm by the actors, many end up committing all sorts of atrocities in their bid to secure victory during elections. The funniest part of this feature is that the persons who bear it see their desired political positions as their birthright.

Our present days’ politicians, unlike in the past, see themselves as businessmen instead of stewards, hence would continue to see any position they are occupying as their vineyard. Once they clinched any post they had been clamouring for, the first thing they do is to hurriedly host a revelry with the notion that the days ahead would witness tremendous harvest.

They are arguably not conscience-driven. Those who practise these dance steps are ostensibly so myopic that they have apparently forgotten the Law of Karma. To them, since they are in charge of ‘every law’, there’s absolutely no other law that can turn/work against them. This is the reason they often individually murder their consciences.

Though virtually every active and practising politician domiciled in the country is made up of these uncalled qualities, we ought not to forget in haste that there’s still a few that strongly believes in doing the needful although some tend to be negatively influenced in the long run.

Time has conspicuously arrived for our politicians to note that it pays to be ingenuous and do the right thing, and that the pains that accompany a fake life cannot be overemphasized. Hence, they are expected to wear good qualities like clothe.

Good and dependable politicians are delight to serve the people and consider themselves as servants. They therefore see the people as their paymasters. They represent the hopes, aspirations and the interests of every citizen in the concerned society.

A Politician’s idiosyncrasies are his characters that are natural while some of the qualities are as a result of external influences. Promising politicians’ qualities are often backed by skills, experiences, intelligence, and integrity. All combined together to achieve their goals. The best qualities of a politician are honesty, God fearing and loving.

A good politician captures the essence of truth, displays sincerity, candor as well as practises what he/she preaches. He makes decisions and accepts responsibility for his words and actions. He makes promises and keeps them. He’s somebody people rely upon. He loves people with all his heart, might, mind, soul and always striving to help them.

A good and responsible politician ought to appear as the image of his creator. He gives high regard for morality. He’s law abiding with no tendencies to corrupt even a single cent or kobo. The greatest strength of a good politician is deriving joy in serving people and not to steal tax payers’ money. He acknowledges that a fulfilling and meaningful life is created through service to others.

To be an effective politician, your followers must have trust in you. And the very best way for a politician to build trust is to display good sense of characters and qualities composed of values, ideologies, traits and skills. Thus, a good politician should be a well disciplined personality that understands the language of selfless service.

Among all, a good political leader ought to be willing to appoint or contract people with great technical experience to solve the societal plights his administration contracted. Responsibility and party loyalty is another good quality of a responsible politician in a democratic state. A responsible and real politician is nearer to his people and always willing to meet them to comprehend their problems.

Only fake politicians are seen by voters when an election is near or change parties as footballers change clubs. They will after taking the oath of office with the Holy book and lousy thanksgiving services, use their powers against the people’s interests rather than for public good, making them become barriers to the progress of their citizens.

As we undergo another pre-election era, the politicians who have ‘sinned and come short of God’s glory’ still have the privilege to seek for forgiveness by ensuring they henceforth become repentant creatures. The good news is that, Nigerians are damn ready to forgive them if their remorse is truly candid. Think about it!

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