Where went Capt Iheanacho?

WHERE WENT CAPT IHEANACHO?

     

The last time I checked, I was of the opinion that sometimes an inquiry might be rational but inconsequential. This very one, which is spontaneous, is undoubtedly rational and consequential owing to the fact that it came at the apt moment. Naturally, I’m not the inquisitive type but in a critical situation of this kind, I often consider it necessary to do otherwise.

     

Prior to his nomination for a ministerial position in 2008 during the reign of the Late Umaru Musa Yar’dua, the name ‘Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho’ was relatively unknown in the Nigeria’s political terrain. Thereafter on 6^th of April 2010, he was appointed as the Interior Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan led administration; though he was later suspended for a reason best known to the President, probably political reasons. It was when he was the Minister of Interior that he made his dream to govern Imo State known to Imolites and Nigerians at large.  

    

He was really popular within that short while. His popularity might not be unconnected to the melodrama displayed by the then Imo State House of Assembly, perhaps by the effort of the state government ably led by Chief Ikedi Ohakim. The said legislators were looking for a means to recall him as the Interior Minister - a targeted punch that was traceable to the Minister’s intention to govern Imo State, thus they moved a vote of no-confidence against the gentleman. In their unanimous resolution, they enjoined the sitting President to urgently adhere to their outcry.

    

In regard to the baseless and uncalled agitation, I published a piece entitled, ‘The Imo Assembly and their Makosa dance’. Though the outcry, which lacked merit, was regarded as a trivial issue by the petitioned President – Dr Jonathan, but the group succeeded in overheating the polity. Contrary to their intention, rather than demoting his personality, they ended up making him more popular.

    

It was during the said era that I picked interest in his person, thus as a researcher I thought it wise to ascertain the reason his interest to govern Imo State was making other politicians panic. That was when I discovered the uniqueness he possesses as a Nigerian politician; since then, I’ve been taking cognizance of his footsteps when it calls for public outings.   

        

You would recall that immediately after the Imo gubernatorial polls, I did a piece on him entitled, ‘Iheanacho: refined politician from Imo State’ as published by the Sun Newspaper dated Wednesday May 13, 2015. In that piece which was occasioned by how the man in question conducted himself throughout the electioneering era, I made it clear that the mindset of an average Nigerian politician was preoccupied with deceit, insensitivity and arrogance, but that didn’t imply that there were no exemplary ones in their midst. Needless to say; amid the gangsters lies a saint.

    

I went further to state categorically and succinctly that as a citizen of Imo State and one who resides in the state, I’ve taken my time to study most of the politicians from the state and lately I came to a conclusion that Capt Iheanacho was one of the few politicians who were truly exemplary or worthy of emulation.

    

Candidly, I never intended to sound personal but I wish to seize this golden opportunity to state that people like Capt Iheanacho are not meant to be found in a political oblivion; they are meant at all times to contribute actively towards restructuring the Nigerian state in its entirety, especially at this moment the country is damn in need of respectable, distinguished and well experienced individuals.

    

This very piece was informed by the fact that the Imo, specifically Emekuku, born politician is currently relatively scarce in the Nigeria’s polity and the scenario is deeply telling on my person likewise any other stakeholder who comprehends the essence of statesmanship in nation building.

    

Capt Iheanacho whom I invariably refer to as an astute politician and industrialist ought to acknowledge that those who love him are not in any way enjoying his absence. Someone like him doesn’t need to be accustomed to a particular political party, although it pays for any politician to be an ardent member and supporter of a certain party; hence, we expect him to participate actively towards ushering good governance to the electorate irrespective of the political party at the helm of affairs.

    

In view of this assertion, I plead with the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led administration to extend its tentacles to such statesmen as Capt Iheanacho. Even the Mohammadu Buhari led administration isn’t left out in this plea. Let the respective governments be participatory to enable other well meaning citizens key into the system with the sole aim of ensuring that the overall Imolites or Nigerians as the case may be, are duly rescued or toward ushering in the awaited change respectively.

    

To other politicians; I challenge you to work towards making a good name rather than tussling over wealth or trivial issues. We must note that, unlike before, an average Nigerian citizen is now politically aware, thus can’t be deceived again by any politician parading himself as a saint when he knows within him that he’s nothing but a gangster. Mind you; no gender is exempted in this regard.

     

To say the least; Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho is unarguably a fascinatingly quintessential Nigeria’s ego. I must confess; I don’t know about his personal life but his public life is indeed near-perfect, hence worthy of emulation. I truly love his person, and he knows; the society really needs him, and he knows too. Someone ought to please tell him that I’m not enjoying the silence. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador  

 

  

An Entity Yearning for Panacea

AN ENTITY YEARNING FOR PANACEA

     

Recently, several unpredictable scenes ranging from the #DasukiGate to rapid fall of the crude oil price, hike of petrol pump price, reemergence of Biafra agitation cum Niger-Delta militancy, the governors’ protest over continued payment of the #18000 minimum wage, the alleged abrupt disappearance of original copy of the 2016 appropriation bill from the National Assembly alongside its alleged discrepancies thereafter, the sudden 40% increment of electricity tariff, CBN’s #50 stamp duty charge, and the ongoing drowsy physiognomy  of the Nigeria’s foreign reserve, among others too numerous to mention, have in different occasions transpired on the socio-political platform of an entity reckoned to be the ‘giant of Africa’ thereby posing an astronomical threat to its citizenry at large.

     

The aforementioned seemingly foreseen anomalies had made many of the its citizens both at home and in the diaspora coupled with concerned observers to unequivocally insinuate that it’s doomed. Though such presumption or insinuation presently preoccupying the mindset of the majority of Nigerians might not be unconnected to the fact that quick assertion of conclusion to happenings is peculiar to the human nature, but it’s worthy to note that that isn’t a wholesome perception; hence, not acceptable by any logical and rational creature.

     

Every sane being as well as anyone who thinks good of the acclaimed giant of Africa ought to be concerned with the panacea for this vertex of quagmire that seems not unlike a paradox. To this end, it’s needless to state that the topic of this piece was informed by this very fact – acknowledging the inevitable role of panacea in a situation like this.

      

In any circumstance, while searching for the most viable way of settling a crisis or putting a holistic end to any menace, it is imperative to firstly ascertain the origin or foundation of the plight in question; therefore the ongoing societal crises in this entity called Nigeria won’t be exceptional. In view of this obvious fact, there’s a compelling need for us to look inwardly with a view to unravelling the genesis of this apparently poignant odyssey initiated by a group of unscrupulous elements.

     

Thus, before seeking for the way out, the paramount question is, how did we get here? In some quarters, people are of the view that these predicaments are attributable to the 16-year misrule of the acclaimed largest political party in Africa – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); some persons in their understanding are preoccupied with a belief that these plights are attributed to so much promises made by the ruling party – the APC; on another axis, people believe that most of the ongoing crises were occasioned by Nigeria’s unending sole dependence on the oil sector. Among all, some schools of thought are strongly of the opinion that the origin of this state of poignancy is traceable to the presumed high level of docility that marred the Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership.

     

If I’m bound to be whole in my analysis, in a concise term I would say that there are two major factors responsible for all these tantrums and brouhahas currently ravaging all facets of our economy. One is that those whom are negatively affected by the ongoing anti-graft war or whom have perceived a ‘witch-hunt’ as the case may be had vowed to make the country ungovernable by the Mohammadu Buhari  led administration.

      The second factor is scepticism; various Nigerians are still sceptical over the established notion that President Buhari was the awaited Messiah; people are still sceptical over the sincerity surrounding the ongoing colossal anti-corruption cases; the electorate are sceptical over the anticipated actualization of the 2016 proposed budget; people are still sceptical if this administration truly has a genuine agenda that would lead this country to the anticipated promised-land. Therefore, the two factors are: the wrong use of opposition in a democratic dispensation as well as scepticism on the part of the electorate which is not unusual. Any interregnum often yields scepticism, apprehension, uncalled fear and what have you.

     

Undoubtedly, in such situation, it is the prerogative of everyone to nurture or be entitled to his/her own opinion. But for the interest of Nigeria whom is already crying foul, we are not meant to be concerned or bothered over people’s personal opinions rather how to salvage them from this untold hardship irrespective of whose ox is gored. Thus at this juncture, the most consequential and rational question becomes - what’s the panacea?

     

For the present administration to be thoroughly described and recognized as a responsible and responsive government, it must be ready to absorb constructive criticism, which remains an inevitable veritable tool in nation-building. It is expected to spread its hands open for any form of criticism that is aimed at addressing any anomaly or ill.

     

In the same vein, the administration must at all cost be willing to adhere to the principles guiding the rule of law. If anyone detained by the EFCC or the DSS has reached or tendered all the required conditions for him to be bailed, he should be released without much ado prior to when next he would be needed for further scrutiny or interrogation; it is only the military that does not understand the language of bail. To restrict the person’s movement afterwards or after the bail, they must endeavour to seize his/her International Passport or travelling documents.

     

And anyone who is still in detention that pleads to be allowed to see his doctor abroad or claims to be passing through a severe medical condition, should be allowed to travel out but in custody of the DSS, EFCC or ICPC as the case might be, or better still his doctor should be invited from abroad to attend to him in the cell. We must note that the person’s health condition is very crucial in such situation; a detainee must be medically sound to enable him/her pass through any stress during arraignment. In other words, one must be alive to attend to any query.

     

More so, the government ought to be prepared to charge accused persons to court; that is no doubt what every sane Nigerian yearns for. Unarguably, constitutionally it is only the judiciary that has the immunity to tender justice. Looters or corrupt individuals/organizations shouldn’t just return stolen monies and be allowed to get  away scot-free; if such practice is to be upheld, subsequently public office holders would attempt to steal funds in their custodies since they would only be asked to return them thereafter. In the same vein, the judicial custodians or members of the bench must endeavour to give speedy hearing to any prosecution with a view to salvaging the electorate from the bondage of unending suspense invariably witnessed during court proceedings.

      

Regarding the renewed Biafra agitation, I urge the government to handle the matter with extreme diplomacy. First, it ought to endeavour to unravel what actually prompted the reemergence of a protest that is believed to have faded off long ago, after all the aggrieved group in question has a constitutional right to ask for freedom if it felt marginalized; hence its members deserve a fair hearing. Thus, the treasonable felony established against the leader of the IPOB, Mr Nnamdi Kanu should be reviewed in earnest for the interest of Nigeria in its entirety.

     

Above all, the 2016 proposed budget was estimated on the targeted oil benchmark of $38 per barrel but right now the crude oil price is already below the stipulated benchmark and it is liable to fall further in the nearest future; this simply implies that for the said budget to be feasible when duly implemented, the government must not compromise every effort targeted towards diversification of the sources of the country’s economy. Against this backdrop, I enjoin the government to take the education, health, power, science and technology, tourism, agriculture and solid minerals sectors as priorities; the aforesaid sectors that were maltreated in the past need to be strengthened headlong. Taxing the poor masses by outrageously hiking their electricity tariffs as well as imposing a stamp duty charge of #50 on them isn’t the panacea. Honestly, if we do the needful, the ongoing continuous decline of the crude-oil’s value would soon be seen as a blessing in disguise.  

     

In the same spirit; as regards the alleged discrepancies in the proposed budget, the Senate Committee on Budgetary among other relevant standing committees in collaboration with those of the Green Chamber ought to invite the parties involved with a view to making amends where necessary rather than keeping us in suspense. They must acknowledge that the ongoing suspense is very detrimental to the country’s ostensibly pitiable economy since it’s obvious that budget remains the bedrock of any developmental strive.    

     

The educational arena requires a drastic upgrade or total overhaul in order to encourage entrepreneurship drive among our young ones; isn’t it ridiculous that among the best one thousand universities in the world, no Nigerian university is included? On a daily basis, millions of naira are being transported to foreign countries by most Nigerian parents/guardians to cater for their wards’ tuition fees. The health sector too, cannot be neglected because ab initio billions of naira are invariably sent to foreign nations by the rich for payment of medical treatments at the expense of our foreign reserve. This country is blessed with enormous cultural heritage; hence it’s high time we harnessed the viable and lucrative ones for the sake of tourism. It’s so pathetic that our farmers are still using farming implements used by our great grandfathers. The governors, rather than depending solely on the federal allocation should also be mandated to follow suit as regards diversification of the IGRs in their respective states to enable them not to see the continued payment of the #18000 minimum wage as a far-fetched concernment.

     

Most importantly, right now our leaders are expected to note that Nigeria requires meritocracy towards actualizing her anticipated change. People ought to be considered important and relevant based on their abilities and competence rather than their wealth, social statuses or political affiliations.

     

Inter alia, the electorate on their part must desist from cantankerous lifestyle. We can’t continue sitting on the fence and expect miracles to happen.  More so, we ought to learn how to use civil language while tendering lamentations, criticisms, protests, commentaries and what have you, if truly we pray and earnestly seek for a salvaged Nigeria. At least the political wills being showcased by this administration deserve some credit or kudos; thus let’s exercise a little faith while we wait, after all Rome wasn’t built in a day. Think about it!

 

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador  

As We Embrace Altercation-free Imo

AS WE EMBRACE ALTERCATION-FREE IMO

    

It’s only a sadist that would have wished to continue observing Imo acts not unlike a confused state. It’s no longer news that barely few weeks ago, Imo State – the Eastern Heartland, which is invariably reckoned as a peaceful arena, attracted the attention of not only Nigerians but the global community owing to a misunderstanding that transpired between the government of the state and the labour union.

    

The last time I checked, the dusts had settled. Of course, it’s apparent that currently the state in question is altercation-free. The long awaited moment was occasioned by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was duly signed by the state government through its Solicitor General, the organized labour, and the traders’ union (TUC) penultimate week, specifically on Wednesday February 10, 2016.

    

In the MOU, which disclosed that the disengaged workers had been reinstated and that the concession policy had been put on hold, government stated categorically that it would source for funds to pay workers which would be verified by the joint committee of government and the labour union. It further stated that, government would fund its operations with not more than thirty percent (30%) of the verified revenue for the affected month whilst the working committee would apply the balance of seventy percent (70%) in the settlement of salaries of public servants as well as pensioners in the state.

      

Now that Imo is altercation-free, every rational entity or individual would want to realize what the future holds for the great state. In other words, every concerned body is presently no doubt interested in the way forward since it’s obvious that ‘after rain come shine’.

     

It’s in this regard that I considered it wise and ideal to come up with this piece. Suffice it to say that this critique was informed by the need to inform as well as advise Imolites and all the concerned parties on what is actually expected of them, either collectively or individually, at this moment of sober reflection that requires pensive moods. Thank God it’s happening at the apt time – the Lent period.

    

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the person of Chief John Oyegun who was in Imo State on the day of the protest staged by the NLC that led to the signing of the MOU had appealed to workers in the state to face the reality and have a round table with the government with a view to proffering possible solutions that would continue to unite them. Thus, I urge the concerned groups not to do otherwise if the interest of Imo is paramount to them.

    

Similarly, in his words the governor Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha made it known that he never sacked any worker nor owed any, but only suspended them due to their indolence. In view of this claim, there’s no need asking the members of the said workforce to reexamine their consciences especially at this period of Lent. This is a period of penance, abstinence and of course total repentance; so we are expected to embrace it in its totality. 

     

It was the famous philosopher, Socrates of the blessed memory that said, ‘an unexamined life is not worth living’, and I assent to the aphorism. Every sane and sincere being in Nigeria is aware of the obvious fact that truancy, apathy, self-centredness, and what have you, are peculiar to the country’s public service sector. To this end, I would personally like to be of help to the government towards ensuring that the bad eggs amid the workers are fished out without much ado. Enough is enough!

     

Such practices as falsification of age, forging of promotion letter (Genre 35), lateness to duty, stealing of government properties, filling of the payroll with ghost workers, lousiness while at work, and deceit, among other forms of sabotage, theft and cruelty have unarguably in recent times become a tradition to most public servants, particularly those at the top. Every Nigerian invariably laments over the ongoing crises occasioned by unemployment, but it’s pertinent to acknowledge that in the real sense most current serving civil servants are in their seventies (70s). How would you reconcile these assertions?

    

Another worrisome issue we are required to note is that, according to Gov Okorocha, Imo in spite of being an oil producing state, receives one of the least allocations from the federal government. For the past ten months, Imo has been receiving between #1.9 billion and #2.3 billion on a monthly basis with a wage bill of over #4 billion. Though the governor needs to address this lingering anomaly with the sitting President – Mohammadu Buhari, but it’s imperative to acknowledge that diversification of the sources of the state’s IGR remains an inevitable measure.

    

This is undoubtedly the era of total turnaround. Any element of deceit emanating from any angle must be swallowed or thrown to the waste bin headlong. Anyone who truly loves Imo State ought to do everything humanly possible to avoid further emergence of acrimony in the state.

      

At this juncture, I must sincerely appreciate the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha for the urgent and humane step taken to address the altercation; he has indeed proven beyond any reasonable doubt that he’s a listening governor. Notwithstanding, his Excellency must take into cognizance that though Imo is in the hands of God but he’s the god the Imolites are seeing, hence must be extremely cautious of all his actions as he works vehemently towards rescuing Imo people in their entirety. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador  

 

Imo @40: Whither Ndi Imo?

IMO @ 40: WHITHER, NDI IMO?

     

The news is everywhere that Imo State popularly known as the ‘Eastern Heartland’ alongside other six states across the federation including Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Ogun and Ondo had clocked 40. Imo currently comprising 27 local government areas is among the seven states created in Nigeria forty years ago during the country’s military regime.

    

The state was created specifically on Tuesday February 3, 1976 out of the old East Central State by the then regime of Gen Murtala Mohammed. It has Owerri as its capital and largest city. Thereafter, Abia State was carved out of the state during the state creation exercise of 1991. Its major districts/towns include Orlu, Okigwe, Awo-Omamma, Oguta, Mbaise, Ngor-Okpala, Ohaji, Egbema, Ideato, Mgbidi, and Ogbaku, among others.

 Imo State, which is situated in the South Eastern region of Nigeria, covers a land mass of about 5, 530 Square Kilometres. It shares common boundaries with Enugu and Ebonyi states to the North, Abia, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states to the East, Rivers State to the South, as well as Anambra State to the West. The official languages of the state’s inhabitants, whom are predominantly Christians, are Igbo and English.

    

The name ‘Imo’ was derived from Imo River, which takes its course from the Okigwe cum Awka upland. It lies within latitudes 4*45`N and 7*15`N, and longitudes 6*50`E and 7*25`E. Other major rivers in the ancient state are Orashi, Otamiri, Nwaorie, and Njaba. Its main lakes are Oguta and Abadaba situated in Oguta and Obowu LGAs respectively.

    

The state no doubt is richly blessed with abundant natural resources including crude oil, zinc, white clay, lead, limestone, natural gas and fine sand in commercial quantities. Agricultural produce such as cocoa, palm products, rubber, yam, cassava, maize and cocoyam are as well found in the state.

     

Human resources are not left out in the state. Learned professionals, seasoned artists, renowned entrepreneurs, world-class teachers, and notable politicians abound the state. Works of art peculiar to the state remain walking sticks of different designs, sculptures, carved doors, gongs, wooden mortars and pestles, talking drums and flutes; metal works coupled with numerous kinds of fabrications are also produced in Imo State.

    

Ancient art and cultural centres in the state are, but not limited to, Eke Nguru in Aboh Mbaise, Mbari Cultural Centre at Owerri, and Igwekala Shrine in Umunoha. Economic trees to include the Mahogany, Obeche, Iroko, Bamboo, Gmelina, oil palm and rubber palm are invariably in abundance in the state. There are various traditional festivals or dances observed in Imo State including the Ahiajoku Festival which is observed in all the communities that practise farming, Iwakwa festival, Iwa-Oji, the Owu cultural dance, Ekpe dance, the Okorosha and Mmanwu masquerades, Abi-igbo dance, as well as Ikoro and Okonko dances.

    

Some of the major ancient industries in the state, which are currently moribund, are Fuason Industries at Owerri which produces galvanized iron sheets, Afrik Pharmaceutical Company in Awo-Omamma, Card Packaged Industry in Orlu, Resin Paints Limited in Aboh Mbaise, Aluminium Extrusion Industry in Inyisi, Sab Spare Parts and Allied Accessories both in Okigwe – which make motor spare parts, Nichben Pharmaceutical Company in Awo-Omamma, Magil Industries in Atta – which manufactures paper, steel, sponge, bread and polythene.

     

In the political arena, upon the creation of the state, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, who assumed duty in March 1976, emerged the first military Governor of the old Imo state. Thereafter, Admiral Adekunle Lawal, Col Sunday Adenihun, Dr Samuel Mbakwe, Chief Ike Nwachukwu, Rear Admiral Allison Maduke, Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh, and Navy Commodore Anthony Oguguo became the governors of the old Imo State respectively. Subsequently, Chief Evan Enwerem, Navy Captain James Aneke and Col Tanko Zubairu respectively assumed duty as governors of the state prior to the emergence of the fourth Republic which saw Chief Achike Udenwa as the twelfth governor of the state; after the expiration of his second tenure, he was succeeded by Chief Ikedi Ohakim. Presently, the state is being governed by Chief Rochas Okorocha.

     

Surely, Imo has gone a long way, and perhaps thank God we are not fool at 40. The rightful and most rational question needed to be asked at this juncture is, where specifically are we headed for? To which place, Imolites do we wish to arrive at? In view of the history of the state as categorically stated above, it implies that we are enormously endowed with both human and natural resources, thus it’s time for us to harness those that have been sidelined, reactivate those presently moribund as well as reengineer or overhaul those that are seemingly in use.

    

To this end, it’s high time we swung into action towards revamping the tourism sector. Obviously, the state has all it takes to make the said sector booms effectively and efficiently. We need to revive most of our cultural resources/heritage that are socio-economically viable. Similarly, we are required to conscientize our citizenry, particularly our teeming young ones, to go back to their farms rather than relying or hoping on white-collar jobs that are apparently not forthcoming. It’s time for green-collar jobs.

    

What about our solid minerals, which we possess in mass quantities, as mentioned above? Now that we are bothered with diversification of sources of our economy, since the value of the petroleum products mainly the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly known as fuel is currently not favourable, isn’t it time we started discussing how to harness other resources the state has in abundance? Thus, let’s attract the attention of the federal government to this effect. 

      

Inter alia, we need to reawaken most of the aforementioned state-owned industries located across the lengths and breadths of the state especially at this time the current administration ably led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha is determined to industrialize the state. It is worth noting that most of these moribund industries were established by the past governors such as Dr Sam Mbakwe whom are mostly of the blessed memory; hence, rather than making their spirits restless by maltreating the firms in question, let’s endeavour to make them rest in peace.

 

Truly, if we do the needful, Imo would be far better and greater; and it’s worthy to acknowledge that the time to act is now. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador  

                 

How not to Tackle Lassa Fever

HOW NOT TO TACKLE LASSA FEVER

     Though first described in the 1950s, the virus causing Lassa disease was not identified until 1969 when it was fully discovered in Nigeria, specifically in a village called ‘Lassa’ in Borno State; suffice to say that the virus was named after the said village.

      

Lassa fever is an infectious disease caused by a virus known as ‘Lassa virus’, which is a single-stranded Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus belonging to the virus family Arenaviridae. Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease meaning that humans become infected from contact with infected animals. The animal reservoir or host of Lassa virus is a rodent of the genus Mastomys commonly referred to as the ‘multimammate rat’. Mastomys rats infected with Lassa virus do not become ill, but they can shed the virus in their urine and faeces.

      

Thus, Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of 1-4 weeks duration that occurs typically in West Africa. The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rodents such as flying squirrels, rats, rabbits, among others. Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission are equally possible, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures.

     

Currently, Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin Republic where it was diagnosed for the first time in November 2014, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria, and probably exists in other West African countries as well. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the overall case-fatality rate is 1%; observed case-fatality rate among patients hospitalized with severe incidents of the virus is 15%.

    

About 80% of people who become infected with Lassa virus have no symptoms. Because the clinical course of the disease is so variable, its detection in infected patients has been very difficult. It is worth noting that one in five infections result in severe disease, where the virus affects several essential organs to include the liver, spleen and kidneys. It has been proven that when presence of the disease is confirmed in a certain community, prompt isolation of affected or suspected persons, good infection protection and control practices, as well as rigorous contact tracing can stop the outbreak.

    

The incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from 6–21 days. The onset of the disease when it is symptomatic is usually gradual starting with fever, general body weakness, and malaise. After a few days, headache, sore-throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow suit. In severe cases, facial swelling, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract, and low blood pressure may develop. Protein may be noted in the urine in some cases. More so, shock, seizures, tremor, disorientation, and coma might be observed in the later stages.    

      

Deafness occurs in 25% of patients who survive the disease; in half of these cases, hearing returns partially after 1-3 months. Transient hair loss and gait disturbance might set in during recovery stage. Death often takes place within 14 days of onset in fatal incidents. The disease is mostly severe in pregnancy, with maternal mortality and/or foetal loss occurring in greater than 80% of incidents during the third trimester.

     

Lassa virus can also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with the virus. We must note that there’s no epidemiological evidence supporting airborne transmission between humans; but the virus can be spread via sharing of medical equipment such as needles as well as through sexual acts.

      

Since Lassa fever can be hardly distinguished from other haemorrhagic fevers like Ebola virus disease and many other diseases that cause fever including malaria, typhoid, yellow fever, shigellosis, its infections can only be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory using the following tests: antibody Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), virus isolation by cell culture, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay, and/or antigen detection tests.

    

The antiviral drug, Ribavirin seems to be an effective treatment for Lassa fever if given early in the course of clinical illness. There is no proof to support the role of ribavirin as post-exposure prophy lactic treatment for Lassa fever. Currently, there’s no vaccine that protects the body against Lassa fever.

    

In a critical situation like this, we cannot ignore the obvious fact that prevention is far better than cure. Since Lassa fever is yet to boast of a vaccine, the most reliable preventive measure remains total abstinence or optimum utilization of avoidance approach. The general public, particularly our young ones, rather than posting comic commentaries on various social media as regards the epidemic ought to be meant to acknowledge this fact headlong without much ado. It’s baffling to realize that most people are making fun of an epidemic that have claimed several lives, thus all hands are expected to be on deck towards orientating the populace.

    

In view of the above assertion, it’s worthy to note that measures such as sustenance of community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering living places, storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from homes, maintaining clean households and keeping cats away from our consumables, are mostly required. Similarly, family members should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and other bodily fluids while caring for sick relatives.

     

People must also desist from consuming raw foods, or intake of foods and waters that are not properly boiled or cooked as the case may be. In the same spirit, any fruit or vegetable gotten from the gardens that have already been pierced or bitten by animals, probably squirrels, should be thoroughly washed with salt and water, and thereafter ought to be well heated before they would be consumed.

    

On their part, health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Lassa fever should apply extra infection control measures to prevent contact with the carrier’s blood and other bodily fluids as well as contaminated surfaces or materials such as clothing and bedding. When in close contact with Lassa fever patients, health care attendants should endeavour to wear face mask cum goggles, a clean long-sleeved gown, and gloves. Laboratory technicians are also advised to properly handle samples taken from humans or animals for investigation of Lassa virus infection and ought to be processed in suitably equipped laboratories.

     

More so, travellers coming from other countries especially West African nations should be quarantined on arrival at the airports and therein adequately tested for Lassa fever as well as other related infections. Among all, we shouldn’t be cautious of only rats regarding the primary source/host of the virus as it is presently witnessed; rather we must endeavour to secure our edibles from other forms of rodent especially the ones within our reach to include squirrels and mice as well as cats which are invariably kept as pets by several families. To before warned is to before armed. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador  

             

Avian Influenza: Not Again!

AVIAN INFLUENZA: NOT AGAIN!

     It’s only a-day old kid that is yet to realize that Nigeria is currently bewildered by the reemergence of Avian Influenza popularly known as ‘Bird flu’. When Ebola virus was on board in the country some months ago, as an analyst and activist, in most of my commentaries I categorically stated that Nigeria would surely overcome the scourge if we could employ severe and sustainable measure just as we did during the era of avian influenza.

     To have used avian influenza as an instance as regards severe approach towards containing an epidemic signified that undoubtedly every needed step was taken when the country firstly experienced the disease (Bird flu) in 2006. To this end, the capital question that needs to be asked at this point is: why the reemergence, or why is the country experiencing the outbreak for a second time barely after nine years of its initial occurrence?

     The country was able to overcome the said pandemic infection during its previous outbreak, specifically in 2006, owing to the tactical and drastic approach employed by the government and other concerned bodies. This implies that the reemergence of the menace might not be unconnected to the fact that we went to sleep or on a recess; that is, apathy on the part of the concerned authorities and personnel regarding sustenance of the measure initially utilized. In view of this assertion, it’s high time we are awoke.

     Presently, survey indicates that seven outbreaks of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza have been discovered in Nigeria. Six of the A(H5N1) outbreaks were reported in the central and northern regions of the country, which affected states like Kano, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); over 21 thousand birds were reportedly killed while over 17 thousand were destroyed in these six outbreaks. Another outbreak occurred in the southern region of Bayelsa, affecting 8-week old pullets; 850 poultry died whereas 2150 were destroyed in this very outbreak. Officials said that farm workers visit other farms in the affected areas, which has great implications for possible infection routes and biosecurity.

     Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds particularly wild water fowls like ducks and geese among other such animals as pigs, whales and horses. Most avian influenza viruses don’t infect humans; however, some to include A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) have caused serious infections in people. It is noted that outbreaks of A1 in poultry may raise global public health concerns as a result of their effect on poultry populations, their potential to cause serious disease in people, and their pandemic potential.

     The majority of human cases of A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) infection have been associated with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry. There is no evidence that the virus can be spread to people through properly cooked food. It’s worthy to acknowledge that controlling the disease in animals is the first and basic step towards curtailing risks to humans. It often causes no apparent signs of illness among the infected animals.

     A1 viruses can sometimes spread to domestic poultry and cause large-scale outbreaks of serious disease. Some of these A1 viruses have also been reported to cross the species barrier and cause disease or subclinical infections in humans and other mammals. We need to note that A1 viruses are divided into two major classes based on their ability to cause disease in poultry namely, high pathogenicity and low pathogenicity.

      Highly pathogenic viruses usually result in high death rates, up to 100% mortality within forty-eight hours in some poultry species. On the other hand, lowly pathogenic viruses also cause outbreaks in poultry but are not generally associated with severe disease or attack.

     The case fatality rate for A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) virus infections in people is much higher compared to that of seasonal influenza infections. The A(H7N9) virus mostly affects people with underlying medical conditions. In many patients, the disease caused by the A(H5N1) virus follows an unusually aggressive clinical course with rapid deterioration and high fatality. Like most emerging disease, A(H5N1) influenza in humans is yet to be well understood.

     The incubation period for A(H5N1) Avian Influenza may be longer than that for normal seasonal influenza which is around two to three days. Current data for A(H5N1) infection indicate an incubation period  ranging from two to eight days or possibly as long as seventeen days. Whilst, present data for A(H7N9) infection indicate an incubation period ranging from two to eight days.

     Initial symptoms of Avian Influenza include high fever usually with a temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius, and other influenza-like symptoms including cough and sore-throat. In some patients, signs such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain, and bleeding from the nose and gums might also be noticed. One feature often seen in most patients is the development of lower respiratory tract in the early stage of the illness; also, a hoarse voice, respiratory distress, and a crackling sound when inhaling are commonly observed. Sputum production varies in individuals and sometimes bloody. Complications of A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) infections include hypoxemia, multiple organ dysfunction, as well as secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

     The fundamental risk factor for human infection, as stated earlier, appears to be direct or indirect exposure to infected live or dead poultry, or contaminated environments such as live bird markets. Indeed, controlling circulation of the A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) viruses in poultry is essential to reducing the risk of human contraction. There is no proof to suggest that the aforementioned viruses can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared poultry meals including meats and eggs.

     A few A(H5N1) human cases have been linked to consumption of dishes made of raw or contaminated poultry blood. More so, slaughtering, defeathering, handling carcasses of infected poultry and preparing poultry for consumption especially in household settings are likely to be risk factors. Most importantly, it’s imperative to comprehend that most humans have little or no immunity to A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) viruses.

      Strong evidence suggests that some antiviral drugs, notably Oseltamivir, can reduce the duration of viral replication as well as improve prospects of survival. In suspected cases, the aforesaid drug ought to be prescribed as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours following symptom onset, to maximize its therapeutic benefits. Notwithstanding, given the significant mortality currently associated with A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) infection and evidence of prolonged viral replication in this disease, administration of the drug should also be considered necessary in patients presenting the symptom(s) later in the course of illness. Mind you; the use of corticosteroids is prohibited.

     In cases of severe infection with the viruses, clinicians may need to consider increasing the recommended daily dose and/or the duration of treatment. In severely ill A(H5N1) or A(H7N9) patients, or in carriers with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, drug absorption may be impaired; this possibility ought to be considered when managing these patients. Furthermore, most A(H5N1) and A(H7N9)  viruses are predicated to be resistant to adamantine antiviral drugs, which are usually recommended for use during treatment.

     According to World Health Organization (WHO), in view of the persistence of the prevalent avian influenza viruses in some poultry populations, control or eradication would require long-term commitments from affected countries as well as strong coordination between various animal and public health authorities.

     Acknowledging the unarguable fact that prevention is extremely better than cure, there’s a compelling need for the general public to be thoroughly educated on the prime causes and mode of transmission of the virus. Since human-to-human transmission is presently far-fetched or rarely possible, it’s imperative for us to apply adequate caution while dealing with the primary hosts of the dreaded virus such as fowls, ducks, pigs, whales, and horses, among others, particularly the fowls or poultry at large which are the closest to human beings; hence, the various poultry owners across the federation ought to be properly sensitized in respect to this obvious fact.

      The farmers in question must be meant to comprehend that there’s need for them or anyone else who intends to enter into their farms to be well kilted. There’s also a crucial need for the said farms and other related environments like poultry markets and what have you, to be adequately fumigated from time-to-time. Every poultry keeper, or livestock farmers in general should ensure that his/her farm is entitled to a qualified and reliable veterinary doctor and the medic ought to endeavour to regularly visit the farm. In the same vein, poultry consumers ought to be conscientized to endeavour to properly boil or cook any meat or egg before consumption. The media, ministries of Agriculture, various farmers’ unions, the civil society and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have a very vital and cogent role to play in this aspect.

      Similarly, the concerned government authorities or agencies, but not limited to, ought to regularly make the Avian Influenza vaccine available in every nook and cranny of the country to enable the citizenry assess them easily; and such practice should be subsequently sustained even having overcome the scourge. No doubt, the above proposed measure if holistically adhered to would go a long way towards salvaging the country in its entirety from this unforeseen mess. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
Follow: @mediambassador  

Aftermath of Imo Concession Policy

AFTERMATH OF THE IMO CONCESSION POLICY

      Few nights ago, I was as not unusual listening to my radio set with keen passion not until I became saturated with the very station I was following; hence I thought it wise to touch the dial with the intention of tuning to other wave bands to ascertain which one would suit my listening pleasure. Before I could take the step as planned, a melody that rekindles my humble soul was instantly played by the Disc Jockey on duty; consequently, therein my arms became seemingly paralysed or were tightly tied.

      What is currently witnessed in Imo State otherwise known as the ‘Eastern Heartland’ as regards the state’s recent concessioning policy might be synonymous with the above narrative. The former comprises Gov Rochas Okorocha, Imo workers and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), whereas the latter (the narrative) is made up of the radio set, the listener and the Disc Jockey (DJ); in this case, Gov Okorocha could be linked to the listener having linked the Imo workers to the radio set, whilst the NLC is apparently similar to the DJ. The rest is history.

      Let’s face the reality. It is no longer news that most of the state-owned parastatals and agencies in the said state were recently concessioned by the Rochas Okorocha led administration; and in consequence to the measure, the affected civil servants were purportedly suspended indefinitely by the government - a mandate that had succeeded in generating uncontrollable uproar both in the state and beyond.

      The NLC has warned the workers involved not to adhere to the purported suspension notice issued by the state government thereby asking them to remain in their various offices and duty posts without exercising any iota of fear even if they are served with death warrants owing to their rebellion.

      In respect to the directive of the NLC, I reportedly learnt that efforts made by the Transition Committee Chairmen of most of the LGAs in the state who had gone to displace the distressed workers in their respective councils with the help of security personnel as were instructed by the government proved abortive. According to news making the rounds, the futility of their efforts was not unconnected to the repulsive measure taken by the members of the host communities where the various affected parastatals are situated; apparently the communities in question are not gladdened by the ‘unjust’ treatment received by the poor workers.

      I, albeit humorously, mocked one of my childhood friends some days ago amidst an informal gathering. Thereafter, the said fellow confided in me and disclosed wholeheartedly that he learned a lot from the sarcasm I used on his person. What are we saying in essence? Life is all about criticisms and ability of the supposed recipient to absorb or manage the constructive ones effectively. Thus if a certain criticism is targeted to someone, he/she ought not to be dismayed by the gesture, rather is expected to try as much as possible to learn something tangible from it.

      Concessioning, disengagement, suspension or what have you, may have been the order of the day in Imo thereby constituting series of cacophony in various quarters, but it’s imperative for us to comprehend some vital facts attached to the seemingly unpleasant or unwanted scenario. Lest I forget; this very piece was informed by the one I did penultimate week entitled ‘Okorocha and the suspended Imo workers’, the subsequent reactions generated by the piece in question as well as the latest development in regard to the purported disengagement.

      The fundamental and crucial facts we are meant to acknowledge are as follows: concessioning of firms or parastatals is a worthwhile idea provided tangible and rational reasons are given, and in this case we were informed the action taken by the government was occasioned by the obvious fact that the affected parastatals were moribund. Another vital fact is that most of the workers involved are due for retirement; hence deserve to go for a compulsory rest so that new ones or young and vibrant prospective civil servants would fill the gap – this would also go a long way to increase productivity because the old bloods are indeed weak and incapacitated.

       But at this juncture, we need to ask ourselves some rudimentary questions. If truly that those parastatals were moribund, who or what prompted their disgusting physiognomies? Was it the government, the workers or the public? Unravelling the answers to these questions would save us from distress. Unequivocally, it’s pitiable that every occurrence had been blamed on the present economic meltdown in the country; to this end, there’s a compelling need for us to go back to the drawing board with a view to putting some paramount things in order, especially at this moment we are preoccupied with the way forward or diversification of the existing IGR sources.

      Gov Rochas Okorocha might have taken a gigantic and commendable step but it’s important for his Excellency to note that diplomacy remains the best avenue towards reaching a dialogue, unless he actually doesn’t believe in the aforesaid factor – dialogue. Right now, in the interest of Imolites and the state at large, every logical being would understand that the only option is that the amiable and people friendly governor need to cuddle the affected workers and the labour union in general. Thus, it’s high time we went back to the discussion table.

      Several discussions undoubtedly might have taken place prior to this time but there’s need and room for more. Any project begins with discussion and equally ends with it. We can’t continue like this because the scene is already telling on the entire Imo populace coupled with the ongoing economic crisis, therefore there’s an urgent need for total turnaround. The private investors involved ought to also assist in the proposed peace talk if their intentions are really genuine. On their part, the workers and the NLC as an organized body must endeavour to eschew violence at all cost because that is the least we expect from them.

      My paramount worry is that the health sector is deeply affected by the ongoing mayhem especially at this moment the entire country is experiencing the reemergence of Lassa fever and Avian Influenza popularly called ‘Bird flu’ which is tantamount to placing the state’s health status to a state of jeopardy. The health workers whom are not willing to leave or vacant their duty posts are being heavily distracted on a daily basis, and we are aware of the consequences of such scenario. It isn’t funny at all.

I just learnt that the affected workers had been asked to report to their respective ministries or places of primary assignment for onward relocation or posting to other viable parastatals, departments or agencies. It’s no doubt a welcome development but I candidly plead with the government not to play politics with such sensitive issue that has already overheated the polity. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador