Before Blackout Becomes Our Trademark

BEFORE BLACKOUT BECOMES OUR TRADEMARK

     The Nigeria’s power sector is presently yearning for rescue that if drastic measure isn’t taken, soonest the country won’t only reckoned to be synonymous with blackout but a place invariably used as a case-study whenever non-electricity supply is being discussed.

     It’s indeed worrisome to acknowledge that in spite of the intimidating size of Nigeria, both in landmass and population of over 160 million individuals, she’s currently striving toward boasting of steady seven thousand megawatts (7,000MW) of electricity supply, whereas nations like Ghana, South-Africa, Iran, South-Korea, among others alike, that aren’t up to 60 million people on the average, presently boast of over fifty thousand megawatts (50,000MW). Such shocking phenomenon calls for thorough examination in the country’s power sector.

     During the past administration, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s particularly, the Power Reform Act was introduced, which was aimed at boosting electricity supply. In addition, the then existing National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was changed to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) owing to concession. National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was equally initiated. Piqued by the epileptic power situation, Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, on assumption of office in 2007, lamented that the government under Chief Obasanjo squandered about $10 billion on the NIPP with little or no effect.

      On power sector alone, the administration of Chief Obasanjo reportedly spent $16 billion approximately equivalent to #3.52 trillion, his successor Late Yar’Adua expended $5.375 billion (#1.183 trillion), whilst immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration spent $8.26 billion (#1.817 trillion). In a nutshell, if comments of past Nigerian leaders are anything to go by, the country, in the last 16 years, spent about $29.635 billion amounting to #6.52 trillion on quest for steady power supply.

     It would be recalled that during Dr Jonathan’s reign, the distribution section/phase of the power sector was totally deregulated, thereby leading to Public-Private Partnership (PPP); a measure that Nigerians thought would salvage the power industry. It’s worth noting that the power sector comprises three major sections (phases) namely: the generation, transmission, and distribution sections. These three phases collectively contribute to the production of the two hundred and twenty Alternating-Current Voltage (AC220V) required by electricity consumers in Nigeria.

     Despite all these measures, rather than improving, the country’s power sector remains in a comatose state, or even deteriorates on a daily basis. The various distribution firms, instead of concentrating on how to serve the teeming consumers, end up compounding the already existing plight. At the moment, an electricity consumer in Nigeria, regardless of locality, would be faced with a utility bill even though he never enjoyed any power supply in the past; one might begin to wonder where such bill was fabricated.

     The problem with the Nigerian power sector remains lack of technical know-how cum initiative as well as decay in maintenance culture. Most times, the personnel at the generation phase would inform Nigerians that the supply of gasoline has depreciated owing to the ongoing pipeline vandalism caused by the various militant groups. Suchlike report is no doubt, to say the least, ridiculous and laughable in a country like ours that can boast of so many sources of electricity generation in abundance. Frankly, over-dependence on mono-source is really telling on the Nigerian economy at large, not just in the power sector.

     A few of the country’s mineral resources alone, such as coal and what have you, can generate enormous electricity required by the overall Nigerians. Similarly, biomass and wind-power, which are renewable and reliable energy sources, if properly harnessed, can generate electricity that can serve the entire Nigerian population. Biomass can either be used directly via combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after converting it to various forms of biofuel. Its conversion to biofuel can be achieved by different methods broadly classified into chemical, thermal, and biochemical methods.

     Besides, why is solar energy in abeyance? Most western countries like Germany that cannot boast of a steady fifteen degree Celsius (15*C) depends mainly on solar energy as regards power supply let alone Nigeria that can steadily boast of over 30*C. The country is abound with the four energy sources mentioned so far; the resources are there lying fallow. Our duty is to harness them; all the government needs to do is to create an industry that would produce the required facilities, and such approach cannot be actualized without lifting embargo on PPP.

     Above all, considering the ongoing power generation via turbine or hydro-plants, there’s compelling need for the government to decentralize the transmission grid. Rather than sustaining the national grid, since it’s obvious that such sustenance is cumbersome, each region or zone ought to be entitled to a transmission grid, thereby easing the maintenance cost. Such approach won’t only reduce cost, but would equally boost adequate and steady power supply across the federation. The private sector must also be given a room to key in; the various established private transmission grids such as the Power Geometrics situated in Aba, Abia State invented by Prof Bart Nnaji needs to be encouraged effectively.

     Summarily, before blackout becomes our trademark, the Ministry of Power must be mindful of the needful. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent. - Owerri
____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador        

      

INEC and the Electronic Card Reader

INEC AND THE ELECTRONIC CARD READER

     The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can currently boast of the use of Electronic Card Reader otherwise known as ‘Smart card reader’ during elections in Nigeria. Since the inception of the INEC in the Nigeria’s political terrain, the leadership of the institution had been working assiduously toward ensuring that the country could boast of a credible and fair election. This may be the reason the former Chairman of the commission, Prof Attahiru Jega thought it wise to initiate the Smart Card Reader prior to the last general elections, which has been in use till date.

     Though Prof Jega may have succeeded in coming up with a novel idea by introducing the aforementioned gadget, it’s worth noting that the current boss of the body, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has an enormous task ahead of him towards ensuring that the said laudable invention wouldn’t end up being a curse in disguise.

     It’s not anymore news that the ongoing use of the device in question has been bedeviled by several shortcomings to include malfunctioning, inadequate power supply and what have you. The INEC, inaugurated in 1998, has since inception encountered too many controversies and predicaments in the run up to elections in the country, most notably the April 2007 and 2015 general elections respectively; the ongoing challenges faced by the use of card readers seem to have added to the numerous plights of the commission.

     A Smart card reader is an electronic device that reads smart cards such as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card and Voter’s card, as the case may be. There are so many forms of smart card readers used for different purposes. In the banking industry, we have smart card readers that read the ATM cards. But here, we’re concerned about the electoral smart card reader. The electoral smart card reader is a portable electronic voter authentication gadget, configured to read only the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) issued by the INEC.

     The device, which displays the authentic information of the prospective voter via the use of fingerprint, was designed specifically for the accreditation process or authentication of eligible voters before voting. The machine is usually configured or programmed to only read the PVCs of a particular polling unit as well as work only on election day(s). The card reader has obviously helped in confirming the eligibility of the prospective voters. It has equally assisted in checking excesses as regards double/multiple registration.

     Among all, it enables the electoral exercise to be carried out faster since it can accredit as many intending voters as possible within a shortest interval; suffice it to say that it saves time. In addition, it enables the officials of the INEC to conduct the election easily or at ease unlike the manual system whereby the personnel would be required to put in or exhaust all their energies, thereby creating room for effectiveness and efficiency. This implies that, if properly utilized, it warrants the electoral umpire to engage fewer individuals or ad-hoc staff for any incoming election. Hence, the card reader isn’t just labour effective, but equally cost effective.

     Although the benefits inherent in the use of the smart card reader cannot be overemphasized, it’s worthy to acknowledge that the challenges that accompany it cannot be overlooked if truly we are concerned about embracing a society that can wholly boast of free, fair and credible polls. It’s not anymore news that, while in use, the card reader has reportedly malfunctioned in various quarters across the federation ever since it came into existence in Nigeria, thereby making the INEC officials in charge of the concerned polling units to resort to manual voting.

      To this end, there’s need for creation of a special technically-inclined unit within the INEC quarters. Such unit/department to be manned by an expert must contain all it takes as regards servicing or sustenance of the said gadget. The unit would go a long way to eradicate ‘fire brigade’ approach, which isn’t unusual in the Nigerian society. It would as well help to create a mobile technical committee that would monitor the functionality of the card readers throughout any election as well as ensure that the various polling units involved are well equipped with the needed materials including electricity supply gadgets prior to the election. There would also be need for the unit to be more concerned about providing special electronic chargers or charging devices at the various voting centres so that the card readers wouldn’t need to depend on power supply as long as the voting lasts.

      Above all, there is need for the device to be manufactured in the country henceforth. There are capable hands that can actualize it; all the government needs to do is to empower them via the proposed technical unit. We can’t continue to import what we can produce, especially at this moment we are concerned about diversification. I therefore call on INEC to embrace the fullness of technology so that the awaited society would be embraced soonest. Think about it!    

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-

Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent.
_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador        

Payroll Palaver and ICT Perspective

PAYROLL PALAVER AND ICT PERSPECTIVE

     The last time I checked, the Nigerian civil service system was deeply bedeviled by a cankerworm known as ‘ghost workers’. The syndrome, which isn’t peculiar to the federal level, is indeed ubiquitous that no certain level/unit of government is exempted whenever its scourge is being discussed. Funnily enough, the anomaly has lingered that anyone could insinuate that it’s a norm.

     Two months ago, precisely on Thursday 5^th May 2016, during the meeting between federal ministries and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) in Lagos State as organized by the Minister of Information and Culture – Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun categorically disclosed that the ongoing #165 billion monthly salaries cum allowances of federal civil servants was over-bloated, thus could no longer be sustained by the Federal Government (FG).

     Mrs. Adeosun who was speaking on the economy reform agenda of the present administration, stated that the said fund represented about forty percent (40%) of the total spending made by the FG. According to her, the figure was outrageous; hence, government was pursuing aggressive measures towards detecting as well as prosecuting ghost workers and other saboteurs in the system. She landed with a mind-boggling revelation that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), which wasn’t fully functional, still had names of about ten thousand (10,000) workers on its payroll regularly serviced by the FG’s coffers.

      In a related development, barely few weeks ago, over a huge sum of #4 billion fraud was reportedly discovered in Aso Rock, the Nigeria’s seat of power. The discovery was made by President Muhammadu Buhari’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Major Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd). Aside his alleged shocking discovery, which was made after a general security auditing and verification exercise ordered by Mr. President, the NSA further disclosed that  names of twenty-nine (29) ghost security personnel had been on security payroll in the Presidency over the years.

     The various states and LGAs across the federation aren’t exceptional. On Thursday 26^th May 2016, the Bayelsa State government said it had uncovered payroll fraud in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), with the discovery of over 765 illicitly employed teachers in the existing eight local government councils in the state. According to the report, names of fifty (50) dead teachers were equally found on the payroll of Ogbia Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) alone.

      It baffles me that at this age, Nigeria is still lagging behind as regards Information and Communications Technology (ICT). We can’t continue indulging ourselves in retrogressive issues in an era when ICT or Hi-Tech has succeeded in simplifying everything, or unraveling every mystery related to information. Most times I wonder; is it that Nigeria cannot afford the services of ICT, or that she can’t boast of or source for the required ICT personnel?

     The answer, of course, is No. Nigeria can afford all of the above. Her plight ab initio, has been lack of orientation and corruption. The people she had had in positions of authority refused to be convinced that ICT is the only way forward concerning the lingering payroll palaver in the country, perhaps owing to lack of political will occasioned by corruption. However, we are intensely glad the current administration apparently detests corruption profusely.

      Now that the President Buhari – led government is interested in getting it right, it must acknowledge that obtaining a comprehensive database for all the federal workers is long overdue. Such measure can only be actualized via a forensic approach. To this end, a special unit/department must be created by law under the Ministry of Finance. The proposed unit is subject to be manned by well qualified and reliable ICT experts; and no one ought to have access to the department, except its staff and the director/HOD.

      Additionally, an agency comprising thoroughly scrutinized individuals ought to be set up by law to monitor or oversee the day-to-day activity of the department. The agency would ascertain whenever a worker dies or retires, as the case may be, among other likely events, and thereafter ensure that the record is duly implemented by the unit. Moreover, from time-to-time through their oversight functions, the federal legislators should invite the members, particularly the chairman, of the agency to keep them abreast of happenings.

     For the above unit to function tactically and properly, every federal MDA must equally boast of a competent and reliable ICT unit that would regularly update the former, or the umbrella body, on matters relating to employment, death, retirement, expulsion, retrenchment, or what have you; the said agency would assist in monitoring the genuineness and adequacy of the aforementioned cooperation. For efficiency’s sake, the unit must engage a viable and reliable software consulting firm toward ensuring holistic update of its software maintenance.

     The above measure ought to as well be replicated on the part of payment of pensions and gratuities. And, the various state governments should endeavour to borrow a leaf from the overall proposed approach. Let’s embrace ICT now, to enjoy forever. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent. - Owerri
____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com\
Twitter: @mediambassador        

 

Internet Hacking and Nigeria's Future

INTERNET HACKING AND NIGERIA’S FUTURE

     The last time I checked, Computer/Internet Hacking constituted the most recent cybercrimes. Prior to the invention of the Internet, criminals had to dig through people’s trash or intercept their mails to steal their personal information. Now that all the required information is available online, criminals presently use the Internet to steal people’s identities, either via trick or infecting their devices with malware.

      Most cybercrimes are committed by individuals or small groups, though large organized criminal groups also take advantage of the Internet. These so-called professional criminals find new ways to commit old or ancient crimes. They treat cyber crimes like a business and form global criminal communities. Criminal communities share strategies and tools and can combine forces to launch coordinated attacks. They even have an underground marketplace where cyber criminals can purchase and sell stolen information or identities.

      It’s very difficult to track cyber criminals down, because the Internet makes it easier for people to do things anonymously and from any location on the globe. Needless to say that, many computers used in various destinations have actually been hacked and are being controlled by someone far away.

      For hackers who want to come clean and turn away from crime out of pretence, one option is to work for the people they used to torment by becoming their security consultants or employees. These set of hackers are referred to as “Grey Hat Hackers”. In the past, they were addressed as “Black Hat Hackers” who used their computer expertise to break into systems and steal information illegally while posing as a friend or dedicated employee/consultant. But presently, some of them are acting as “White Hat Hackers” who specialize in testing the security strength of their clients’ information systems.

     If the interest of the White Hat Hackers is to be paid, they will attempt to hack into a company’s network and then present the affected company with a report detailing the existing security loopholes of the company and how those anomalies could be tackled. The advantage of this is that, they can use their skills for a good cause and help stop other cyber criminals, since keeping up with security and cyber criminals is a fulltime job and many companies can’t afford financially to have someone totally dedicated to it.

     Another recent devastating aspect of internet hacking is the “Social Engineering” routine. Social engineering is a tactic used by cyber criminals that use lies and manipulations to trick people into revealing their personal information. Social engineering attackers frequently involve very convincing fake stories to lure victims into their trap. Some of these tricks include: sending victims an email that claims there’s problem with their account and has a link to a fake website, trying to convince victims to open email attachments that contain malware, pretending to be a network/account administrator and asking for the victim’s password to perform maintenance activity, as well as claiming that the victim has won a prize but must give their credit card information or bank account details in order to receive it, just to mention but a few.

     The recent antics of cyber criminals, which are barbaric and inhumane, call for constant and consistent update of advanced anti-hacking computer software by software producers, and the adequate dissemination of the said software to the apt quarters. Presently such most developing countries as Nigeria and what have you, are less-privileged in regard to advanced anti-hacking or anti-malware software; hence they need to act fast in this regard. Nigerian could presently boast of world class experts on software programming; these set of persons especially the young ones need to be encouraged by the government by setting up an industry that would enable them commercialize their expertise. 

      The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is supposed to have a thoroughly equipped Internet-based communication unit comprising well experienced experts and consultants. Such unit, which would function as a spy, would help to checkmate activities being carried out by every internet user at all nooks and crannies of the country on a daily basis.

      Inter alia, the bill regarding Cybercrimes that was recently passed by the 7^th National Assembly needs to be reviewed by the 8^th assembly with a view to ensuring that every required clause regarding internet hacking is included, or towards making amends where necessary. There would be need to set up special court to be made up of uncompromising judicial custodians that would prosecute anyone accused of any form of cybercrime, particularly internet hacking which has caused the Nigerian society a colossal economic loss.

      Most importantly, every computer/internet firm owner should endeavour to engage an expert on Ethical Hacking. Our various schools at all levels, the tertiary institutions in particular, should on their part take teachings on internet hacking more seriously in the ongoing general studies on Computer Literacy.

     People either as individuals or corporate bodies are advised to set strict passwords, change them regularly as well as never endeavour to share them with anyone to enable them not to exclaim ‘had I known’. Think about it!

         

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Engineering/ICT Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
________________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador

 

Imo, Okorocha and the Propagandists

IMO, OKOROCHA AND THE PROPAGANDISTS

     The last time I checked, Imo remained a specially and beautifully created state that every right thinking Nigerian wished to be part of. Tell me; why wouldn’t you wish to be a part of a state whose teeming subjects are ubiquitously reckoned to be doing very well in every facet of human endeavour across the globe?

     Imo is a great state, and her children are as well doing greatly in all nooks and crannies; no doubt about that. This is the reason every average Imolite is well respected not just in Nigeria but the global community at large. Owing to this obvious fact, Imo citizens who truly know their onions vehemently pray to find themselves as members of the state if given the opportunity to embrace the world once again after their eternal departure.

     One remarkable feature of an Imolite, on the average, is education. Needless to say that Imo indigenes naturally nurture an unalloyed quest for education. And they are indeed well educated and informed, to say the least. This is why, each year, candidates from the state usually make the best results in various external examinations such as the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), among others. This could be what informed Governor Rochas Okorocha’s determination to take education very seriously the moment he assumed duty in 2011.

     Lest I digress; the bone of contention remains that Imo people in their entirety are known as fully knowledgeable individuals, thus no one expects them to act as less-privileged set of people, knowledge wise, regardless of the circumstance. They are known to be highly cultured and guided individuals come rain come shine. But pathetically, recently, some unscrupulous elements in the state made up their minds to disabuse me alongside persons of like minds, of the notion that Imolites are deeply ‘cultured and knowledgeable’.

     Few weeks ago, the state’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Rochas Okorocha left the state for abroad. It would be recollected that the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mr. Sam Onwuemedo informed the people of the state, as courtesy demanded, that the governor was leaving the state for a business trip. We were rightly told that the number-one citizen was going to woo foreign investors to the state, the Eastern heartland, as he had always done in the past.

     Surprisingly, few days after, the governor’s tour reportedly turned to something else. In various quarters, it was rumoured the governor had been flown to India owing to his alleged encounter with a ghost in ‘his office’. They further alleged that the governor was slapped by the ghost. According to the anonymous propagandists, the governor wasn’t just hospitalized in India; rather, he was receiving treatment from an unorthodox centre. Subsequently, the rumour transcended that the governor was ‘dead’.

      Therein, having forbidden the rumour, every phone call I put across to verify the genuineness of the misleading information disclosed that Chief Okorocha was hale and hearty. I didn’t stop at that; I had to use other reasonable channels within my reach to ascertain the trueness of the clarification. As an analyst and activist, I needed not to rely on mere speculations; suchlike act wouldn’t only ridicule my person, but might end up taking my precious career into extinction. And, such won’t augur well for me and my fans in general. Furthermore, on Tuesday August 23, the governor proved the propagandists wrong by arriving in the country safely and in sound condition.

      By virtue of our tradition as an Igbo nation, we were taught that wishing someone dead isn’t just barbaric, dastardly and outrageous but evil and so forbidden. And, to those of us whom are Christians, we were equally told by the Holy writ that you dare not wish your fellow human being dead or ill, not even your enemy. Rather than nurturing such absurd thought, you are required to pray for his/her repentance if you feel they are not doing or living as expected. Even if the governor was truly ill, why would we gloat over such ordeal? The truth is that: the set of Imolites behind that ugly propaganda had really derailed to have concocted such evil news let alone making it public. It’s even more disheartening and alarming that the affected person is the executive governor of the state. Honestly, we must sincerely retrace our footsteps in earnest before we encounter our doom unannounced.

     Lest I forget, I however equally wish to use this medium to address some anomalies. Tradition demands that if the governor or president of a state or country, respectively, is embarking on a trip for any purpose whatsoever, his subjects deserve to know where exactly he’s headed for, as well as what actually he’s leaving for; if it’s a business/economic tour, what kind of business talks would be involved and which country or province specifically would it take place. The people also deserve to know when precisely their governor would return to the state; in other words, they need to be intimated on how long, or how many days/weeks the trip would last.

     If the governor initially proposed to return after five days or thereabouts, and along the line something came up or another official engagement transpired, his subjects must be duly notified on the elongation. As the state’s governor, it’s worth noting that he’s leaving on behalf of the state, and not in his personal capacity; hence, the citizens must realize where their governor is, at any moment, even if he has left for a personal commitment. We must learn to keep the general public abreast of happenings from time to time. Do not conceal any activity pertaining to the state.

     We must acknowledge that misinformation could warrant anything; I’ve come to understand that, most times, speculations among the general public are often attributable to inappropriate information. A number one citizen of a state isn’t anybody that could travel unnoticed, thus any of his proposed tour must be well publicized. Don’t attempt to keep his teeming fans and subjects in the dark.   

      Now we are all interested in redress. To this end, I appeal to Gov Okorocha to forgive the propagandists and forge ahead since he wasn’t the first leader to suffer such mayhem. The best revenge is always to just gladly move on and let Karma do the rest. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador 

         

Imo SEC and Its Recent Intriguing Resolutions

IMO SEC AND ITS RECENT INTRIGUING RESOLUTIONS

     The last time I checked, the State Executive Council (SEC) of Imo ably led by Governor Rochas Okorocha just released some fascinating and mind-blowing resolutions made during its last meeting held on Friday 2^nd September 2016 at the Ndubuisi Kanu Executive Council Chambers – Government House Owerri, which were disclosed to the general public penultimate week by the state’s Commissioner for Information in the person of Chief Vitalis Ajumbe.

     The highlights of the resolutions were as follows: That,

v The state’s Local Government Council election will hold in January, 2017.

v Every pensioner in the state would be paid for the month of August 2016, while Government continues its negotiations with the Pension Union on how to clear the rest of the pension arrears.

v Five graduates per ward, from the 305 INEC wards in the state, would be employed to beef up the state’s civil service; and that the graduates must be computer literate.

v Eke-ukwu market as well as Ama-awusa, situated in Owerri metropolis, would be relocated to their respective proposed permanent sites, on/before 30^th September 2016.

      Since ‘it’s better late than never’, it’s good news that the pending LG elections in the ancient state would eventually take place in January 2017. Of course, only an imbecile would assert that such long awaited resolution was inconsequential. But, the question is: how prepared is the government to ensure that the prolonged polls would surely hold at the stipulated period or thereabouts? This is equally how we were told that the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers would conduct its election towards producing its next substantive leadership; but till date, we are still looking forward to witnessing the materialization of such crucial and sensitive pronouncement.

      If I’m not mistaken, this is the umpteenth time the state would schedule the LG election. I can’t recollect vividly how many times I have written on this subject matter, all to no avail. Hence, let it be that this laudable resolution, that couldn’t have come at a better time than now, was emanated by a genuine political will. Imolites are hopeful.

      Why would pensioners be paid for only the month of August; does it imply that pension is now a privilege? After all those months of suffering and anguish, the SEC thought it wise to pay the senior citizens only for a month. How could someone think of such idea let alone making it public? Well, if the one month pension is given to them right now, it would heal a reasonable percentage of the injuries they have incurred so far; but, is the proposed ‘one month’ payment forthcoming?

      It’s even more appalling that no one remembered gratuity. Nevertheless, I’m not surprised; how would they discuss gratuities involving millions when pensions that involved just a token are swept under the carpet? It’s really saddening that, at the moment, non-payment of pensions and gratuities is blamed on the ongoing recession. Even if salaries cannot be paid owing to economic meltdown, pensions aren’t meant to be affected, because pension is simply the result of the overall contributions/savings made by the pensioner while in service.

      Funnily enough, the government is considering employing more job seekers from across the state when those already employed are not entitled to their wages. How do you reconcile this? Currently, the least I expect from any government is to discuss employment. We are talking of how to strengthen the economy, so that, lucrative job opportunities would be ubiquitously available, and not how to further suffocate the epileptic economy. It’s obvious that there’s no sufficient fund to pay workers. So, what’s the essence of engaging more hands? Even if the government doesn’t truly mean it, such intent ought not to be made public.

      The last but not the least; relocation of Eke-ukwu Owerri and Ama-awusa. I wonder why it has taken the government so much time and energy to relocate the Ama-awusa, which has constituted an enormous nuisance in the Owerri metropolis. Is the place, or its occupants, more important than other several shanties and structures already demolished by the government; so, why the much ado? Suchlike delay isn’t unlike making a landlord look foolish while his tenant is being adored. Read my lips.

      The proposed relocation of Eke-ukwu Owerri might be a very commendable move, but it’s pertinent to acknowledge that such action shouldn’t be taken in haste. I’m personally strongly in support of relocation of the said market because its locality is apparently causing more harm than good. But, I’m afraid; it’s the market that made the people of Owerri Nchi-Ise (metropolis) to be entitled to an autonomous community. According to the law binding Autonomous Communities in the state, any prospective autonomous community must boast of, at least, a befitting market, church, school, hospital, and what have you. Suffice it to say that the market in question, if it must be relocated, it should be taken to a locality that’s under the Owerri Autonomous Community.

      All I’m soliciting for is that, the government ought to look inwards to ensure that every of its proposed actions, is fair and neutral. Only a just action can guarantee a unified society, thus fairness is bound to be our keyword in every action we intend to take. Similarly, let’s not relegate other stakeholders to the background while taking any sensitive decision. Everyone’s contribution is immensely needed toward building a formidable society we all yearn for, especially at this point we are deeply concerned about economic diversification.

       I’ve come to realize that the major plight faced by government at all levels in Nigeria, is not inability to propound a sound policy; rather, inability to uphold sincerity. If any government strives to have a sincere intent or political will, I bet you, there won’t be any barrier towards good governance. Think about it! 

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador 

            

Ohakim Quits Politics?

OHAKIM QUITS ACTIVE POLITICS?

     The last time I checked, the immediate past governor of Imo State in the person of Chief Ikedi Ohakim had reportedly quit active partisan politics, ‘temporarily’ though. Chief Ohakim who announced the decision to scores of his supporters at his Okohia, Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area (LGA) country home on Sunday 14^th August 2016, stated that he was too intelligent to be involved in the ongoing ‘brigandage’ taking place in his political party – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

     Having disclosed that he wanted to go on ‘sabbatical’ and focus on mentoring young people coupled with his Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), the staunch Imo politician equally stated that he was not asking any of his supporters/followers to follow him, but if anyone chose to do otherwise, he was welcome. The PDP stalwart went further to express regret that the PDP leaders had been taking deliberate steps to destabilize it, and the party faithful had as well watched helplessly as the leaders undermine each other in pursuit of ‘self-serving interests’.

      It is obvious that the reason behind the unceremonious vacation of the former Imo boss from active politics isn’t unconnected with the lingering crisis befalling his party – the PDP; it isn’t anymore news that, for quite some time now, the PDP has been in a parlous state. This was exactly how the former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, also of the PDP, publicly declared his intent to retire from active politics few months ago, precisely on 6^th February 2016; till now, his followers are earnestly awaiting his next line of action since he equally mentioned he was leaving in the interim. However, few weeks ago, the news went viral that Chief Nnamani had concluded all plans to join the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC).

      Unequivocally, the news that Chief Ikedi Ohakim had quit active partisan politics is, to say the least, laughable and ridiculous, just as I perceived that of Chief Nnamani. Suchlike unpredicted move has succeeded in convincing my person that most Nigerian politicians have acquired a new style of leaving their various political parties for another; antics that aren’t only absurd but nauseous.

     It is indeed a wake-up call to their respective teeming fans or guerillas. Such ongoing scenario beats my psyche intensely because, at the end, or in the long run, their followers stand to suffer the injury incurred in the process, thereby negatively affecting the polity in its totality. This is conspicuously the ripe time to intimate the electorate on what they need to realize regarding leadership and followership, else failure to do so, the Nigerian society stands to lose. There are no two ways about it.

     Since we aren’t unaware that Chief Ohakim can only genuinely exit from active politics over his dead body, considering how talented and gifted he is in the game of politics or whenever the said game is mentioned, it’s needless to reiterate that the politician in question is only trying to exercise his notable smart nature by putting up the so-called French-leave. Our politicians must learn to comprehend that, defection isn’t in any way wholesome to any socio-political terrain, let alone doing so albeit deceitfully.

     There’s power in opposition. Hence, it’s not only the ruling party that’s in power as being presumed. We often tend to misunderstand the fact, thereby making us misinterpret the prime essence of opposition in a democratic reign. Read my lips; there will never be good governance in any society whatsoever without viable and sound opposition. Opposition was originally designed to engineer the implementation of the policies that would usher in the anticipated governance. But it’s unarguably pathetic that in this part of the world, particularly Nigeria, our politicians usually tend to confuse the actual impact of opposition on nation-building.

     Besides, why would a party stalwart resigns his membership owing to an ongoing internal crisis? To me, such uncalled act isn’t unlike a situation where you are fighting or chasing the devil with a relative, and the relation in question ends up addressing you as the devil. We must learn to fight to the end regardless of the enormity of the circumstance; I want to strongly disabuse us of the notion that, in a given organization, some are expected to cultivate while others are meant to reap thereafter.

     In a union of two or more persons, misunderstanding or challenges are bound to set in; it’s a natural phenomenon. It’s not about the challenge; it’s about how the overall members unanimously try to overcome it. In other words, we shouldn’t absorb any challenge as the end of the road. Challenges, which mainly lead to fortification, are arguably consequential if we are interested in moving ahead or unalloyed progression. So, I candidly put it up to you that Chief Ohakim, among others of like minds, has derailed. I said so because, they left when the party they have enjoyed its membership for years needed them most.

      As the founding members of the PDP, this is the time they are required to employ their expertise or fatherly experience towards resolving the ostensibly unquenchable inferno that is currently bedeviling the family. We can’t take a leave at a time our services are needed most. We are aware that dynamism is required of every politician but when betrayal is involved, it becomes a social deviance. Smartness is undoubtedly consequential but when it is targeted towards the downfall of your immediate family, it becomes preposterous and irrational. Think about it!

 

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

 

Nigeria, Yearning for Economic Lobotomy

NIGERIA, YEARNING FOR ECONOMIC LOBOTOMY

      The last time I checked, ‘lobotomy’ remained a medical term that could be described as a surgical operation in which some of the nerves in the brain are cut to address a severe mental imbalance. It isn’t anymore news that the Nigeria’s economic status is currently undergoing a grievous mental disorder that requires such major operation as lobotomy.

      At the moment, the Nigeria’s economic countenance is characterized by low crude oil price, instability in the main oil-producing regions, lack of foreign currency and monetary strengthening. Recently, the naira has been weakening against the U.S. dollar (USD), precisely since June 2016 when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) scrapped the currency peg that had kept it at an artificially-high value of about #198 per USD for over a year.

      After the peg was removed, the currency lost over 40% of its value against the USD and fell to #282 per USD. While the CBN had pledged to move to a free-floating exchange regime, it tactically intervened in the foreign exchange market some weeks after the devaluation to keep the ravaging naira between a narrow range of 282 to 285 NGN per USD. However, in mid-July, the apex bank withdrew its interventions, thereby causing the naira to depreciate further. On July 28, the currency fell to a record-low of #322 per USD, which marked a 14.2% depreciation within a month as well as 61.8% depreciation in annual terms. Since then, the naira has been fluctuating at low levels. Right now, it’s sold at about #314 per USD and about #422 at the parallel market.

      Notwithstanding, several analysts cum commentators were of the view that the removal of the currency peg was long overdue. The exchange rate flexibility awakened hopes that the shortage of hard currency and restrictions on imports, which were partly responsible for the country’s unwholesome economic performance in the first quarter of the fiscal year (Q1), would ease immensely. It’s noteworthy that the onward deterioration of the naira prompted the CBN to hike interest rates to a record high in July 2016, in an effort to tackle soaring inflation. In spite of the various perceived remedial approaches, the economic stagnation still lingers.

      Statistics show that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate declined to 0.36% in Q1 of 2016 compared to 2.11% in Q4 of 2015. The GDP had earlier contracted to 3.86% and 2.35% in Q1 and Q2 of 2015 respectively, before rebounding to 2.84% in Q3 of 2015 and further shrunk to 2.11% in Q4 of same year. The current decline represents the first contraction since June 2004, signifying a twelve-year low. Similarly, the unemployment rate climbed to 12.1% in Q1 of 2016 compared to 10.4% and 9.9% in Q4 and Q3 of 2015 respectively. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) equally stated that, as at May 2016, daily oil production reduced to 2.11 million barrels per day (mbpd), or 0.5mbpd lower from production of 2.61mbpd in Q4 of 2015, which is not unconnected with the lingering vandalism of the oil facilities by the Niger-Delta Avengers (NDA). This is a basic symptom of recession.

       Since Nigeria still depends on mono-economy, it’s apparent that she would continue to suffer from an epileptic economy till further notice. The bitter reality is that the oil price has dropped tremendously over the globe; it’s currently sold between $40-45 per barrel as against $145 its initial price as at Q1 of 2015. So, even if Nigeria can boast of up to several mbpd, it will yet not solve the ongoing economic quagmire. Needless to say that it’s high time we stopped thinking about oil toward concentrating on other revenue sources. It’s indeed appalling that, amidst the dwindling oil revenue, a state like Lagos still discusses discovery of more oil wells; this alone implies that we are yet to face reality.

       First; the CBN needs to revisit the drawing board. It’s apparent that most of the ongoing challenges in the money and capital markets are occasioned by the CBN’s miscalculation. Every policy introduced lately by the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN seems to have failed woefully; hence, it’s time to have a rethink. The overall policies must be reviewed for the country’s good. I’m of the view that single-digit interest rate is the only way out if we are truly concerned about diversification, particularly industrialization.

      Devaluation of the currency was never an option. Such policy would only end up enriching the rich while the poor get poorer. Any policy targeted to be one-sided, can only constitute more nuisance than good. A genuine policy must be neutral, strict and result-oriented. The naira deserves a currency peg or a fixed exchange rate, which guarantees accurate long-term predictability for business planning. In addition, the parallel market must be adequately checkmated by the apex bank toward curtailing lapses.

       It’s also time we start doing the ‘talking’. I’ve come to agree that Nigeria’s prime predicament remains, laying much emphasis on theory, thereby relegating practical approach to the background. In agriculture, farmers, or prospective ones, need to be conscientized to specialize on a particular farm produce; such measure would definitely boost productivity. And, no farmer should mix crop and livestock farming; mixed farming may come up in the long run after we must have actualized our primary motive. Thus, specialty must be upheld at all costs.

       Governments at all levels must equally be willing to subsidize the cost of tractors, so that, crude system of farming would become a thing of the past. Mechanized farming is the answer. More so, our young ones, especially the youth, ought to be integrated into agriculture, and should be encouraged to study various agricultural disciplines in higher institutions by showering them with innumerable incentives such as bursary and what have you.

      The ongoing tourism mantra ought to be decentralized, or liberalized, whereby it would become mainly a regional/zonal affair. Such measure needs to be extended to the security sector, so that, each geo-political zone would be answerable to their peculiar security challenges. Furthermore, it’s needless to intensify taxation in a growing and struggling economy like Nigeria; rather, we’re bound to concentrate on eradication of tax evasion and leakages.

      We must also revive various technical-oriented practices and institutions, that are moribund, to include the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Teaching Practice (TP), and technical colleges, among others. Millions of our young ones are deeply talented and experienced in numerous industrial fields such as ICT, thus they require an enabling environment in which they can commercialize the patents. By so doing, foreigners would be trouping into the country to purchase our trademarks.

      But, it’s pertinent to note that, all these would end up being a jamboree if we overlook the ongoing power instability. I suggest, the Power, Works and Housing Ministry ought to be disintegrated. Additionally, we must think beyond hydro-electric generation pattern, thus other power generation sources like biomass, solar, coal, that are abound in the country, need to be embraced; and there’s need to decentralize the transmission grid.

      Summarily, towards a successful lobotomy, every concerned authority must endeavour to extend hand of fellowship to the cognoscenti. Think about it!

 

 

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Researcher, Blogger, Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

 

 

Strengthening National Unity Via Friendship

STRENGTHENING NATIONAL UNITY VIA FRIENDSHIP

      The last time I checked, the 2016 edition of the International day of Friendship was commemorated on Saturday July 30. The resolution concerning the annual International Day of Friendship was adopted unanimously by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in May 2011 in recognition of the fact that friendship can contribute meaningfully to the efforts of the global community towards the promotion of dialogue among solidarity, civilization, mutual understanding as well as reconciliation.

      The resolution mandated the international community to recognize July 30 of every year as International Day of Friendship thereby inviting all the UN Member States, several arms of the UN system, as well as other international and regional bodies coupled with civil societies, to observe the day in accordance with the culture/customs and other appropriate circumstances of their respective local, national and/or regional communities through public awareness-raising activities.

      It’s often said that ‘two good heads are better than one’. It’s also widely noted that ‘a tree does not make a forest’. These and many more similar quotations, which signify the essence of partnership or amalgamation, have been adhered to by millions of personalities and schools of thought across the globe owing to their obvious inevitable role in human existence.

      The aforementioned philosophies are not unconnected with the fact that, no individual or group can do it all alone if efficiency or effectiveness remains his/its watchword. No doubt, this was the reason God ensured that a woman was formed having created a man. Needless to say; the creator Himself understood the unavoidable essence of companionship. This simply implies that everyone requires a friend in whom he/she is well pleased toward arriving at the anticipated success room.

      A friend, in a nutshell, is a person that one likes and knows well. It could also be described as a supporter of a cause or a staunch fan of a certain organization. A true friend is the first person you wish to call whenever you receive good news; he/she is equally the person you wish to share your pains with; he is that person or fellow that would like to accompany you on the most boring errands or trips and make them seem fun; he is that fellow that is invariably willing to tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.   

      In the same vein, friendship is a kind of relationship between two or more people who care about each other. Since friendship has to do with people who truly care about each other, there’s no gain saying that sometimes it requires that people put someone other than themselves first. Indeed, true friendship signifies that some occasions might warrant you sacrificing your happiness for that of others. Hence, life is all about sacrifice, which is usually a product of compassion. What’s the essence of life if you can’t cough up a reasonable time to think about others?    

      Notwithstanding, a friendship is meant to be a symbiotic relationship rather than a parasitic one. Hence, many qualities are required or necessary for a good friendship to hold, including honesty, transparency, trustworthiness, loyalty, tolerance and unconditional acceptance. These, among other factors, have the tendency to yield an unconditional love between the parties involved. For any friendship to be reliable as well as successful or hitch-free, either or both parties, as the case might be, must possess all of the above at all times.

      In Nigeria, for instance, which is an amalgamation of various friendships or relationships, for the union to remain in peace and progress, the leaders must be willing to be transparent and honest to the teeming followers, thus they must always exercise the political will towards leading transparently. The electorate, on their part, must equally reciprocate the gesture by being loyal and submissive. Any union is anchored on reciprocity among its overall members, and Nigeria isn’t an exception. We must take into cognizance that national unity would continue to suffer from epilepsy if trust is nowhere to be found; and there will never be trust if honesty and transparency is missing.

      Happiness ought to be seen as a keyword by the people or groups who constitute a certain friendship or union, irrespective of the circumstance. Of course, we aren’t unaware that human beings can clash very easily, which is why it’s hard for some persons to maintain many friendships at a time or simultaneously. In view of this assertion, members of a particular friendship are expected to uphold absolute honesty at all cost with the sole aim of sustaining the relationship in question.

      Another pertinent factor to acknowledge towards sustaining national unity is unconditional acceptance. The various ethnic groups across the federation must be prepared to accept each other unconditionally since they are bound to be one indivisible body. We found ourselves together, or as one nation, thus we must strive to sustain the oneness regardless of our respective distinct cultures and backgrounds. No doubt, this is the only way we can boast of unconditional love, which is the only factor that can yield the awaited societal uplift. Unalloyed love produces absolute peace and unity that are required for both human and capital developments. The Ministry of Information and Culture under the watch of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in collaboration with various relevant bodies, can help in making the general public comprehend this fact via awareness cum thorough sensitization campaigns.

      During penultimate year’s commemoration of the International Day of Friendship, precisely on 30^th July 2015, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon urged the global community to use the potential of friendship to strengthen common bonds and inspire efforts for peace and sustainable development. The UN boss further stated that “The day is an important opportunity to confront the misunderstanding and distrust that underlie so many of the tensions and conflicts in today’s world.” He went further to say that the event is a reminder that human solidarity is essential to promoting lasting peace and fostering sustainable growth among mankind, therefore enjoined the international communities to cultivate warm ties that would strengthen our common humanity and promote the well-being of the human race.

      Hence, I call on Nigerians both home and abroad to strive towards achieving national unity through the effort of undiluted friendship. It was Lucius Seneca that said “One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.” In her words, Helen Keller stated that “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Similarly, Hubert Humphrey succinctly disclosed that “The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.” To this end, I appeal to us to receive friendship in our various endeavours since it has been proven beyond doubts to be the pathway to man’s eternal gladness.

     Acknowledging that two good heads are truly better than one, it’s therefore not needful to state that all hands are expected to be on deck toward ensuring that friendship is created as well as sustained at all cost for the sake of national unity and harmony, which definitely would yield the long awaited national development. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Researcher, Blogger, Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador