Kicking Against Hostility and Conflict

KICKING AGAINST HOSTILITY AND CONFLICT AS THE WORLD MARKS THE 2016 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21

 

       Today, Wednesday September 21, the world over is commemorating the 2016 anniversary of the International Day of Peace. In respect to the effect of peace to humanity, in 1981, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through a resolution established the International Day of Peace. The day was first celebrated on Tuesday September 21, 1982. The maiden commemoration was meant to coincide with the anniversary of the UN’s opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September.

         Consequently, in 2001, the UN General Assembly by unanimous votes adopted resolution which established 21^st September of every year as an annual day of non-violence and ceasefire. By this resolution, the UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities, and to otherwise commemorate the day through education and raising of public awareness on issues related to peace.

       Hostility is unfriendly or aggressive behaviour/feelings towards people from other backgrounds. It can also be described as a strong opposition against an idea, a plan or a situation. On its part, conflict is a situation in which individuals, groups or countries are involved in a serious disagreement or argument which often results to violence; it can simply be defined as a state of complete confusion and disorder. On the other hand, peace is a period of time when there is no enmity, violence or war in a certain locality; more so, it is the state of being calm or quiet, or living in mutual friendship with others.

        Hostility and conflict, that have over the decades subjected mankind to a state of mockery, have indeed arrested the developmental thrives of most nations across the globe thereby constituting a severe and uncontrollable poverty among the populace. Conflict, that is as old as the world, has succeeded in rendering the socio-economic growth of many countries incapacitated due to its cruel and dastardly nature.

       Conflict through the emergence of terrorist activities such as assassination, kidnapping, massacre, armed robbery, genocide, or what have you, has not only brought endless anxiety to the people, but has contributed immensely to the degradation of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the affected country or region, as the case may be. Above all, the dangers of war, or the level of the post-traumatic stress disorder attributed to it, cannot be overemphasized.

       Research shows that the rudimentary attribute of several conflicts are directly related to leadership and/or valuable natural resources such as gold, diamond, petroleum, coal, timber, water and so on. Needless to say that, addressing the ownership, control and management of available natural endowments is crucial to maintaining peace and security in any society, thereby sustaining an ideal development needed by all. Hence, in Nigeria for instance, it’s imperative for the governments at all levels to include the host communities of the country’s resources in the scheme of things, especially while implementing capital projects. Equitable distribution of leadership positions among the citizens/regions would equally be a welcome idea.

       Surely, peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development, thus we must quench the fire of extremism among us in order to tackle the root causes of conflict. We must bear in mind that peace is definitely a long journey that we are bound to collectively embark on. Suffice to say; we are expected to hold peace in our hearts and minds, and tenderly nurture it so it would grow and blossom.

        It is not anymore news that armed conflict causes untold grief and hardship to families, communities and the entire country involved. Indeed, too many persons are suffering today at the brutal hands of war-mongers and terrorists. This is why, from the onset, we must learn to teach our children and wards the essence of tolerance and mutual respect. Let’s invest in the schools and teachers toward building a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity; fight for peace at all cost, as well as defend it with all our might. The various religious bodies have a very vital and inevitable role to play in this regard.

        From time to time, we are meant to sensitize our children, relatives, friends, colleagues, associates, and what have you, to emulate the habit of the UN Messengers of Peace, or the likes of Princess Haya, Daniel Barenboim, Paulo Coelho, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, Edward Norton, Steve Wonder, Charlie Theron, and Elie Wiesel, just to mention but a few, whom remain distinguished individuals carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, sports among other fields of public life, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the UN in the area of peace promotion. These prominent icons volunteer their times, resources, energies, talents and passions, to raise awareness of United Nations’ tireless efforts to improve the lives of billions of people worldwide.

        The International Day of Peace offers people globally a shared date to think about how they can contribute towards ensuring that natural resources and quest for leadership positions are handled in a mature and tactical manner, thus reducing potential for disputes as well as paving ways for a sustainable future, which is obviously the future we want. Furthermore, in our various homes, we need to see our spouses as best friend, to avoid likely cases of domestic violence that could jeopardize our peace.

        As Nigeria joins the rest of the global community to mark the 35^th anniversary of the laudable commemoration, there’s a compelling need for holistic condemnation of any act that could result to any form of hostility or conflict around us, in order to sustain a formidable peace needed for both individual and national developments. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor

(The Media Ambassador)

-Public Affairs Analyst & Civil Rights Activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

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

 

Jonathan's Patience, EFCC and their Melodrama

PATIENCE JONATHAN, EFCC AND THEIR MELODRAMA

       It’s not anymore news that on 18^th April 2016, upon request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs in the person of Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos State by the Nigerian Security Operatives – DSS, over alleged Money Laundering, while attempting to travel out of the country, having evaded arrest on several occasions.

       It was gathered that the aide was on the anti-graft agency’s wanted-list for his alleged involvement in the sharing of #10 billion to delegates during the December 2014 presidential primaries of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Dudafa allegedly converted the money into US dollars, amounting to $47 million, and distributed it among delegates from the 36 states alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Investigations revealed that the fund was part of the alleged $2 billion meant for the purchase of arms but which authorities said was shared as slush funds by politicians via the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. It’s noteworthy that the case in question is currently being entertained by the Federal High Court in Lagos State.

      Thereafter, in July, some discovered alleged fraudulent bank accounts worth $31.4 million, linked to the defendant, were frozen by the EFCC, upon court’s directive as claimed by the commission. However, the former First lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan has claimed ownership of the frozen accounts, stating that she was the sole signatory to the affected accounts. On 6^th September, she consequently, through her counsel, demanded a court declaration that the respondents have breached her fundamental human rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by placing a No Debit/Freezing Order on the accounts ‘without any court order’, or ‘serving any prior notice’ to her, thus prayed for #200 million compensation.

      In response to her fascinating claim, the EFCC stated thus, ‘We did not know that the accounts belonged to Patience Jonathan at the time we froze them. The accounts do not bear her name neither do they carry her Bank Verification Number (BVN). So, how can she accuse us of harassment?’ It would interest, perhaps shock you to acknowledge that the four accounts in question, lodged with Skye Bank Plc, are reportedly in the name of four different companies namely, Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd.; Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Ltd.; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Ltd.; as well as Avalon Global Integrated Service Ltd.

      Intriguingly, Mrs. Jonathan had since 2010 been reportedly using the credit cards of the accounts and operating them without any hitch. According to the report, even in May, June and July 2016 respectively, she travelled abroad for medical treatment and was using the cards over there, up till July 7 or thereabouts when the cards cease to function, probably owing to the No Debit Order issued on the accounts. Nevertheless, we have reliably learnt that the claimer has written the EFCC amidst the ongoing court proceedings, precisely on 14^th September 2016, ‘begging’ for the ban to be lifted, saying that $15 million out of the $31.4 million in the controversial accounts were for the medical bills she incurred in London, UK in 2013. Amazing; isn’t it?

      Well, it’s worth noting that there are fundamental matters arising from the ongoing melodrama scripted by the EFCC and the ex-First Lady. First; why were the accounts opened in those companies’ names? Since it is claimed that the accounts possess a sole signatory, why then were they opened with misleading names? Funnily enough, we have learnt that the aforementioned firms lacked addresses; suffice it to say that their localities were not tendered to the bank. We are not unaware that on no ground would a domiciliary corporate account be opened without tendering tangible addresses. So, how do we reconcile this?

       Another pertinent inquiry is: why did the claimer wait for over one month before filing a claim in the law court? According to records, the accounts were frozen in the first week of July, but she filed the claim in the Lagos High Court on September 6; the interval was almost two months, or more, if I’m not mistaken. No matter the degree of the consultations that were made prior to putting up the claim, the duration ought not to have lasted so long, because such issue involving finance required an urgent attention.

       Among all, why would the claimer plead with the EFCC to lift the ban/order while the court is still hearing her appeal, thereby contradicting the ongoing prosecution? Besides, what kind of medical treatment(s) would result to such amount of money? Though I’m just thinking aloud, all the parties involved really need to look into this complicating angle critically.

       As much as I owe the ex-First Lady an explicit respect, I would as well like her to comprehend fully that all eyes are on her person as long as this melodrama lingers. I am strongly convinced that she’s surrounded by many astute legal luminaries, hence I expect her to realize the best comment to make at any given time, and how best to present it. That is one of the rudimentary obligations of one’s lawyer, and not just filing cases at the court of law on his/her behalf and awaiting a victory.

      The EFCC, on its part, must equally be very careful on how it handles the issue. Any sensitive matter in the public domain requires not only experienced hands, but tactical and convincing approach. We must note that Nigerians are keenly and dispassionately watching the melodrama; and I bet you, they are willing to observe till the end. 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            

 

Ending Unkind Attitudes Among Mankind

ENDING UNKIND ATTITUDES AMONG MANKIND AS THE WORLD MARKS THE 2016 INT’L DAY OF CHARITY ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5

        Today Monday September 5, the global community is commemorating the 2016 International Day of Charity. In recognition of charity’s key role in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering, in 2012, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated September 5 of every year as the International Day of Charity. Suffice it to say that this year’s commemoration marks the fourth edition of the remarkable and laudable event. The date was chosen in respect to the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa whose life and good works for some of the poorest of the poor and the downtrodden while on earth inspired several people across the world.

        The idea of the day was proposed by the Hungarian civil society initiative supported by Hungarian Parliament and Government with the aim of creating a universal platform to raise awareness on the importance of benevolent giving. Upon the initiative of Hungary, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus to designate 5^th of September - the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity. The resolution was co-sponsored by the forty-four (44) Member States representing all the five regions of the United Nations. The cross-regional support of the initiative reflects the universal recognition of charity and the apparent relevance of selfless giving or services in today’s world.

        It is widely acknowledged that ‘God loves a cheerful giver’. This significantly implies that one who gives freely and cheerfully would definitely receive his/her reward from God, in abundance. In other words, the wellbeing of a freewill donor remains God’s concern.

       Charity, in a concise term, is a kind or generous attitude towards other people. In the same vein, it can be defined as money, gift, or time given to poor or less-privileged people. Some typical examples of charity include:

v Raising funds for the benefit of a certain person or cause.

v Contributing manual labour to help build a house for a low-income family.

v Setting aside half of your coffee money per month and granting that money to an organization that helps the needy.

v Donating food, clothes, and other basic requirements to the motherless-babies homes, from time to time.

v Asking friends and family to donate money to a specific charity organization rather than getting you gifts for birthdays and other anniversaries.

        No doubt, charity contributes to the promotion of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding among people regardless of their respective affiliations. Hence, it is the duty of all and sundry to live toward its uplift since it helps to foster a society filled with peace and harmony. And, it is worth noting that no meaningful development can take place in a society that lacks peace and mutual understanding.

        In his introductory speech, the Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN – Mr. Csaba Korosi, highlighted that charity as a way of thinking, provides real social bonding and contributes immensely to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. According to him, ‘Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care delivery, education, housing, and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and the underprivileged, as well as spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.’

        Indeed, the day is a day to remember those who are less advantaged, and to take appropriate actions to help them. The UN set aside September 5 each year as that day, so that, we all would act collectively or individually in order to alleviate the suffering and pains of the less-privileged around us in our various jurisdictions. Bear in mind that many people are doing charitable work on a daily basis; needless to state that every day is a golden opportunity to assist those in needs.

       Devoting our time or money, as the case may be, would help to end these lingering unkind attitudes found among mankind. No amount of charity is too small; what matters most is the state of your heart while giving. In view of this assertion, we are encouraged not to discard any household material in haste, with a view that, that which you tagged as waste could be very helpful to that your closest neighbour. So, we are urged to continually reach out to our colleagues, associates, relatives, and what have you, towards bringing succour to any of them that yearns for it.

       However, it’s noteworthy that charity isn’t only deserved by less-advantaged individuals, thus anyone irrespective of status could be in need of charity at a given circumstance. To this end, we must always be conscious of the fact that that person whom we see as our boss might be deeply in need of a kind gesture from his/her teeming subjects. Therefore, charity ought to be seen as an interwoven gesture at all times.    

       So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the fourth commemoration of the annual International Day of Charity as well as the anniversary of Late Mother Teresa, I candidly enjoin every individual and organization in the country at large to use this opportunity to promote their own projects and encourage charitable activities in their respective communities or societies, bearing in mind that this is the only way we can boast of a meaningful development in our various societies. 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 

 

Super Eagles, Rohr and Russia 2018

SUPER EAGLES, ROHR AND RUSSIA 2018

      Since 24^th February 2016 Sunday Oliseh resigned as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, the technical committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had been relentlessly in search of an astute personnel that would fill the vacuum, till Friday 5^th August when the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF announced the appointment of Gernot Rohr as the new Technical Adviser of the team.

      It would be recalled that prior to the recent appointment of Mr. Rohr as the Chief Coach of the Nigeria’s national team, several individuals, both indigenous and foreign, to include Samson Siasia, Paul Le Guen and Salisu Yusuf, had been contracted to man the team. Siasia who was appointed following Oliseh’s resignation, though on an interim basis, was shown the way out owing to his inability to qualify the team for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Gabon in 2017.

      Subsequently, in July 2016, the NFF pronounced the appointment of the French 52-year-old football tactician – Paul Le Guen as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, only for the appointee to reportedly reject the offer, perhaps due to inability of the board to consent to some sensitive demands. Following the contract failure, Salisu Yusuf was asked to man the team for the time being, till penultimate month when the new masquerade was unveiled.

      Hence, the appointment of the 63-year-old German, Gernot Rohr as the new substantive manager of the Super Eagles was long overdue. However, his appointment has been greeted by mixed feelings. Some are of the view that he was not qualified for the job, whilst others saw no reason an indigenous coach didn’t deserve the honour. In his words, the Ex-FIFA and CAF executive member, Amos Adamu has unequivocally stated that Nigerian soccer would not get better under the tutelage of the German. According to Adamu who is a past sole administrator of the NFF, the new coach ‘who is relatively unknown’ lacks the pedigree to coach the team.

      Rohr who was contracted for a 2-year term at $47,000 (about #18 million) per month, is a former footballer. Until his appointment, he was working with the German Football Federation (GFF) on developmental programmes. In ’96, he managed Girondins Bordeaux, France to the UEFA cup final, where they lost to Bayern Munich. From October ’98 to April ’99, he was the sports director of Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany. In 2009, he was the head coach of the FC Nantes of France. In 2010, he was in charge of Gabon national team. In September 2012, he became the manager of Niger national team, and resigned in October 2014. In 2015, he was the Technical Adviser of the Burkina Faso national team till in 22^nd December 2015 when he was sacked. Furthermore, in July 2016, he was shortlisted for the Guinea national team job.

      Since Nigeria won’t make it to Gabon come 2017, what currently matters to any Nigerian football enthusiast is for the new coach to ensure that the Super Eagles’ absence wouldn’t be equally felt in Russia come 2018 for the next FIFA World Cup. Thus, the Russia 2018, expected to take place between June 14 and July 15 2018, ought to be seen as the prime target of the new Super Eagles’ boss. Though he has already stated that he would ‘make the Eagles fly again’, I beg to believe more in actions.

      In the qualifying stage of the said global tournament, Nigeria who is in Group B is grouped alongside Algeria, Cameroon, and Zambia. History has it that the aforementioned three teams have, ab initio, been reckoned to be among the best African national teams, till date. Suffice it to say that the highly revered Super Eagles are placed in a tight corner as regards the ongoing search for a ticket that would guarantee their presence as well as participation in the quadrennial event. It has been adjudged that the team is in ‘Group of Death’.

      The first official outing of the new manager took place on Saturday 3^rd September 2016 in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State during the match between the Super Eagles and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania as the remaining AFCON 2017 qualifying fixture, in which both teams played merely for pride considering that the Pharaohs of Egypt has won the only ticket at stake in the group. Although the Eagles defeated the opponent, it’s imperative to acknowledge that Rohr has an enormous task ahead. The defence and the attacking midfield need to be strengthened headlong. And the team must be properly trained for teamwork rather than individual performance.

      On Sunday October 9, the Chipolopolo of Zambia would be hosting the Eagles for their first outing in the qualifying round. Obviously, the days away are too short. It’s noteworthy that the awaited outing would contribute in determining the fate of the Eagles, thus is meant to be taken very seriously by the management of the team.

      Regarding availability, I suggest, the coach should focus more on indigenous players rather than the foreign ones. On this note, he must endeavour to watch the remaining crucial matches of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to enable him select better legs that can compete against the Zambia. Similarly, he mustn’t rely on one goalkeeper due to contingencies.

     Moreover, Gernot Rohr needs to watch virtually all the past matches of the Eagles in a bid to make consequential amendments. The NFF, on its part, must not trivialize match bonuses of the players and coaches toward avoiding apathy among them. The time might be short, but if well planned, Super Eagles will surely fly again. 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

 

     

                      

The Imo's Disarmament and Okorocha's Stride

IMO, THE MILITANTS AND OKOROCHA’S STRIDE

      The last time I checked, Imo was no doubt agog penultimate week, precisely on Wednesday 14^th September 2016. It was unbelievable, yet very interesting on the said date when hundreds of militants from the ancient state graciously jettisoned their arms, thereby denouncing their barbaric faith having embraced the amnesty declared by the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha.

      The disarmament was reportedly carried out at the Government House Owerri in the presence of the governor coupled with other security cum religious stakeholders to include the Commander of Artillery-34 Brigade of the Nigerian Army – Brig. Gen. Kay Isiyaku, the state’s Police Commissioner – Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, the state’s DSS Commander and NSCDC Commandant, as well as a host of distinguished Catholic and Anglican clerics.

       Arms surrendered by the different confraternities namely, the Niger Delta Red Squad, IYC, and the Rescue Force, included AK-47 rifles, Pump Action guns, local pistols, axes and knives, and what have you. Gov. Okorocha who assured the teeming repentant militants that he would take their demands to President Muhammadu Buhari who according to him would formally declare the amnesty, gave those whom were yet to jettison their arms one week ultimatum to do so toward avoiding the government’s wrath.

       It was painful that I was inevitably absent when the epochal incident took place; I was in Abuja on that fateful day. I would have cherished to witness the scenario. When I got the news prior to the D-day, I was of the view it was a mere joke not until that very day when the event actually occurred as scheduled. I kept smiling starting from the very moment I got the phone call that rightly notified me that it was a reality. Right from then, all I wanted, or cared for, was to embrace Imo once again towards observing the new countenance of the ever famous state.

       To say that Governor Okorocha has done noble is undoubtedly an understatement; he has indeed done novel. Though I wasn’t that surprised considering how much the governor has fared ab initio in security matters, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that this very one is conspicuously extraordinary. I really appreciate his Excellency for this giant stride. Since the governor assumed duty as the number one citizen of the highly revered state, he has proven beyond doubts that he is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the province.

       By the recent achievement, I’m sure other CSOs across the federation, including President Buhari, would gladly wish to consult him with the aim of receiving guideline on how to tackle militancy coupled with other forms of societal ills. It’s a thing of honour to any right thinking individual, especially Imolite.

       Lest I forget; we are not unaware the governor never acted alone. It’s apparent that without the support or efforts of the various concerned security operatives, the laudable intent wouldn’t have been a success. Hence, thumb up for CP Lakanu and Brig. Gen. Isiyaku, to be precise. With this, you have given Imolites additional hope even amidst the economic recession. You all deserve to be celebrated to the best of my knowledge.

       However, posterity wouldn’t forgive my person if I fail to point at some critical issues seeking urgent attention. Now that we have succeeded in arriving at this point, having witnessed series of ungodly acts involving militancy, armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping in the state - particularly Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta LGAs, for quite some time now, it would be ideal for us to address other crucial issues pertaining to the said security menace.

        I strongly belong to a school of thought that believes that the best way to eradicate any societal plight is to terminate its rudimentary cause(s). It’s not anymore news that incidence of militancy is usually attributable to perceived maltreatment by the actors of the ill, and that of Imo State isn’t an exception. The leader of the Niger Delta Red Squad in the person of Mr. Jibaa Chikere otherwise known as ‘Panga’ had reportedly stated during the event of disarmament that, some of the reasons his men had been vandalizing oil pipelines in the state was lack of attention to the host communities by the government and the oil firms.

       Though suchlike reason wasn’t enough for them to take to crime, or be in possession of arms, it’s imperative to note that the communities in question haven’t gotten a fair share/portion of their entitlements. The oil firms would end up polluting as well as constitute other environmental nuisances in their host communities, but would never make frantic effort to make it up to them. They can’t even boast of social cum basic amenities such as roads, electricity, potable water, and hospitals, among others.

      The government needs to unequivocally mandate those oil firms to rise up to their challenge of developing their respective host communities. Although Gov. Okorocha has already assured the repentant militants of government’s resolve to address their pressing needs, I want to use this platform to appeal to all the relevant stakeholders to, henceforth, take the affected communities very seriously like never before. In view of this, the amnesty ought to be accompanied with lofty and lucrative programmes. We can’t continue to live in the past if we are truly ready to transform some existing things, positively.

      So, as much as I immensely appreciate as well as celebrate the governor alongside the security operatives, I equally urge him to face the reality squarely towards arriving at a more desired point. Let’s not abuse this benefit of doubt the insurgents have given to the government. We may have succeeded in curbing a certain predicament but if the root causes are still relegated to the background, I’m afraid, the problem is yet to be solved. 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

   

Towards Eradicating Corruption in Democratic System

TOWARDS ERADICATION OF CORRUPTION IN DEMOCRATIC SETTING AS THE WORLD MARKS THE 2016 INT’L DEMOCRACY DAY ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15

       Today, Thursday September 15, the world over is commemorating the 2016 International Day of Democracy. The Day, which is annually celebrated, was adopted on November 8, 2007 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. In its resolution in 2007, the General Assembly, which believes that human rights and the rule of law are best protected in democratic societies, encouraged governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy and also decided that 15^th of September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy.

       The International Day of Democracy was first celebrated in the year 2008. The UN General Assembly recognized that the year 2008 marked the 20^th anniversary of the first International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which gave people a chance to focus on promoting and consolidating democracy worldwide. The event which featured various activities was used to raise public awareness about democracy.

        According to BBC English Dictionary, democracy is a ‘system of government or organization in which the citizens or members choose leaders or make other important decisions by voting.’ The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines it as a ‘fair and equal treatment of everyone in an organization or any group of persons, and their right to take part in making decisions’. In Political Science, democracy is referred to as ‘the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ Furthermore, democracy could be described as the slogan or anthem of a certain organization that is being cited or sung, and understood by the entire members of the organization or union.

        The last time I checked, democracy of any country deserved a thorough sustenance because it’s no doubt a welcome development. This implies that any democratic state is expected to be fiercely safeguarded at all cost owing to the fact that any practice that gives peace to those concerned requires adequate sustenance. However, it is appalling that in most developing nations such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Kenya, among others, democracy has suffered from enormous maltreatment due to corruption. Without mincing words, corruption has remained a blood-sucking cankerworm in the democratic dispensation of numerous countries in the world to include the aforementioned ones.

       Corruption has indeed hampered the socio-economic and political growth of several nations, thereby constituting nuisance to the available human and natural resources of the nations in question. Surely, the various lingering uncalled, bilious and questionable attitudes including personal aggrandizement, nepotism, election rigging, abuse of human rights cum rule of law, misappropriation of public funds as well as impunity of most public/political office holders, in a country like Nigeria, is solely attributed to corruption. In a nutshell, unequivocally, corruption has obviously rendered so many countries incapacitated, all in the name of ‘democracy’.

        Since democracy is believed to be the only system of government that allows the citizenry to express their views in any manner they prefer as well as act as they desire, people have unfortunately mistaken its flexible and liberal features for laxity and docility. The leaders on their part, rather than safeguarding the constitution which is the rudimentary symbol of democracy, have equally chosen to abuse the content of such essential document that’s required to be kept sacrosanct at all times.     

        Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. On the contrary, Nigeria as a country has failed to uphold this philosophy. This is why the youth are no longer the major dominance of the country’s political arena as it was during the postcolonial era.

         In spite of Nigeria’s bureaucratic nature, the youth cannot boast of at least ten percent (10%) participation in her political strive. Rather, the old men who started the game have vowed to die in service thereby endangering thorough participation of the youth that are regarded as the most productive class, which is purely contrary to the mandate of the UN. These among many more factors presently found in the seemingly democratic setting of many nations across the globe are solely products of corruption.

        Hence, as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 9^th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, we are expected to join hands in the ongoing crusade that is targeted towards total eradication of corruption in our democratic system, which has eaten deep in our bone marrow. To this end, I call on the civil society and all concerned institutions cum individuals to endeavour to contribute their respective quotas in their various jurisdictions through sensitization of the entire citizenry via several forms of awareness campaigns. We must acknowledge that this is the only way we can embrace the real dividend of democracy.           
        Similarly, there’s equally an urgent need for us to ensure that our young ones are given the opportunity to effectively participate in the country’s democratic dispensation. Thus, we ought to endeavour to highlight the challenges and opportunities of young people engaging in democratic processes. Survey indicates that people between the ages of 18 and 30 constitute a fifth of the world’s population; yet, several studies show declining faith among the said set of people in politics, with decreasing levels of participation in elections, political parties as well as socio-cultural organizations, or what have you, across the globe. This apathy applies to both established and emerging democratic states.

        Since it has been proven beyond doubts that corruption remains the prime bane of democracy and has succeeded in causing mankind an untold hardship, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that we can never get it right if it isn’t holistically eradicated. Think about it!  

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
-Public Affairs Analyst & Civil Rights Activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

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

 

Ember Months and Quest for Materialism

EMBER MONTHS AND QUEST FOR MATERIALISM

      The ember months are here again. The months that mark the end of Gregorian calendar, that invariably start from September and end with December, are generally referred to as ‘Ember months.’ The term ‘Ember’ might not be unconnected with the suffix that accompanies virtually all the months in question. On its part, quest is a long search for what one desires; it can also be described as an extreme passion attached to what someone wants or whatever he/she wishes to possess. In the same vein, materialism is an act in which one thinks that money and other material possessions are the most important things on earth.

       The last time I checked, the three basic needs of man remained food, clothing and textile. It’s equally worth noting that the three major desires of any sane being are wealth, fame and power. It’s pathetic that currently mankind has derailed profoundly as regards the avenue being embraced towards obtaining any of these three desires. Unequivocally, the manner in which most Nigerians parade themselves during the Ember months has become so worrisome to all concerned, that, if proper and drastic measure isn’t taken by the apt authorities, it might degenerate into an unimaginable state of doom in the nearest future.

       The uncalled and irrational quest for materialism among mankind, particularly the youth, especially during the ember months, remains one of the rudimentary causes of the various lingering social-vices taking place in all nooks and crannies. No doubt, the current astonishing increase of death rate is attributable to some of these vices, to include cultism, armed robbery, thuggery, prostitution, kidnapping, drug trafficking, assassination, and what have you.

       The astronomical prevalence of the listed vices during ember months has made the former to seem synonymous with the latter, thereby making people to perceive the season as forbidden. Aside the aforementioned vices, there are other countless anomalies associated with the period, such as over-speeding and cheating among sellers in various markets. This is the reason road carnage is invariably on the rampage at such a time.

       The truth is that, no one seems to be safe during the ember months, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. It is a period when an apprentice appears smarter than his master; a period when various law enforcement agents, whom are meant to control the menace, indulge themselves in all kinds of sabotage or unpatriotic acts; a period when an average seller sales food stuffs with a cup’s bottom; a time when a commercial driver wants to cover a 7-hour journey within three hours; and of course, a season when a secondary school student feels like dropping from school towards participating in any available ‘moneymaking’ activity.      

       Research indicates that the ongoing alarming quest for materialism or youth restiveness is mainly occasioned by inconsequential rivalry, greed and/or lack of contentment among the populace. This implies that the anomaly is a product of man’s inability to face reality at a given circumstance, even when the answer to the situation is very glaring.

       Inconsequential rivalries are those competitions that are not called for, or that seem unreasonable and barbaric. On the average, politicians or established business men often indulge in this practice. It’s usually observed among the aforementioned set of people during electioneering era or when battling over supremacy, as the case may be. Some youths also indulge in this act toward showcasing that they belong to the ruling or most powerful class, with a view to proving that they are ahead of their contemporaries. Some individuals often do all sorts of things to find themselves in such class.

       Greed or lack of contentment has also contributed immensely to man’s intolerable quest for materialism, thereby setting the period that leads to any festive season, such as the ember months, ablaze. Greed has arguably brought humanity to a state of mockery, and has succeeded in tearing several unions or societies apart. Against this backdrop, it’s needless to state that lack of contentment has remained a colossal nightmare to mankind.

       As we undergo another era of Ember months, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the commemoration of the forthcoming festive seasons, Christmas and New Year precisely, takes place in a peaceful atmosphere. Hence, I call on governments at all levels, schools, the civil society, religious institutions, the mass media, as well as all well-meaning individuals, to do everything humanly possible towards ensuring that the awaited Ember months would bring nothing but a blessing to the Nigerian society in its totality. This can be actualized by embarking on massive sensitization programme across the country via town-hall meetings, street awareness, and issuance of bulk SMSs, among others.

       More so, the various relevant law enforcement agencies shouldn’t hesitate to arrest any individual or group caught in any of the above listed acts, and must ensure that the suspect is brought to book at all cost. In view of this, the judicial custodians ought to endeavour to maintain speedy hearing of any case relating to youth restiveness among others; such step would definitely serve as a deterrent to all prospective criminals. The parents and guardians, on their part, should at all times equally be mindful of what their children/wards do, where they go to, as well as who they mingle with.  

       Those who are already party to any of these uncivilized and blasphemous acts, or intend joining the chorus, ought to acknowledge that it is only by the grace of God one can acquire laudable and everlasting wealth, power, or fame come rain come shine. To before warned is to before armed. 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

 

PDP, Judiciary and their Makossa Dance

PDP, JUDICIARY AND THEIR MAKOSSA DANCE

     The last time I checked, ever since the acclaimed Africa’s largest political party – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) relinquished power to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2015, it had remained unsteady, thereby making the onlookers be of the notion that it’s being manipulated by a certain cabal solely interested in the party’s extinction.

      The worst of all remains that, rather than being deeply concerned about how to make amends where necessary, the party has chosen to indulge itself in an endless ‘Makosa dance’ whose drumbeat is seemingly fabricated by the judiciary. Dancing to the tune of such uncalled music has ended up showcasing revelry of shame in the entire Nigerian polity.

      It would be recalled that the party in question was meant to have its elective National Convention, expected to produce its next substantive leadership, last two weeks, precisely on Wednesday 17^th August 2016. Pathetically, the venue for the said event scheduled to hold in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital was barricaded by a group of well-armed security personnel in accordance with the order issued to them by the Federal High Court of Abuja Division.

      It’s worth noting that Justice Ibrahim Watila of the Federal High Court of Port-Harcourt Division had earlier ruled that the proposed convention being organized by the Ahmed Makarfi – led National Caretaker Committee (NCC) should go on as planned, thus ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the police to provide legal backing as well as maximum security for the exercise. Subsequently, as if Nigerian courts of law are now rivals to each other, that of Abuja Division presided over by Justice Okon Abang barred the convention from holding as requested by the Modu Sheriff – led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party that claims it remains the party’s leader till 2018. This obviously smacks of mischief. Owing to the contradictory ruling of the latter, all efforts put in place towards ensuring a successful convention proved abortive.

      Indeed, the PDP had become so polarized following the May 21, 2016 National Convention of the party held in Port-Harcourt, which sacked the Sheriff–led NEC and consequently replaced it with the 7-man Makarfi–led caretaker committee with a mandate to organize another convention within 90 days. But, both parallel camps thereafter instituted a litany of suits at the Federal High Court, hence creating the ongoing nauseous scenario that had ridiculed the judiciary.

      It’s unarguably mind-boggling that having ruled over a certain case, another law court of equal jurisdiction would accept to entertain the same subject matter brought before it. Suchlike attitude isn’t unlike, to say the least, a betrayal and sabotage not just to the judiciary but the Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended. If any Federal High Court, irrespective of its division, rules over a case, the only thing the aggrieved party is expected to do is to take the case to an appellant court. Even if the case is yet to be ruled; provided it is lying on the desk of a certain law court, no other court of coordinate (equal) jurisdiction has the constitutional right to entertain same subject matter if eventually brought before it by a different plaintiff.

      The judicial custodians in the country are apparently taking the country’s judiciary to the mould, thus making its status seem laughable. The Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) need not be told that it’s time it woke from its slumber and act as expected, because it’s obvious that a lot is getting out of hand. It might interest, perhaps shock you to note that, currently, scores of suits filed by various members of the PDP are reportedly lying in several courts across the federation. The court cases instituted by the factional national leaders of the party could be described as minor, considering the enormity of cases filed by their counterparts at the various state levels.

      We can’t continue to make mockery of the judiciary that’s seen as the ‘last hope’ of the citizenry. The lingering Makosa dance abruptly embarked upon by the PDP alongside the judiciary has gotten to its climax that it requires the candid intervention of all concerned, particularly the overall founding members of the party. It’s even more pitiable and worrisome to acknowledge that some of these founding members have graciously taken their leave, or defected to the APC

      Anyone who truly loves Nigeria ought to come to the rescue of the PDP before it goes into extinction, because the country is seriously in need of a viable opposition and such cannot be guaranteed if the embattled party isn’t resuscitated. Initially, most analysts cum commentators were of the view that the ongoing disagreement among the PDP members was for the party’s good; but, it’s conspicuous that the ostensibly welcomed melodrama has suddenly metamorphosed into an unforeseen Makosa dance, which is an aberration.

      At this point, I suggest the PDP should go back to the drawing board. The most apt thing to do now is to retrace its steps to the genesis. No right thinking Nigerian, or anyone who understands the essence of a proactive opposition, especially at this critical moment, would love to see the party fade away like mere smoke, thus let’s in our respective capacities endeavour to call the warring factions to order in the best interest of the country at large.

      It’s time to say goodbye to retrogressive issues. The bone of contention remains that Nigeria is yearning for a healthy opposition, and the PDP, being one of the major political parties in the country, cannot afford to fail her. 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