Okorocha's Friends, and Enemies Within

OKOROCHA’S FRIENDS, AND ENEMIES WITHIN

       The last time I painstakingly checked, the Imo Chief Executive Officer, Governor Rochas Okorocha was yet to realize those whom are truly his friends as well as those that earnestly look forward to witnessing his downfall. Suchlike mindset isn’t peculiar to the said leader; suffice it to say that virtually every leader not just in Nigeria, but across the globe, often fall victim of such circumstance.

       I wouldn’t be doubtful that the governor would strongly assert that Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor tops the list of his greatest enemies in the state. I won’t equally be surprised if I hear, or overhear, that the governor sees the said analyst and activist in his nightmares. Of course, everyone is liable to experience numerous nightmares, thus the governor wouldn’t be an exception. It’s worth noting that nightmares are often attributed to what one’s, the victim’s, mindset is preoccupied with. In other words, the content of your mindset mainly determines the nature of nightmare you would, or liable to, experience.

       The point is: Fred Doc Nwaozor, likewise other constructive critics cum activists, cannot gladly watch the governor derail or indulge himself in acts that could tarnish his highly revered image. Such idiosyncrasy is arguably an attribute of a good friend or well-wisher, as might be the case. But, owing to misconception, which isn’t unusual, the critic may be misunderstood. It’s only someone who truly cares about your person that would always tell you what you need to hear, not what you want/intend to hear.

       We need to comprehend the difference between need and want. The latter is that thing you earnestly wish to embrace or possess; that thing/quality which you pray vehemently for. Whilst, the former is that thing you are supposed to have or possess; that thing/quality your entire system requires or deserves, particularly regarding health issues. It’s high time we started acknowledging that it is not everything one desires he/she is actually meant to have/possess. Sometimes, if not most times, we are prone to asking for something that won’t augur well for our persons.

       Hence, a good and genuine critic/activist is expected to tell you what you need to hear, contrary to a false one who would invariably wish to tender eulogies. A genuine activist won’t only criticize constructively, but would go extra mile to proffer remedy to what is being criticized. It’s appalling that leaders at all levels usually tend to mistake a genuine critic/activist for an enemy. This is the reason such leaders end up fighting mere cloud of dusts whenever they declare war against such kind of critic, or each time they see them as their enemies.

       It’s painful to acknowledge that in most cases, those ones you see as your friend are among those who can’t wait to see you dead. It’s even more devastating to note that that person you entrusted your major portfolios to remains the only one, or one of the major individuals, who frantically look forward to embracing your downfall. In one of Shakespeare’s series entitled ‘Julius Caesar’, which was named after the protagonist in the play, it was King Julius Caesar who exclaimed “Et tu Brute” meaning literally “Even you Brutus” when he realized that one of his trusted allies in the person of Brutus wanted him dead.

       It was Simone Schwarz-Bart that stated, “Men are strong, women are smart; but no matter how smart, their bellies are always there to betray them, and that’s their downfall.” On a similar note, in his words, Oscar Wilde unequivocally said, “Yet each man kills the thing he loves… Some do it with a bitter look, some with a flattery word, the coward does it with a kiss, the brave man with a sword.” No wonder G. K. Chesterten stated thus, “The Bible tells us to love our neighbours, and  also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.”

        I thought it wise to come up with this critique towards telling Gov. Okorocha what he needs to know, so that, he won’t attempt to chase shadows in the name of ‘fighting enemies’. I wanted his Excellency to understand fully the best way to describe an enemy as well as a friend when the need arises. I wanted him to comprehend that friendship lies in the heart; it is an action/product of one’s heart. It isn’t defined by one’s countenance as it is widely presumed. Those, in the past, who succeeded in defining people based on their physiognomies, failed woefully in the long run. This is what I candidly wanted the amiable governor to acknowledge.

       Your friends are not those persons in your household, while the people who are seemingly outside the house are seen as your enemies. Most times, your enemies are within while your real friends remain those who are ostensibly outsiders. So, we shouldn’t get it twisted. Your friend is not that person that shares your bed/room with you; rather, that person that sincerely shares your feelings. He is that person who understands that you are erring and take appropriate steps towards calling you to order. Mind you: he/she could employ any means to call you to order; he could involve unfriendly approach with a view to achieving such motive. In such situation, what matters most to him/her is to ensure that you didn’t derail.

        At this point, I urge the governor not to contradict the above definitions cum descriptions, so that, Imo wouldn’t be held hostage by the so-called friends. A word, they say, is enough for the wise. 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

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador 

Towards Actualizing Hazard-Free Atmosphere

TOWARDS ACTUALIZING A HAZARD-FREE ATMOSPHERE

       

      The last time I checked, every September 16 remained the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. In other words, yesterday, the global community commemorated the 2016 anniversary of the laudable event. In respect to the sustenance of the widely observed Montreal Protocol, on 19^th of December 1994, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed September 16 of every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The day focuses on the importance of protecting human health and the environment in general.

     The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gases that protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiation or rays of the sun as well as helps to keep it (the earth) warm, thereby helping to preserve lives on the planet. The ozone layer is composed of ozone, a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms bonded together by a covalent bond – ozone has the chemical formula O3. The ozone layer is essential because it filters harmful ultraviolet radiation as it travels from the sun to the surface of the earth. These ultraviolet rays can harm both plant and animal lives.

      The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, a region of the atmosphere that is about 10 to 50 kilometres above the earth. The stratosphere comprises approximately 90 per cent ozone. The ozone layer, which is part of the stratosphere, is comprised of the major atmospheric gases nitrogen, oxygen and argon, but also contains a significantly higher concentration of the trace gas ozone than the other layers of the atmosphere. The trace gases include carbon dioxide, neon, helium, methane, and the manmade chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The CFCs reaching the stratosphere from the earth’s surface have become a cause for global concern because of the role they play in the chemical reaction that removes ozone from the atmosphere.  

      Mankind have, over the decades, been bewildered by so many environmental hazards and challenges. Currently, the worst of all is mainly attributable to depletion of the ozone layer. A number of commonly used chemicals like halocarbons and/or organic compounds have been found to be extremely damaging to the ozone layer. Halocarbons are chemicals in which one or more carbon atoms are linked to one or more halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine. The halocarbons containing bromine usually have much higher Ozone-Depleting Potential (ODP) than those that consist of chlorine or others.

      The manmade chemicals that have provided most of the chlorine and bromine for ozone depletion are methyl-bromide, methyl-chloroform, carbon-tetrachloride, and families of chemicals known as halons, chlorofluorocarbons and hydro-chlorofluorocarbons. Also, the damaging impact of organic compounds like carbon-monoxide on the ozone layer cannot be overemphasized. Some of the human activities that result to this environmental menace are bush-burning and industrial combustion.

      The scientific confirmation of the depletion of the ozone layer prompted the international community to establish a mechanism for cooperation to take drastic action to protect the ozone layer. This was formalized in the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was adopted by twenty-eight (28) countries on 22^nd March 1985. In September 1987, this led to the drafting of the Treaty on The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was duly signed by all the UN Member States.

      The fundamental aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by taking severe measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate target toward their elimination from the basis of developments in scientific knowledge and technological information.

       In view of the steady progress made under the Montreal Protocol, in 2003, the former UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan stated thus, ‘Perhaps the single most successful international agreement till date has been the Montreal Protocol.’ Similarly, during the 2013 commemoration of the Day, which was marked with the theme ‘A healthy Atmosphere: the Future we want’, in his message to the world, the current UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon commended all who had made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation. He went further to urge governments, industries, civil societies, and other partners to apply the same spirit to the other great environmental and developmental challenges of our time.

     The phase-out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances has not only helped to protect the ozone layer, but has contributed immensely and significantly to global efforts of addressing climate change. This year’s commemoration of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is calling for greater awareness regarding the Ozone Layer’s preservation in order to fully actualize the aim of this remarkable globally recognized crusade that requires the effort of all and sundry.

      As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2016 as well as the 22^nd anniversary, we are expected to contribute our quota with a view to ensuring that we actualize an atmosphere or environment that is totally free from any harmful substance. We can achieve this by embarking on or sponsoring, as the case may be, all forms of awareness campaigns targeted toward thorough sensitization of the general public on the dangers inherent in the uncalled domestic cum industrial acts.  

      Nigeria as a country can encourage this annual event by implementing severe policies that would help to eradicate all the activities opposing the preservation of the ozone layer such as bush burning, inapt use of generators and other household mechanical devices, coupled with other industrial practices that exhibit carbon-monoxide (smoke) alongside other substances that negatively affect the ozone layer. A strict and formidable law, to be enacted by the legislators, would help to rigorously address the aforementioned anomalies, if duly implemented.

      It’s noteworthy that only a sound value system can guarantee a viable environmental condition, and such cannot be actualized without adequate policies and reorientation. People need to fully comprehend that, excessive amounts of ultraviolet penetration pose both health and safety risks for all organisms, including humans; that, without a protective layer of cloud cover, organisms are vulnerable to the sun’s rays, which can cause skin cancer and contribute to the development of cataracts.

      These rays equally reduce the ability of organisms such as plants and phytoplankton, to reproduce. It may also disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish, shrimp and other shellfishes. On the other hand, air pollution prevents the ozone layer from blocking excessive heat emitted by the sun, which in turn warms surrounding environments, thereby resulting to glacier melt and ice thaws. These, among others, are some vital and basic facts people need to be sensitized on. The Information ministry in collaboration with its Environment counterpart, via the effort of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), would be of immense help in this regard.      

      Considering the social and economic implications of the ozone-layer’s depletion, it’s needless to reiterate that stringent measures and regulations are required with a view to ensuring that the ongoing environmental degradation becomes a thing of the past, towards actualizing a complete hazard-free atmosphere. 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 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Impact of Computing on Routine Office Works

IMPACT OF COMPUTING ON ROUTINE OFFICE WORKS

     Computing is simply the activity of using a computer and writing programs for it. It can further be described as any goal-oriented activity that requires as well as benefits from a mathematical sequence known as algorithm, through the use of systems (computers), among other devices alike. The major fields that involve computing include: Computer science, System engineering, Software engineering, and Information technology.   

      Information Technology (IT), or computing generally, has become a veritable and integral part of every business plan coupled with day-to-day office works. From multi-national firms who maintain mainframe systems and databases, to small establishments that own a single computer, IT obviously plays a key role.

      The impact of computing on everyday activity in the office is so vast. Adequate use of computing can enable any firm, regardless of size or status, to handle its human resources effectively. A sound computing would enable the firm to boast of viable and reliable database of the overall staff alongside their designations. It would also help the company to update the database in terms of death rate, employment, transfer, maternity leave, or what have you. By so doing, the establishment would invariably realize the worth of its workforce towards boosting efficiency and job control. The Nigeria’s human resources, for example, can only be aptly handled via computing.

      Similarly, with a proper use of computing, employment process would be carried out expressly by the human resources department. With IT, also known as information systems, job seekers can apply without getting to the firm/office involved, thereby avoiding foreseen congestion that could compound office stress or workload. And, having applied, the various applicants can be easily and properly assessed via the use of computing. We must acknowledge that manual system of interview is no longer in vogue if we intend to get it right, especially in the area of Aptitude Test.

      Management coupled with communication among the staff or between the existing branches of an establishment cannot be overlooked while discussing the essence of computing. Part of management is gathering and disseminating information, and IT can make this routine more accurate by allowing managers to communicate rapidly. Emailing is quick and effective, but the managers can use information systems even more efficiently by storing documents in folders that they share with the employees who need the information. Such activity can be aided with adequate use of networking system.

      Furthermore, how you manage your firm’s operations depends on the information you have. Information systems can offer more complete and recent info, allowing you to operate your firm/office more efficiently. You can use IT to gain a cost advantage over competitors, or to differentiate your firm’s content by offering better customer service. For instance, sales’ data give you insights about what customers are purchasing and let you stock or produce items that are selling well. Hence, with guidance from the IT, you can streamline your operations. Additionally, apt use of IT would enable the firm to easily reach out to the public via advertisement, thereby boosting sales or services, as the case may be.

      Computing can equally help you make excellent decisions by delivering all the required information. Decision-making involves choosing a course of action from several alternatives and carrying out the corresponding tasks. If you can boast of accurate and up-to-date info, you can make the choice with confidence. If more than one choice seems appealing, you can use the available information system to x-ray different scenarios. For each possibility, the system can calculate key indicators such as costs, sales/services, and profits, toward helping you determine which channel gives the most beneficial result.

      Record purposes are not left out. Your establishment needs records of its daily activities for financial and regulatory purposes, and for ascertaining the causes of problems towards taking corrective measure. Computing enables the firm to store the needed documents as well as revisit histories, communication records, and operational data. The trick to exploiting this recording capability is organizing the data and using the system to process and present it as useful historical information. You can use such information to prepare cost estimates and forecasts, and to analyze how your actions affected the key indicators of the firm.

      In spite of the overwhelming positive impact of computing on routine office works, mainly in the areas stipulated above, it’s quite appalling that several establishments or parastatals across the country are yet to embrace the routine. To this end, governments at all levels and other relevant stakeholders are expected to make investors and public servants see the routine as priority with a view to embracing a society where every activity would be done at ease, and in an orderly manner.

     Though the roles of computing in office works can’t be overemphasized, it’s worth noting that a wrong use or application of it can cost the user an untold loss. Thus, every establishment enjoying the services must endeavour to regularly consult professionals as well as train its staff on various computer skills. The impact of computing in the present society remains inevitable, but its wrong use ought to be avoided at all cost. 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                         

Promoting Selfless Service to Humanity

PROMOTING SELFLESS SERVICE TO HUMANITY AS WE COMMEMORATE THE 2016 WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY ON FRIDAY AUGUST 19

      

       August 19 each year, the world over commemorates the World Humanitarian Day. The World Humanitarian Day is an annual and international day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives while working for humanitarian causes. The event was designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as part of a Swedish-sponsored General Assembly Resolution on the strengthening of the coordination of emergency assistance of the UN.

       The World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity while helping others. The day was set aside to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad – Iraq, which claimed twenty-two (22) lives including the live of the then Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Iraq in the person of Sergio Vieira de Mello.

       The invention of August 19 as World Humanitarian Day was the outcome of the relentless efforts of Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation coupled with the partnership of the deceased’s family with the Ambassadors of France, Switzerland, Japan, as well as Brazil in both Geneva and New York tabling and steering the draft resolution through the UN General Assembly. All the efforts of the Foundation was to ensure that the tragic loss of the said hero among his twenty-one (21) colleagues, and all the humanitarian personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifices in relieving the suffering of the victims of humanitarian crises were not in vain.

       Sergio Vieira de Mello who was a citizen of Brazil, South America dedicated his lifetime spanning over thirty years in the UN, serving in some of the most challenging humanitarian situations in the world to reach the voiceless victims of armed conflict, alleviate their suffering and draw global attention to their plights. His death alongside twenty-one of his colleagues on 19^th August 2003 in Baghdad, Iraq deprived the victims of armed conflict worldwide of a unique humanitarian leader of unmatched courage, drive and empathy who championed their cause fearlessly and clearly engraved their plight on the world map.

       The tragic event also robbed the humanitarian community of an outstanding leader and intellectual whose thought, philosophy, dynamism and courage inspired all, and remains a timeless legacy to emulate by generations yet unborn. Mindful of this legacy, in 2006 the family of the late humanitarian icon and a group of close friends founded the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation dedicated to continue his unfinished mission of encouraging dialogue between communities and relieving the predicament faced by the victims of humanitarian crises.

       The World Humanitarian Day was commemorated for the first time on 19^th August 2009. Suffice to say that, this year’s commemoration is the eighth of its kind in the history of the worthwhile event. As the international community marks the event today, we are all urged to borrow a leaf from the indelible landmark achievements of the great warrior and legend – Sergio Vieira de Mello. To this end, we are all expected to strive towards promoting selfless service in our respective endeavours at all costs.

       Surely, the most important thing to any man remains his/her welfare. Welfare could be referred to as one’s well-being, or organized efforts to ensure the basic well-being of people in need. Since the term ‘humanitarianism’ has to do with human welfare, it is of no need reiterating the fact that this remarkable event widely known and recognized as World Humanitarian Day was set aside to sensitize mankind on the cogent need for people to help one another, and for anyone to support any crusade that is targeted to promote lending hand to persons that are in need or victimized.

      We must be willing and ready to volunteer ourselves whenever our services are required in our various jurisdictions. It’s very disheartening to notice that whenever tragic incident occurred, some persons’ intent is usually how they would benefit from the crisis. Rather than preoccupy our mindsets with such devilish intention, we are bound to take into cognizance that no one who benefits from a crisis scene lives a happy life regardless of his/her status. To this end, it’s our duty to ensure that we bring succour to the needy, or those victimized by a crisis such as war, terrorism, religious extremism, massacre, and genocide, just to mention but a few.            

       Furthermore, since no one ever wishes to be in a community or society made up of only him or her, thus we ought to ensure that the sustenance of the well-being of our relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, associates, or what have you, as the case may be, is at all times our civic responsibility. By so doing, we can boast of a peaceful society filled with thoroughly united individuals.

      So, as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, I enjoin every relevant body to include the religious institutions, civil society, mass media, governments at all levels and well-meaning individuals, among others, to do everything humanly possible toward ensuring that selfless service to humanity is deeply promoted come rain come shine. In his words, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, ‘In a world that is ever more digitally connected, each of us has the power and responsibility to inspire our fellow human beings to act to help others and create a more humane world’.

      The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘One humanity’, which signifies that we were all created to be one indivisible body irrespective of our individual affiliations. Hence, we are meant to contribute our quota to ensure that we actualize such laudable motive no matter the challenges. 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 

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