Opinion II The 2017 Imo Freedom Day in Review

THE 2017 IMO FREEDOM DAY ANNIVERSARY IN REVIEW

        

The last time I checked, Imo – the Eastern Heartland – was indeed agog on Saturday 6^th May 2017 to the delight of all and sundry both within and beyond. The moment of excitement was not unconnected with the commemoration of the Imo Freedom Day usually celebrated on May 6 of every year as instituted by the Rescue Mission Government led by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

According to the said governor, 6^th of May, which was the day the supplementary polls that brought him into power in 2011 took place having declared the main gubernatorial election inconclusive by the electoral umpire (INEC), remains the day the entire Imolites were liberated or rescued from all forms of societal maltreatments as well as political god-fatherism; hence, such day deserved to be regarded as a day freedom came into existence in the ancient state. In view of this assertion, he pronounced that May 6 each year shall be observed in the state as ‘Imo Freedom Day’.

        

 It’s noteworthy that since 2012, which marked the maiden edition of the commemoration, the event had invariably been observed at a special venue popularly known as ‘Imo Freedom Square’ established purposely for the celebration. It is equally worthy to note that that of 2017, which held two weeks ago – precisely on Saturday May 6 – was very unique, enticing and commendable.

        

Prior to the 2017 anniversary, channels were created for the members of the public to tender any sort of grievance or unfair treatment they have received from the Gov. Okorocha - led administration. The numerous petitions were received by the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) who was a major stakeholder of the awaited event. About one hundred and twenty (120) petitions were reportedly tendered by different individuals and corporate bodies. The plan was that those petitions would be read on the day of the ceremony right before the members of the gathering.

        

Before the occasion took place, many were still sceptical that it would not happen as planned. In other words, the Thomases were of the strong view that there was no how the governor would allow those petitions to be read before the public, or those who were expected to grace the event. The occasion was meant to be covered live by various electronic media including Channels TV, AIT, and Orient FM, coupled with countless print media outfits.

          

To the people’s utmost amazement, on that very day, everything occurred just as planned; various petitions were read out right before the governor, his guests, allies, alongside his teeming fans whom were present, and the petitioners were equally called out by the anchor to throw more light on their respective grievances. Aside the people present, let’s not forget in haste that the ceremony was covered live by various electronic media, thus the whole world was undoubtedly viewing it from all walks of life. Personally, I had to watch the event from Abuja, where I travelled within the period in review.

        

It was awesome and astonishing, to assert the least. Where I was seated while viewing the event, I was graciously flanked by many friends and associates. Before I could notice it, I found myself shedding tears inadvertently; yes, tears of joy. I could not believe that a political leader in the contemporary African society could organize such an occasion. My friends who were with me understood my feelings, thus they became affected by my mood thereby making them eulogize the governor therein. Believe it or not, that was the best gift a leader in any democratic setting could give his/her teeming followers.

         

However, it was understandable that some of the petitions were not read at the event. They were kept pending till when next a subsequent phase would be organized. In his words, the Chief Host Gov. Okorocha told the gathering that the government subscribed for three hours to ensure that the event was duly televised as long as it lasts, but it seemed the duration paid for wasn’t enough to accommodate the whole event; this necessitated the outright postponement of announcement of other petitions yet to be read, upon the consent of the individuals present. I’m using this medium to appeal to the government to ensure that a certain day is fixed for the unread petitions to be holistically unveiled, so that, it would be fair to all concerned.

         

Similarly, those petitions that were read on that fateful day were thoroughly responded to by the governor who therein assigned their anticipated resolutions to the apt authorities cum personnel. For instance, those that pertained to land matters were allocated to the Commissioner for Land, Survey, Housing and Urban Planning, whilst those relating to security were allocated to the state’s Commissioner of Police. The governor is expected to follow those cases squarely towards ensuring that the personnel in charge handled them as required. If they are not followed up, I’m afraid, all the efforts put in place so far may end up not yielding any reasonable fruit. And, I don’t think that is what the governor wants for his people.

        

As much as I candidly appreciate the amiable governor for this rare gesture showcased, I’m on the other hand enjoining His Excellency to do the needful thereafter, so that in the end, there won’t be any reason not to celebrate his person. Think about it!

      

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

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Opinion II Today is Int'l Telecommunication and Information Society Day!

CELEBRATING THE 2017 WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SOCIETY DAY

        

On Wednesday May 17, the global community celebrates the 2017 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). In November 2006, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) during its plenipotentiary conference held in Antalya, Turkey decided to celebrate both the World Telecommunication Day and World Information Society Day collectively on a day instead of celebrating them separately or individually; on that note, they called on the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare May 17 of every year as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.   

        

Telecommunication can be defined as the science and activity of sending signals and messages over a long distance, by the use of electronic or electrical equipment such as radio, television, telegraph, telephone, computer, cable, and satellite. The word/term is often used in its plural form – telecommunications, because it involves many different technologies.

        

Telecommunication, which is one of the major factors that constitute an information society, has obviously contributed immensely towards nation-building. Indeed, the impact of telecommunications on the social, economic and political development of any country in existence cannot be overemphasized. Telecommunication has helped tremendously in so many areas of human endeavour including information dissemination, easy access to news reportage, education, politics, creation of awareness, advertisement, entertainment, and most importantly job creation and entrepreneurship development.

          

The availability of telecommunication has enabled people irrespective of age or status to easily access information even in their bedroom. The recent introduction of the social media, which could be access via smart phones, has succeeded in boasting several personal cum business activities which were formally done on a low pace with the use of the old telecommunication systems such as television, radio, et cetera.

         

The provision of the visual satellite dishes has also helped people from all walks of life to greatly appreciate the use of the television, either domestically or industrially, as a result of its ability to access every facet of the globe at all times. To say the least, the transmission of visual signals with the aid of the television has assisted profoundly in marketing of goods and services.

        

The impact of telecommunication on education has become so enormous that it cannot be expressed on a sheet of paper. Of course the various distant learning programmes, which are increasing on a daily basis, wouldn’t have been possible without the telecommunication system such as the internet. More so, the series of educative programmes, soap operas, and what have you that are being run by the various television stations across the country can also be included as one of the avenues that have encouraged distant learning.

         

As regards politics, the telecommunication has recently proven to the citizenry that they can as well observe any electoral activity such as voting and counting of election results, from their respective homes without stepping out of their premises. This measure has helped to eradicate some electoral malpractices and crises, thereby uplifting transparency.

          

It is no longer news that millions of Nigerians are currently employed by various telecommunication companies that are operating in the country. Statistics show that over fifteen percent (15%) of Nigerian citizens are engaged with the telecommunication firms. Suffice it to say that, the telecommunication industry is one of the major employers of labour in Nigeria alongside other countries across the globe.

         

Though the telecommunication technologies play a very vital role in the information society and economic development of any nation, but it is also noteworthy that, there are several anomalies needed to be addressed in the said sector. A situation whereby uncensored films, pictures or music, are disseminated either on the television or the social media is totally unwholesome to the state of any nation, and must be looked into severely and in earnest.

          

As the world commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, I call on the law makers to enact a strict and formidable law that would address the various ongoing abnormal and immoral acts taking place in the telecommunication sector. Against this backdrop, a law that would assign a capital punishment to anyone found guilty of any unacceptable activity regarding the sector would be a way forward, hence would go a long way to introduce sanity in the system. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

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Opinion I Imolites, 2019 is Fast Approaching

IMOLITES, 2019 IS FAST APPROACHING

        

The last time I checked from the revered Gregorian calendar, 2019 was arguably fast approaching to the delight of all the political juggernauts in Nigeria and Imo in particular, especially those who belong to the opposition. Mind you; I stand to be corrected as regards accuracy, thus you can as well check your own copy of the said calendar to see things for yourself, or confirm the postulation.

         

A novice by the corner might wish to ask, what about 2019? Yes, a novice or a naïve person may come up with such question; that is, one who does not know what the country’s political schedule entails. If such enquiry comes to my humble desk, then I would say that 2019 is indeed a highly awaited year; a year that means a lot to any political gladiator in the state and the country at large; a year that is yet to be unfolded but currently speaks volumes.

         

The above analysis implies that the year in question is very loaded. ‘Loaded’, in the sense that, it contains countless things. And we all are not unaware that whatever that’s loaded is usually made up of both the good and the bad. 2019 undoubtedly comprises both goodies and monsters. This is why it remains a moment that has abruptly brought mixed feelings among the teeming Imolites, both home and abroad, who truly acknowledge where the year is actually coming from as well as where it is headed for. Let’s ride on!

        

Away from the suspense, I want to use this opportunity to inform those novices in our midst that 2019 is a year that would usher in another interregnum in the well-celebrated Nigerian political terrain. It is a year that would bring in another set of leaders in the system. Needless to say that it is a year that would definitely be waving farewell to most of the leaders whom are currently in charge of the moving train.

        

This piece is mainly dedicated to the Imo politicians and their followers, the electoral umpire, and Imolites in general. It is necessitated by the compelling need to awaken the consciousness of most of us who are yet to comprehend that as we eagerly await the aforesaid year in a jittery mood, we are required to do so with absolute carefulness and attention; among all, we must be filled with unalloyed spirit of patriotism so that at the end, the result would be beneficial to the state at large.

          

First, our politicians need to understand that it is no longer business as usual; hence, must jettison every obnoxious pattern they are used to. Right now, an average Imolite has obviously become politically aware that he/she would hardly be cajoled into believing in non-existing ‘facts’. An informed citizen of the state is at the moment aware that towards assessing any political aspirant, his/her antecedents cum background mustn’t be taken for granted.

        

In view of this, I want to sincerely appeal to our politicians to endeavour to go back to the drawing board with a view to coming up with a different strategy or pattern, as against the one they were formerly employing. They must do this for their own good because the electorate now know their onions, thus wouldn’t be ready to tolerate stories that were merely manufactured just to discredit others, or those at the opposition. It is now about what you have been able to achieve as a person, and not what your opponent had purportedly done wrongly in the past.

         

At the moment, every politician who is aspiring for any position must be prepared to tender his comprehensive scorecard before the electorate, and not wasting his time cooking up malicious stories or propagandas. Acknowledging this fact early enough would enable them to know if they really deserve to win the people’s support, or if they are qualified for the anticipated post. It suffices to assert that it would instruct them whether to drop the aspiration towards allowing only the qualified ones to continue with the race, or not.

        

The electoral umpire, on their part, need to acknowledge that the race begins now, thus the era of fire-brigade approach has been thrown to the waste-bin where it rightly belongs. They must equally note that anyone who intends to do otherwise might be endangering his/her precious job, or even life. Every one as well as group has suddenly become a watchdog, thus no one is willing to accept anything less than credibility and fairness as keywords.

        

The teeming fans cum supporters of these politicos must also understand that thuggery is no longer in vogue. They must note that the best thing they can do for their political role-models is to advise them to play by the rules; to concentrate on the needful; to reexamine themselves to ensure if they truly deserve their supports come 2019. They ought to comprehend that the children of most of the politicians are all in the Diaspora, or resident abroad, thus they (the supporters) would be the ones to suffer any blunder committed during the awaited period. Most importantly, we must comprehend that the era of party-politics has gone for good; it is now about the personalities involved, and not their respective political parties.

         

Above all, I want to unequivocally tell us that not every one of us would be privileged to witness the aforementioned year. It might sound weird and harsh, but that is the truth. Understanding this fact would enable us to desist from any form of uncalled lifestyle without much ado. In other words, we must begin now to work on our lives toward deleting those attitudes that are out of place. So, it is no doubt a moment for sober reflection as we all know that ‘an unexamined life is not worth living’.

         

I may not be opportune to advise us again, so I expect us to absorb this candid message squarely for the good of all concerned. Yes, 2019 is apparently fast approaching, but it is not an era for do or die affair; rather, a time to do only the needful so that we won’t regret our collective actions subsequently. Think about it!

FDN NWAOZOR

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ShortStory I Hidden Feature

HIDDEN FEATURE

       The 34-year-old Mr. Gbenga Adeniyi who was still a bachelor couldn’t believe himself that within eight months stay at FranCok Brewery Plc., he could rise to the position of Marketing Manager of one of the branches. He initially absorbed it as a mere dream but later came in terms with the reality. Though he eventually accepted that it was real, he saw the elevation as a sheer luck that could come to anybody, acknowledging that most employees in various firms were still undergoing probation period after eight months of their employment.

        The above perception made him remain humble and focused in his duty post. He was invariably the first person to report to office before any other staff except the gateman who lived on the premises of the company. In spite of the fact that he was one of the major bosses in the branch, he was still acting like a junior staff to the utmost amazement of all and sundry. Gbenga’s visible features were unarguably, to assert the least, unparalleled and the best among equals, particularly when it called for excellence, trustworthiness and dedication.

        “Good day, sir.” Gbenga greeted as he stepped into the office of the Branch Manager (BM), Mr. Ben Kalu.

        “Good day, Mr. Adeniyi.” responded the boss who was dressed in a white caftan as he was seated in his office chair. “Please, sit down.” He offered, gesticulating.

        “Thank you, sir.” Gbenga appreciated, sat on one of the seats sited directly opposite the boss.

       “You are welcome.” said the 43-year-old Mr. Kalu.

        There was a brief quietness. “I sent for you.” The boss broke the silence. “Something has been bothering me.” He hinted, paused. “Not just me, but the entire management.”

        Gbenga was attentive, couldn’t wait to receive the message. “What could that be, sir?” he thought aloud anxiously as he was seated in a black suit.

       “I have been thinking.” quoth Mr. Kalu, leaning his skull on his right arm that stood erectly on the table. “In fact, the management has been thinking.” He quickly corrected.

       Gbenga remained attentive and silent, though perturbed, placing his hands on his laps.

      “Please, remind me,” the boss rode on. “How old are you now?”

       With the question, the picture became clearer to Gbenga, thus he needn’t further exegesis. “I will be 35 by July this year.” He informed, smiling stylishly.

        Since it was April, it implied that in just three months time, he would clock 35-years-old.

       “Interesting.” quoth Mr. Kalu, nodding. “So, what’s your plan?” he added in a jiffy.

       “I don’t understand, sir.” He inquired in false pretence.

       “How?” said the boss. “Isn’t the question self explanatory?”

       “I don’t think so, sir.”

       “At 34, nearing 35, you are still single,” he said. “Though working in a notable company as a Marketing Manager.”

        Gbenga dished out a dazzling smile. “Oh, was that what you meant?” he said. “Well, I am working on it.” He supplemented without much ado.

       “Working on it?”

       “Yes sir.”

       “Meaning..?”

       “Soonest, I shall invite the management.”

         Mr. Ben Kalu smiled heavily. “Are you sure about this?” he asked sceptically.

       “Of course, sir.”

       “Good news, good news!” the boss exclaimed elatedly, allowing his arms to rest on the table. “That means, you have seen the person?” he added.

       “You mean, the lady?”

       “Yes,” quoth the boss. “You have a fiancée already?”

        Gbenga was speechless, couldn’t attend to the enquiry.

       “Mr. Adeniyi?” the boss aroused his consciousness that seemed asleep.

       “Yes sir.”

       “Didn’t you hear the question?”

        “I heard you, sir.”

        “So..?”

        “Hmm, hmm…” Gbenga murmured.

        “Hmm, what?” said Mr. Kalu furiously. “No answer?”

        “Not really, sir.” replied Gbenga. “Just that…”

        “That what?” the boss interrupted, angered.

          By the look of things, he wasn’t enjoying the suspense in any way.

        “I am still working on it, sir.”

          Mr. Kalu shook his head sympathetically. “For how long will you work on it?” he queried. “I can see you are not serious about this.”

        “Not what you think, sir.” responded Gbenga. “It’s just that women are unpredictable nowadays.” He supplemented. “If you rushed into it, you might be making a big mistake.”

        “You are right, my dear.” concurred Mr. Kalu. “But you just have to be fast.” He conscientized, paused. “Because…” He added, stopped.

        “What sir?”

        “The management is losing patience.” He disclosed hesitantly.

         There was abrupt absolute tranquility. “I will, sir.” Gbenga broke the silence.

        “Alright,” quoth the boss. “You can take your leave.”

        “Thank you, sir.” Gbenga appreciated, attempted to stand up. “Lest I forget, I am very delighted over the concern of the management.” he added. “But I promise you, I won’t let you down.” He assured, stood up.

        “I believe you, Mr. Adeniyi.” replied the boss, still seated. “Just be careful, okay?” he urged.

        “I will, sir.” said Gbenga. “Thank you so much.” He added, about to take his leave.

         Mr. Kalu hastily stretched out his right arm for a handshake; Mr. Gbenga Adeniyi reciprocated to the warmth gesture. “Do have a great day.” The boss wished as he freed his hand.

        “Thank you, sir.” Gbenga responded, turned his back and eventually took his leave majestically in a sober mood.

        When he got to his office that very morning, at about 11:25am, he was occupied with series of thoughts and mixed feelings that he only managed to concentrate on his obligations. Owing to the situation, everyone that walked into his office was haphazardly attended to. People who witnessed the scenario kept wondering what was really eating the workaholic Gbenga up. The day being 30^th April, barely twelve days after his promotion, was indeed hell to his person.

        The narration of what transpired thereafter ought to be left till the subsequent edition, so remain tuned.

N.B: This is a continuation of the previous story titled ‘Worthwhile suspense’. Only the title changed.

FDN Nwaozor

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