Opinion I Political Leaders And Their 'Culpable' Utterances

POLITICAL LEADERS AND THEIR ‘CULPABLE’ UTTERANCES

         

I was barely fourteen or thereabouts when a tutor of mine taught me, among my contemporaries, that power or leadership was synonymous with intoxication. In the real sense, he actually meant that anyone in a position of authority was invariably under the influence of a certain spirit that makes him or her act sometimes not unlike a drunk.

         

The above lesson was informed by a certain question I raised in the class. I could recall vividly that I wanted to ascertain the reason most political leaders, particularly Nigeria’s, would in some occasions utter unwise words as if they are leading mere bunch of animals, or beyond the extant laws.

        

While reacting to questions thrown to him by newsmen in Abuja, recently, the erstwhile governor of Plateau State who is currently a member of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS), Senator Jonah Jang said unequivocally “Senate is not for young people”. He disclosed that he would not hand over to younger person after expiration of his tenure. The actual enquiry that prompted the rude response was occasioned by a particular youth’s aspiration to represent the Plateau North senatorial district, with the belief that the said senator who is presently above 70 years will not seek for re-election come 2019.

         

I was, to assert the least, shocked to my bone marrow the very moment the news got to my desk. I couldn’t help but kept pondering the reason a serving senator would in his right senses publicly utter that lawmaking was only meant for the old, or those who have gathered wrinkles in their faces.

         

It is more mind boggling when realized that suchlike utterance was tendered at a time the “not too young to run” bill is seriously seeking the unanimous nod of the legislators; at a period various civil rights groups are earnestly begging the revered lawmakers to change the impression that a given age bracket isn’t eligible to contest for certain political positions.

       

If your thought is as good as mine, then you would agree with me that if the likes of Sen. Jang constitute the majority of the Senate, or NASS in general, the aforementioned bill will never see the light of the day; you would wholly concur with my fear that such a bill will be regarded as a joke or a document that deserves no iota of attention from the distinguished legislators.

        

It’s noteworthy that aside the Sen. Jang’s avowal, several other political office holders across the globe, Nigeria in particular, on a daily basis openly utter speeches that were never given a second thought. Sometimes, the controversial ones deliberately do so just for the intent of awakening the temper of the opposition or those who have been known as critics to the government in which they pilot.

       

In a similar development, a few weeks ago while telling the press why all forms of drug abuse must be eradicated in Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha in his usual outspoken prowess disclosed that “it is better to steal than to smoke marijuana”. Such an utterance resulted to tremendous mixed feelings among the teeming populace in the state and the Diaspora. In most quarters, it was opined that the governor had derailed for coming up with such uncalled analysis.

         

From my realistic point of view, the governor was apparently trying to lay emphasis on how grievous it was for anyone to indulge himself in drug abuse, thus thought it wise to communicate to his subjects that such an act was more dangerous and harmful than robbery since it could lead to all sorts of social-ills including stealing.

         

However, it is ideal for the Imo number one citizen to acknowledge that as much as my likes understood where he was coming from as regards the said public speech, thousands of other Imolites may not fathom what really informed it. Inter alia, the opposition and other disgruntled elements might want to capitalize on that to cause further distractions; hence, the need for proper cross-examination of words before they are tendered in the public sphere.

         

Of late, such ‘culpable’ utterances have seemingly become peculiar to the sitting Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Ayodele Fayose. In most cases, you would observe him lambasting the Nigeria’s President as if they are both enemies. Sometimes, one may be forced to believe that Gov. Fayose’s invariable controversial attitude is owing to personal hatred.

         

I’ve come to comprehend that most of these leaders are surrounded by countless aides and allies, yet they would never bother to seek an advice from any of them before going to the press. The “I know it all” syndrome, which is misleading this set of public servants, has caused more harm to the system as a whole than it does to their individual persons. This is the reason we must all stand up in unison to condemn and equally fight the scourge. We mustn’t inure ourselves to such kind of societal menace that deserves to be kept under lock and key for eternity.

       

If our political leaders would subscribe for bureaucracy but in the long run refuse to ask for the services of the bureaucrats, I wonder why we ought to sustain the excesses. Though power arguably intoxicates, our various leaders are invariably bound to note when, how and where to talk as well as when to seek the professional assistance of their employees.

        

The gospel truth is that, such manner of lifestyle always displayed by our various political leaders is in its entirety highly detrimental to the polity, hence must be urgently thrown to the waste bin where it truly belongs. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

Opinion I Leadership And The Monster Called Blarney (II)

LEADERSHIP AND THE MONSTER CALLED BLARNEY (II)

       

This endemic wave of sycophancy sweeping across the lengths and breadth of our political space with uncontrollable rage of inferno, prosecuting our god-sent democracy and fuelling several political movements, unarguably needs to be thoroughly considered as well as checkmated by any leader that bears ‘decency and transparency’ as his watchwords. It’s needless to state that, such way of life requires to be holistically thrown to the waste-bin, which is its rightful place, for eternity.  

        

Intriguingly, only but a few had openly condemned this monster that’s gradually, but steadily getting engraved in the psyche of most Nigerians, probably consciously or otherwise, while trading their sense of honour, candour and integrity on the platform of actualizing egotist gains.

        

We must note that, on the average, it’s sycophancy that breeds despotism in any democracy; this is why any leader who truly thinks good of the society or country he leads mustn’t in any way pamper its practice that’s flourishing unabatedly not just in Nigeria but across the globe.

       

The most worrisome, and perhaps amusing aspect of it is a situation where you would notice that those who never wanted Mohammadu Buhari to become the President of Nigeria are currently the prime ‘supporters’ of the present administration. How would you reconcile this? Of course, since their man had been defeated, they decided to take a U-turn to the other side of the road just to quench their selfish urge. Unequivocally, President Buhari needs to distance himself from this set of people who actually mean no good for his administration.

       

Similarly, on the part of the electorate; if we’re sincerely yearning for a positive change, then we must, individually or collectively, say no to all these partisan activities occurring daily across the federation. The youth that are widely reckoned to be the ‘leaders of tomorrow’ must steer clear from presentation of unmerited eulogy to any leader, so that, power would become theirs somebody as they earnestly anticipate; or like Esau, they ought to go ahead and sell their birthright just for a bowl of meats. If they don’t desist from such unwholesome attitude, the proposed town-hall meeting, if eventually observed by the Presidency, would as well be marred by sycophancy.

       

Another devastating phenomenon, which triggers the senses of anyone who understands the societal implications, is that most Nigerians have resorted to adopting it as a norm or their occupation having inured themselves to it, thereby relegating morality, modesty and integrity to the background. And pitiably, they have no iota of plan in the nearest future to abjure it, or even lose a bit of interest.

       

Against this backdrop, the President Mohammadu Buhari–led administration that’s anchored on a change mantra is expected to do everything within its reach towards ensuring that sycophants are not just shown the way out, but thoroughly prosecuted considering the fact that they are deadlier than highway robbers. Thus, as the said administration is strongly determined to wipe out corruption in the country in its entirety, sycophancy ought to be treated as one of its priorities.

        

It ought to be treated as a crime because it is highly criminal both before God and mankind. It doesn’t in any way deserve to be harboured within our various institutions cum communities. The damage it has caused thus far, if well estimated, is far more than the damage attributed to other vices to include corruption, graft particularly, kidnapping, robbery and what have you.

        

Sycophants not just in Nigeria, but the global community as a whole, have taken more than they could chew, hence shouldn’t be spared by any one or authority that truly intends to live up to the people’s expectations. We can’t fold our hands and watch a certain set of deceitful individuals hijack our common patrimony. It is our duty to safeguard our treasury for the good of all.   

        

This significantly implies that, there’s a compelling need to enact a strict law that would  adequately address the anomaly, which is observed in every such field of human endeavour as, but not limited to, trading, education, health, politics, governance, business, journalism, and what have you. Suffice it to say that, the cankerworm is found in our everyday social, economic, as well as political lives. Inter alia, our respective families aren’t exempted from the lingering can of worms.

        

Indeed, blarney, which remains a deceptive and fake gesture in any setting, is wicked, inhumane and deadly; hence, needs to be considered as such. Like cancer, it has conspicuously eaten up the soul and conscience of this country. While ending the lifespan of this dreaded monster, no one should be seen as being above the law or above mankind.

         

It has taken us aback, hence the need to truncate its unannounced and unlicensed existence. And, to actualize this, we must be truthful to ourselves at all cost. Think about it! 

 

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

 

Opinion I Okorocha, Imo Pensioners and The Prolonged Wait

OKOROCHA, IMO PENSIONERS AND THE PROLONGED WAIT

        

The last time I checked, the teeming Imo pensioners who were looking hungry and weary were earnestly looking up to the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha to do the needful. This set of individuals otherwise known as ‘senior citizens’ could not at the moment fathom what actually their fate entails.

        

During the last festive season, they were asked by the government to tender their particulars to enable the latter verify their eligibility. It’s noteworthy that the said verification had before the period in review taken place for the umpteenth time. Even at that, the hungry-seeming retirees never hesitated to do as requested, perhaps towards averting any iota of room to deny them of their individual rights.

       

Within the same era, the governor announced to the pensioners during their courtesy call on him at his country home, Ogboko that three months of their pension arrears had already been endorsed by his person, hence informed that the approved payment would soonest be received by them. They were consoled by his seeming fatherly words since they say a “hopeful hunger does not kill the bearer”.

         

Just two weeks ago, they were reassured by the government that the approved three months arrears would be outrightly paid to them as soon as the “ongoing verification” was over. The notice implied that the verification that commenced in December, 2017 was yet to be concluded as at February 2018, two months after.

       

What else did one expects from the retirees on hearing suchlike assurance than to remain calm, speechless and hopeful? It is obvious that only their optimism has hitherto remained their prime succour ever since the bitter odyssey began. If they have despaired at any time all these while, I’m afraid, the unspeakable would have occurred in their respective lives.

       

This is happening after they were promised in strong terms that their pensions would be paid regularly in full, starting from January 2017. Funnily enough, throughout last year, only three months were paid to these senior citizens who have sacrificed enormously for the Rescue Mission Government. Yet, they remain faithful to the government, probably owing to the perceived notion that only the number one citizen could determine their fate.

         

Acknowledging that those who meritoriously retired from service over five years ago till date are yet to receive their gratuities is enough reason to extend fathomless pity or sympathy to the people in question. It is apparent that they are not anymore bothered about their gratuity; rather, are only concerned over their monthly pension. It suffices to assert that they have inadvertently started seeing any of the above as privileges, and not rights; perhaps as a result of lack of immunity to fight for the latter.

        

Notwithstanding, this piece is coming from a different angle. It is informed by the compelling need to notify the governor that if adequate and drastic measure isn’t taken, these retirees might be dropping dead considering how hungry and devastated they appear at the moment. The piece is occasioned by the need to inform the number one citizen that these pensioners have been placed in an unnecessary prolonged wait, hence the need to expedite action with a view to averting doom.

        

Most times, some of these pensioners come to, or call, me to enquire the way forward or what the Rescue Mission has for them, believing I’m part and parcel of the government. Each time they did, I kept telling them that the government meant well for them, thus urging them to exercise more patience. I have been doing so only for the sole purpose of maintain peace and tranquility in the polity. But it seems they have started misunderstanding my stance or where I’m coming from; needless to say that they now see me as one who is against their welfare, or doesn’t care about their plights.

        

I want to use this medium to disabuse them of that notion. The least I would do or ever think of is to claim ignorance of their predicament. For crying out loud; their problem is glaring that only the blind could be pardoned if he claims ignorance of it. I have for the umpteenth time mediated between them and the government; such gesture of mine is enough indication that I sincerely care so much about their welfare. But as much as I truly feel their pains, as a stakeholder in Imo, I equally want peace to reign in the state.

       

I’ve in most cases made effort not to be emotional whenever I’m writing or speaking about the retirees’ lingering plight. This is the reason I’m immensely appealing to the concerned authorities not to push my humble pen or tongue to the wall; because if they do, the foreseen consequence won’t augur well for the entire Eastern Heartland, I in particular.

         

In view of the above, I enjoin Gov. Okorocha to please cuddle these pensioners toward giving them a sense of belonging. We ought not to allow them to feel abandoned or neglected irrespective of the circumstance. They should at all times be told, in practical terms, that they are truly senior citizens. Their patience has proven beyond doubts how much they love the government in spite of all odds, hence the need to sincerely cherish and adore them. 

        

The ongoing scenario becomes so confusing when realized that the Rescue Mission Administration was seemingly so keen to make the pensioners its beloved friends the moment it came on board in 2011. It would be recalled that the government outrightly cleared arrears of pensions accruable to the retirees within the said year.

       

But, thereafter till date, the reverse has been the case. How can we reconcile this? Think about it!

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Follow me: @mediambassador              

    

ShortStory I Rough End (II)

 

ROUGH END (II)

         As time progressed, during Obiora’s second year in the university as the best student among the overall 200 Level students of Petroleum Engineering department, he vowed to sustain his current Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) which was 4.75, with the aim of making his lovely parents proud just as he promised at the beginning of the journey. He continued with the tempo until he ran into Anayo, one of the students in the Business faculty.

        Anayo was a very notorious guy on the campus; it was only a new or academic minded student like Obiora that was yet to hear of him. The former who was a final year student of Business Management department was a member of one of the most dreaded secret confraternities in Spectrum University – the Red Vulture, and he happened to be one of the leaders of the cult; it seemed his eyes had been on the latter from the moment he was recognized as one of the best students in his faculty.

        That fateful day after lecture period – in the evening precisely – having been exhausted, Obiora thought it wise to chill himself with a bottle of cold soft drink and a snack in the university café. He wanted something that would sustain him till he got to his lodge where he could prepare a meal for himself, unknowingly to his person that someone had been spying on him all along.

        The moment he entered the café, the kingpin followed suit after a few minutes and sat directly opposite him at the white plastic table he was making use of.

        On his part, Anayo requested for a plate of fried rice and a soft drink as well. That was the first time he would be taking a meal with soft drink rather than beer, his usual brand; perhaps he never wanted his incoming prey to realize he was actually sharing a table with a nonentity or a party to a riffraff – a deceptive countenance indeed.

       “Hi guy!” Anayo cheerfully greeted as he began to devour the meal.  

        He was dressed in black three-quarter jeans, blue T-shirt, black face cap and white canvases. He seemed to be in his late twenties.

       “Hello.” responded the unsuspecting prey that was clad in blue jeans, green and white double-coloured shirt and a pair of black plain shoes.

       “Are you in this school?” He enquired in false pretences.

       “Yes, of course.” replied Obiora.

       “You must be a new student, I guess?”

       “Why do you think so?”

       “Because you look so fresh.” the fair in complexion and innocently-looking kingpin who was plump and about 5.4-foot tall remarked.

        Obiora smiled broadly. “You must be kidding.” said the slim, about 5.6-foot tall and chocolate-skinned young man who was in his early twenties, amidst the grin.

       “Honestly,” Anayo added. “I am not joking.”

       “Okay, thank you.”

       “You are welcome.” quoth Anayo, paused. “I mean, always.”

       “So, what do I call you?” Obiora inquisitively enquired.

       “Anayo.” he replied, placing his heavy right arm on his guilty chest. “But they call me Whiskey.”

       “They?”

       “Ya, my friends.” Anayo cleared the air.

       “Alright.”

       “And you?”

       “Okay,” Obiora said. “I am Obiora.”

       “That makes us brothers then.”

       “How?”

       “We are both Igbos, of course.”

       “Oh,” said Obiora. “You are absolutely right.”

         In spite of his dangerous nature, Anayo was undoubtedly a gifted clown. He had all it takes to win the heart of anyone that came on his way, and Obiora wasn’t exceptional.

        Obiora was yet to make a close friend since he found himself at the four walls of university. And coming across Anayo whom he saw as a saint, gave him an opportunity to mingle with someone he could address as his confidant on the campus.

        After their stay at the café having exchanged all the needed pleasantries as well as contacts, they departed for their respective residents.

       Within a few days of their first meeting, they became best of friends. Those who knew Obiora too well especially his course mates became overwhelmingly astonished over his abrupt relationship with a dude who was regarded by all and sundry on the campus as a ‘monster’. They couldn’t believe their sight; initially they were of the view that they were daydreaming till the friendship metamorphosed into a more obvious and inseparable union.

       While these scenes were unfolding, Obiora started declining in his academic performances due to the reluctant attention he was giving to his studies, which was totally contrary to his real self. In regard to this, his class adviser who had witnessed the drastic drop in his commitments confronted him in his office but Obiora lied that he had been sick and promised to improve soonest.

       After one month of coming across Anayo after severe and several persuasions, he made up his mind to join the Red Vulture confraternity. At this point, Obiora became a completely different creature socially, mentally, and otherwise. Little did his parents know that their cherished and only son had been transformed into something else.

       Unfortunately, or fortunately for him, the first armed robbery operation he embarked on in the company of the gang landed him into a big mess. The intended criminal outing, which took place at night, was aborted by the police on their way to the proposed destination. Subsequently, they were charged to court while in the police net.

        On receiving the information, they were all expelled from the university.

        Obiora’s parents couldn’t believe their fate. The rough end was the least they could imagine ab initio. After one month of the ordeal, Chief Okeke fell stroke in which he remained in coma for the first six consecutive weeks. 

        The rest is history, please.

 

Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I Leadership And The Monster Called Blarney

LEADERSHIP AND THE MONSTER CALLED BLARNEY

         

In the famous and widely sold William Shakespeare’s play titled ‘Julius Caesar’, which was named after one of the protagonists in the play, it was the Roman dictator King Julius Caesar who disappointedly exclaimed in Latin “Et tu, Brute?”, meaning literally ‘Even you, Brutus?’ or ‘You too, Brutus?’ the moment he discovered that one of those whom wanted him dead happened to be his protégé and trusted ally in the person of Marcus Brutus.

        

The last time I checked, the reign of several well celebrated leaders in the past was truncated owing to the invariable insincere gestures or eulogies showcased by most of those they recognized as their friends or brothers, as may be the case. This is the reason any leader who actually intends to excel must be extremely conscious of such societal lifestyle commonly known as sycophancy which I invariably addressed as a monster.

         

In any leadership setting or in life generally, there are factors that tend to be symbiotic. Among them are tyranny and sycophancy which pervade every level of governance. The combination of the two aforementioned phenomena, which are dangerous to both institutions and countries, makes any leader blind to even conspicuous pitfalls thereby making them seem miserable if they eventually fell.

        

There are two major classes of sycophants, namely: genuine sycophants and mercenary or fake sycophants. The former have inexhaustible capacity to be ‘happy slaves’ and to demean themselves in favour of the master. Somehow, suchlike individuals or followers are at best Spartan-like in the sense that they do not feel the pain inflicted on them and liable to be dehumanized both morally and mentally.

         

Instead, they feel the pain for the master, claiming that they are the master’s ‘shock absorber’, and usually struggle to take pleasure at the suffering of those who incur the wrath of any ongoing bad governance. In most occasions, they are likely to be more unfriendly or cruel than the master. This set of sycophants would always make effort to defend the interest of the boss regardless of the situation at hand.

         

On the contrary, the mercenary ones are dangerous to the leader unknowingly to him, and they often play a very vital role in the day-to-day running of the affected administration. They equally possess the ability to play the ‘happy slaves’ role successfully, appear to demean themselves, pretend not to possess minds of their own, and unabatedly wear a happy physiognomy façade while sulking internally.

        

A fake sycophant is no doubt skilful in warming his/her way into the bosom of the boss by studying closely the weaknesses of the system and that of the master. Such an individual or so-called ally has no scruples; rather, he/she is Machiavellian. He definitely knows how to acquire access to power by ingratiating himself with the leader via grant of an assortment of bribery or gratification to the right people, flatteries, organized accusations against well-meaning followers or citizens as well as unconditional shedding of crocodile tears.

        

Furthermore, a mercenary sycophant is relentlessly very intelligent and clever in playing victim and shifting blames. He is so skilled in manufacturing cum painting of misleading services that the leader is often bamboozled by his purported loyalty. Such a follower capitalizes any opportunity to betray the trust and overthrow the leader. In other words, as such follower carries out or discharges his duties on a daily basis, he endlessly looks forward to discovering or creating a loophole that would serve as an advantage to his sinister motive.

        

The paramount challenge to any leader who wishes to have sycophants is to distinguish between genuine and fake ones. However, the bone of contention remains that harbouring sycophants is even more detrimental to the leader in question than to the teeming followers, irrespective of the circumstance. Hence, there’s no gain reiterating that any sycophant, if discovered, deserves to be discarded without much ado because they are all useless.

         

In most occasions, you would notice that these sycophants are allies who usually appear to be extremely hardworking and creative, but realistically they are doing virtually nothing. They often use noisemaking or exaggeration to create awareness thereby luring unsuspecting followers into their net.    

        

It’s noteworthy that sycophancy or undue praise-singing, which is arguably the willing undertaker of any country’s socio-political lost glory, seems to be taking an institutional presence or recognition in Nigeria at large, particularly on the country’s political platform.

       

Isn’t it preposterous to see able-bodied citizens, even the old, singing and dancing in praise of somebody who has only succeeded in impoverishing his followers in the name of ‘leadership’ or consorting people’s aspirations to chisel his/her self aggrandizement?

         

In Nigeria today, such manner of nauseous lifestyle takes place with an embarrassing frequency, yet nobody ostensibly cares to even acknowledge the colossal menace let alone discussing it. Funnily enough, most leaders have the impetus to gloat about the unsavoury and inglorious idiosyncrasy, even in a public sphere.

        To be continued!

        

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

Opinion I Nigeria, Britain And The Naira

NIGERIA, BRITAIN AND THE NAIRA

        

The Nigeria’s history won’t be concluded without mentioning the United Kingdom (UK). In view of this, the latter has hitherto remained a household name when discussing the former, particularly in the aspect of the country’s politics as well as economy.

        

It’s noteworthy that the UK comprises mainly the Great Britain and the Northern Ireland. If further split, the former consists of England, Scotland and Wales; among these three, the first two countries majorly constitute the Britain. Owing to both the population and landmass’ percentage Britain occupies in the bloc, the UK is usually referred to as Britain.

      

The Britain, which remains the prime sovereignty in the UK, has invariably been playing the role of a father in the Nigeria’s polity as a whole. The obvious fact that Nigeria was a British colony from the 19^th century till it became an independent nation in 1960 can never be swept under the carpet or be forgotten in a hurry. The unending appreciation of the two countries’ bilateral relation cannot be unconnected with the aforementioned record.

        

Penultimate week, the UK’s Export Finance agency disclosed its intention to add the Nigeria’s legal tender, naira to its list of ‘pre-approved currencies’, allowing it to provide financing for transactions with Nigerian businesses dominated in the local currency. By so doing, the naira will become one of the three West African legal tenders that the UK export finance has pre-approved for its means of funding transactions that promote trade with the UK.

       

It would be recalled that the Britain voted in 2016 to leave the European Union (EU). The awaited exit has persuaded London, the capital territory of the UK, to embrace a rethink over its trade ties with the rest of the world. It’s thus needless to state that the country is currently reviewing its existing trade and investment policies towards ushering in more suitable and beneficial ones.

        

It’s worth noting that in the last three years, severe dollar shortage in the Nigeria’s foreign exchange market caused by the emergence of lower oil prices, forced the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to allow the naira to float after it lost third of its official value against the dollar. This, therefore, is the reason the currency has not ceased to stagger within the period in review.

       

It is imperative to acknowledge that the pronouncement in question, if duly implemented, would go a long way in strengthening the Nigeria – UK bilateral cooperation, thereby easing the rate of importation of goods from the latter to the former. Since the naira would be accepted as a legal tender in the aforesaid foreign country, Nigeria importers can easily pay for goods and services over there with the use of the currency. This implies that the said set of traders wouldn’t need to queue at the Nigeria’s foreign exchange market to change the naira for dollar or pound sterling.

       

But if critically viewed, it would be realized that such a policy can cause overflow of the naira, which is presently in a pathetic mood. More so, the ongoing double-digit interest rate will equally soar the prices of the goods to be imported into the country from the UK since it’s understandable that borrowing is synonymous with importers. I’m afraid; these foreseen consequences might result to further depreciation of the naira.

         

Besides, the President Muhammadu Buhari–led government that is deeply concerned about boosting the country’s local market may not be favoured by the policy, which is likely to lead to another phase of over-dependence of imported commodities that has overtime bedeviled our economy. It’s not anymore news that the present administration’s mantra is anchored on diversification of the country’s revenue base. So, for this to come at a time Nigerians are encouraged to think home is enough reason to say that anyone that really means well for Nigeria is still sceptical over the actual merits that are attached to the policy.

        

This is to say that, in the long run, the monetary policy might mainly boom individual pockets to the detriment of the national coffer. Such resultant effect wouldn’t augur well for the country’s export base that’s seriously yearning for rescue, hence at the expense of her economy at large. Any fiscal measure that’s liable to benefit just a few individuals but impoverish the majority isn’t worth celebrating.

        

As much as the UK is apparently trying to boost the Nigeria’s pride in the international market by initiating suchlike policy, we mustn’t forget so fast that the former stands to be the key beneficiary of the initiative, hence the need for us not to be carried away by the euphoria that accompanies the news.

       

The good news is that, such an approach would make the naira to be more recognized and respected globally. On the other hand, it could also reduce the ongoing influx at the parallel market because most importers may have little or no business to transact over there, thereby returning the rightful status of the commercial banks.  

        

However, that doesn’t change the fact that if critically examined, the naira might not get its fair share of the deal; that the naira might cry foul as the odyssey progresses; that it may end up causing the currency more harm than good. We must note that in any business or relation, every partner involved is more concerned about what his personal benefit entails. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

  

 

ShortStory I Rough End

 

ROUGH END

      “Obiora my son,” Chief Okeke called in a low tone.

      “Yes daddy.”

      “It’s obvious that you are now an undergraduate.”

        Obiora who happened to be Chief Okeke’s only son just secured an admission into Spectrum University to study Petroleum Engineering. The said institution was one of the most respected tertiary citadels of learning across the East, Nigeria. That fateful day, which preceded the day he was meant to leave home for the campus, his beloved father was actually giving him the needed counselling for the odyssey that awaited him.

        They both alongside his mother were seated at the family’s sitting room at about ten minutes to six O’clock in the evening (05:50 pm).

        “As my first child and only son,” continued Chief Okeke who sat directly adjacent to the chap in one of the two-in-one upholstery chairs. “I want you to realize that a lot of responsibilities await you.”

         His wife Lolo Okeke who was seated beside him, nodded in agreement while Obiora listened attentively.

        Chief Okeke being a successful trader, who was precisely into motor spare parts, had all it took to cater for the boy’s education both financially and otherwise but his utmost worry remained the fear of the unknown.

        “Most importantly,” he proceeded. “You must acknowledge that studying an engineering course in a university is not an easy task.” he asserted, paused. “So, I expect you to be extremely careful as well as mindful of your studies, which is the only way you can reach your success room.”

         Everywhere was tranquil as he passionately tendered the words of wisdom.

        “My son,” his mum chipped in. “You’ve to adhere to every instruction your dad is giving you.” she said, took a breath. “You are lucky you have a very wonderful and caring father which every child ever prays for.”

        “I promise, I won’t disappoint you dad.” Obiora assured. “And you, mum.” He concluded, looking at his mother’s eye sockets.

        “I pray your wish would remain your motivation.” Chief Okeke thought aloud in a jiffy.

        “Amen…” His wife emphatically complimented.

        “My son,” he rode on. “All I want from you is to remain a good ambassador of this noble family.”

         Obiora quickly folded his arms tightly, became apprehensive.

       “Honestly, you have all it takes to excel.” Chief Okeke reminded. “Last time I checked, you had no reason to become a failure.”

         The wife concurred via a series of nods.

        “Before I conclude,” he proceeded tenderly. “I must let you know one fact.”

         Obiora changed his posture. This time, he leaned his head on his right arm, which was standing firm on his right thigh.

        “In my dialect which is Igbo language” quoth Chief Okeke. “University is referred to as Mahadum,” he informed, paused. “It means, know it all.”

         The wife nodded, became more interested in the class.

       “Therefore, you are meant to know everything about the world as well as all that is in it.” He said, took a breath.

         Obiora remained still in his sitting position, wasn’t distracted by anything around him not even the trespass of a snake.

        “But mind you,” his dad proceeded. “You are only expected to be part of those ones that are morally acceptable.”

         Obiora nodded continuously for several seconds.

       “A word, they say,” quoth Chief Okeke. “Is enough for the wise.” He concluded.

       “Thank you, dad.” Obiora applauded, returned to his previous posture.

       “My dear,” His mum followed suit.

        Obiora quickly fixed his gaze on hers.

       “I want you to take your prayers very seriously.” She instructed in strong terms, paused. “Endeavour to say your prayers at least twice in a day – in the morning and before you go to bed.”      

       “Okay mum.”

       “And,” she continued. “Don’t ever forget to go to church every Sunday and whenever necessary.”

         Obiora nodded.

       “Please my son,” she rode on. “You must note that your two sisters are looking up to you.”

         Chief Okeke nodded in appreciation.

       “So, you must always lead by example.” She landed.

       “Thank you, mum.” Obiora excitedly tendered. “Thank you, dad.” He supplemented, looking at them respectively.

       After Obiora’s first year on campus, he made excellent results in all his 100 Level courses, that, everyone in engineering faculty including his lecturers and fellow students became attracted to his person. This made him an envy of all, including dick and harry.

       When they got the news, his parents were immensely impressed over the remarkable performance of their only son, though the said outcome wasn’t too surprising to them because Obiora had obviously been a very brilliant chap ab initio. He had maintained the brilliance right from his primary school days.

        Owing to the fabulous results, his father Chief Okeke became more concerned over all the wants of the chap. In view of this, Obiora never lacked anything an undergraduate could boast of. Money was sent to him whenever he asked for it. All he needed was to ask, and it would be deposited in his bank account without much ado.

        More appallingly, thereafter, they never took visiting him on campus as a priority again as they used to, since the chap had proven to them he was really taking his studies seriously.

         One popular Igbo adage would say ‘Ana eji ututu ama njo ahia’, meaning literally ‘a trader will never know if there would be poor patronage in a certain day going by the pace of sales in the early hours session of the day’.

        To be continued, please.

 

Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador