Opinion I As Bishop Okpaleke Bows Out In Grand Style

AS BISHOP OKPALEKE BOWS OUT IN GRAND STYLE

        

The last time I checked, Bishop Peter Okpaleke had graciously tendered his resignation, which implies that he’s not anymore meant to be regarded as the Head of the Ahiara Catholic Diocese situated in the ancient Mbaise nation. It’s noteworthy that the abrupt action was not unconnected with the series of endless controversies experienced by the said clergy since inception of office.

        

The Papacy under the watch of Pope Benedict XVI had upon the demise of Bishop Victor Chikwe – the immediate past and pioneer bishop of the Ahiara Diocese – approved the nomination of a Catholic priest, Rev. Peter Okpalaeke who hails from Awka in Anambra State to serve as the bishop of the diocese. Amazingly, the named clergy was outrightly rejected by virtually all the Catholic faithful in the diocese, stating that the favoured priest did not possess the required qualities to super-head the communion.

        

One of their reasons was that Rev. Okpalaeke does not hail from Mbaise. According to them, it was a grievous blunder for the Pope not to find anyone among over seven hundred (700) Catholic priests of Mbaise origin worthy to serve as the bishop of the Ahiara Diocese. They equally lamented that Rev. Okpalaeke does not speak a dialect that could be comprehended by the members of the diocese, thus could not be ordained to lead them.

          

Notwithstanding, the appointed clergy was eventually ordained amidst the protest. Owing to the unwelcoming attitude of the aggrieved worshippers, the ordination took place outside the Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral of the Ahiara Diocese – Agbala in Owerri North LGA precisely – amid tight security. It was the first time in the history of the Catholic communion a prospective bishop would be ordained at a venue situated outside the diocese he was supposed to oversee.

        

It’s worth noting that after the ordination, the rebellion became more intense. Since then, the seat has been apparently hot for the innocent Bishop Peter Okpaleke who has mostly been operating from the Diaspora. In spite of the order from the Pope, instructing the Catholic faithful in the diocese to unanimously sheathe their swords, the people remain hell-bent towards ensuring that their own becomes the bishop of the diocese.

        

In a recent communiqué from the Papacy under the reign of Pope Francis I, precisely on 8^th June 2017, having received a delegation from the Ahiara Diocese, all members of the diocesan clergy – including the priests and deacons – were given 30 days ultimatum to personally write the Vatican pledging their unflinching obedience to the Pope and unconditionally accepting Bishop Okpalaeke.

        

Based on the directive, those who failed to write would be suspended a ‘divinis’, which would prohibit such priest or deacon from administering any of the sacraments save for a clergy hearing the confession of a person in danger of death, and would equally be removed from their posts.

        

It’s mind-boggling and indeed ridiculous to realize that the religious extremism, which could best be described as amusing and irrational, wasn’t only ignited and fueled by the laity council in the diocese but rather has the full support of most of the Catholic priests from the area who are expected to be more informed regarding the Catholic extant custom.

        

Ever since the melodrama began, I chose to be mindful of my utterances in the public domain thereby making my person seemed not unlike a mere onlooker, knowing fully well that issues pertaining to religion are highly sensitive and delicate, hence ought to be handled as such. My muteness continued unabated not until penultimate year when I thought it wise to wake from the slumber having keenly observed that the incidence was liable to degenerate into an untold crisis if it failed to receive an apt attention. In view of that decision, I objectively wrote a piece titled ‘the trending intriguing politics in Ahiara Diocese’.

        

Lest I forget, two factors ab initio made me not to be too surprised or shocked over the lingered altercation in Ahiara Diocese. One of them was that I grew up to understand that religion harbours politics. Since the world came into existence, the former has ceased to dissociate itself from the latter. Prior to the emergence of Pope Benedict XI (rtd.), what transpired therein made me draw a holistic conclusion that politics is arguably ubiquitous. If the above hypothesis as regards politics and religion holds water, then the Ahiara Diocese ought not to be an exception.

         

Another pertinent factor is the fact that the people of the Mbaise nation have been known for their unison. Mbaise as a people are so apparently united that they invariably, or do not hesitate to, act as a body whenever it calls for action. This remains a core feature outsiders envy about them. It’s then needless to assert that the ensued saga in Ahiara Diocese was an epitome of what the Mbaise nation represents. However, it’s worthy of note that sometimes a cause pursued vigorously in unison could be misleading and preposterous.

          

Though the apology letters were tendered by the concerned priests and members of the laity council as directed by the Papacy, the apparent war ceased to end afterwards. Among all, in spite of the countless reactions of the public coupled with various authorities cum stakeholders, the religious extremists remained hell bent towards actualizing their uncalled and weird quest.  

          

Hence, three weeks ago, the much-criticized Bishop Opkaleke who was consecrated in 2012 resigned, triggering mixed feelings among the Christendom in various quarters. The letter of resignation reads in part “I am convinced that my remaining the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese is no longer beneficial to the Church. I do not think that my apostolate in a diocese, where some of the priests and lay faithful are ill-disposed to have me in their midst, would be effective”. In response, an epistle said to have emanated from the Pontiff on 19^th February 2018, accepted the resignation in good faith.

          

In consequence to the latest development, the Pope appointed the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Dr. Luciuos Ugorji as the Apostolic Administrator of the Ahiara diocese, pending when another substantive bishop would be consecrated to lead the Catholic communion.

         

As Bishop Okpaleke resigns in style, it would be needless to notify the Mbaise congregants that the Pope may decide not to deploy any other clergy as the Bishop of the diocese, and they are aware the implications of such decision if eventually taken by the Papacy. More so, the Supreme Pontiff might as well decide to merge the diocese with the Owerri Archdiocese where the affected worshippers initially belonged.

        

This among others is the reason they must be willing to accept any other appointee of the Papacy irrespective of his origin, because based on the doctrine of the Catholic Church, the latter may not succumb to the frivolous request of the former.

        

So inasmuch as I commend Bishop Okpaleke for taking such a bold step for the interest of the Church of Christ, there’s a compelling need for the congregants to tread with caution and equally acknowledge that the church belongs to nobody. Think about it!   

      

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

 

ShortStory I Derailed Homosapien (II)

 

DERAILED HOMOSAPIEN (II)

       On their part, Mr. Adesokan’s colleagues who were seated at distant locations weren’t aware of what really went on or what was discussed between them, though they weren’t interested either since such meeting wasn’t unusual among teachers and students or mentors and mentees, as the case may be.

        Besides, being a new teacher, they were of the opinion that Mr. Adesokan needed to meet privately with some of his students, especially the serious-minded ones, to intimate him on the journey so far.

        The close relationship between Yetunde and Mr. Adesokan who was happily married with four kids – three males and a female – commenced as planned. It successfully metamorphosed into an intimate one, and continued unabated for several weeks to the extent that her fellow students became envious. She was obviously enjoying the togetherness.

        None of his colleagues, or any member of the school management, fathomed the actual motive that informed the closeness. When any of them decided to think otherwise, he or she would be beclouded or lobbied by a notion that the tutor in question was a very decent and respectable man.

        Subsequently, the intimacy became juicier to Yetunde that her innocent mindset never foresaw any pranks. It proceeded until one fateful day when her fantasies yielded a rude reality. On that fateful day, the awful but hidden truth dawned upon her person.

        On the aforesaid day, Yetunde paid a scheduled visit to Mr. Adesokan at a lodging spot. He had during the weekdays asked her to pay him a visit by the weekend, Saturday precisely, and she obliged. But he lied to her that she was coming to his family house; she was told that he wanted her to meet with his family especially his wife towards ensuring that she became a friend to not only him but his entire family.

        The moment the vulnerable creature arrived at the proposed venue for the meeting at about 3:15pm on Saturday, 11^th June 2011, she needed not an interpreter to notify her that she was within a hotel arena. Though she was initially nervous but was later consoled by a perceived presumption that the hotel could be just a place where her intended host wanted to receive her before proceeding to his family house to enable her locate the address with ease.

        The curiosity and perturbation continued till Mr. Adesokan majestically walked out of the bar where he was relaxing having received an alert from the august visitor via phone call, and signalled her to come over. As soon as she got to the point where he was standing, which was the main entrance to the bar, he ushered her into the building and took her to the position he was chilling with a bottle of stout beer.

       “My little angel.” he cheerily tendered. “You are really looking pretty and gorgeous.”

        She apprehensively replied with a smile.

      “Now I know,” he said. “The uniform I have been seeing you in has been hiding your real beauty.”

        His dubious compliment was not unlike pouring water on gravel. She wasn’t moved by it not even a bit.

      “Please have your seat.” He urged, smiling.

        The 14-year-old teen sluggishly sat on one of the seats sited at the corner, looking pale. “Have I been deceived?” She thought.

        Other guests, who were equally catching funs at the bar, were seated at strategic locations.

       “Pretty,” Mr. Adesokan who was putting on a pair of black jeans, blue T-shirt and brown lather slippers tenderly called. “You are not looking happy.” He observed.

         Yetunde who was clad in a pink skirt, white polo and ash sandals, slightly adjusted herself, still sceptical and quiet. She was chocolate, plump and tall, and unarguably a very pretty girl that her beauty could be felt by the blind.

        “What is wrong?” The predatory creature calmly enquired in false pretence.

        “Sir,” she called in a low tone. “I thought you said I was coming to meet your family?”

        “Yes, my dear,” he answered. “But…”

        “But what?” she curiously interrupted.

        “They travelled to the village yesterday.” he lied. “Something urgent came up.”

        “Okay ooh!” She grunted sceptically.

        “I’m sorry I didn’t inform you earlier.”

         After some minutes coupled with persuasion, she agreed to take a soft drink. In the long run, her host poured some of his drink into her glass and both drinks mixed instantly. He convinced her that the mixture was more appetizing and nourishing, although his sole intention was to drug her. Therein, she was cajoled into taking drink.

        When she became dizzy as a result of the concoction, he hastily took her to one of the hotel rooms, took off her wears and defiled her. Every action perhaps took place in accordance with his evil plan.

        One month later and incidentally the third term of their academic session, Yetunde took in. Prior to this phase, she never disclosed what transpired between her and Mr. Adesokan at the hotel to anyone. He had promised to shower her with gift items if she remained mute about the outing.

        When her parents noticed the abrupt weird idiosyncrasies she was displaying, her mother took her to a medical laboratory to confirm what was actually wrong with her. She consequently tested positive to pregnancy. The physician rightly informed the mother that her beloved daughter was four weeks pregnant.

        Thereafter, the parents exhorted her to tell them the truth about the unforeseen pregnancy, and she confessed. The young couple, who became devastated by the unthinkable revelation, trembled with rage.

        The moment the news got to her school, the derailed homosapien was outrightly suspended by the school authority, hence was issued with a query. He eventually received a sack letter from his employer, the government.

         Later on, the culprit was arrested by the police, and was charged to court for paedophilia, bestiality and attempted murder. He afterwards got a jail term.

        The rest is history, please.

         

Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

 

Opinion I As Dapchi Refreshes Chibok Memories

AS DAPCHI REFRESHES CHIBOK MEMORIES

        

For almost a decade now, insecurity – particularly insurgency – has remained a great challenge in the Nigeria’s polity. This is the reason the change agenda of the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari is ostensibly anchored on three different sectors, security inclusive.

       

In spite of the thus far dogged effort of this government toward ending the ravaging effect of the world’s third dreaded terrorist sect, Boko Haram, it seems to the sight of the onlookers that a lot still needs to be done in the aspect of not just insurgency but security challenges at large.

       

It’s not anymore news that two weeks ago, precisely on Monday 19^th February 2018, a certain set of the Boko Haram members who were clad in military uniform, invaded the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College (GGSTC) situated in Dapchi village, Busari LGA, Yobe State around six O’clock in the evening and abducted 110 of the schoolgirls. It’s noteworthy that some of the students cum staff, who narrowly escaped from the boarding school before the mayhem, sustained various degrees of injuries.

         

Dapchi is about 100km North of Damaturu, the state’s capital territory, and until the incident, remained one major town that was yet to be attacked by the terrorists since the commencement of insurgency in the troubled region. This implies that a seemingly virgin locality was eventually located by the sect.

         

A convoy of fighters in pickup trucks labeled ‘Allahu Akbar’ reportedly descended on the area within the said time, targeting only the school. According to the report, when the troop stormed the village, they began shooting sporadically and setting off explosives. By so doing, residents were perhaps warned to steer clear of the targeted arena.

       

The attack on the school came four years after the Boko Haram’s audacious abduction of about 276 schoolgirls in Chibok town, Borno State – the state believed to be the headquarters of the sect. It was gathered that 57 of the abducted teenagers managed to escape over the next few months after the ordeal. The unpredictable event, which occurred in the midnight of 14^th April 2014, has hitherto remained a nightmare to all concerned – particularly parents of the abductees.

       

Though the Federal Government (FG) under the watch of President Buhari had through its organized effort enabled some of the kidnapped Chibok girls to regain their freedom, the fact that most of them are still held captive in the hands of the captors is enough reason to panic over the fate that recently befell the 110 Dapchi girls.

       

It’s imperative to take into cognizance that since 2009 till date, the Boko Haram group has left at least 20,000 Nigerians dead and equally rendered over 2.6 million homeless. The given statistics have overtime kept the teeming Nigerian citizens – both home and in the Diaspora – in disarray that many had been forced to sleep with one eye open.

        

It is more saddening that the Dapchi omen took place barely a few weeks after the Nigerian Army bragged publicly that the Boko Haram had been ‘completely defeated’. One might then wonder whether the sect was provoked by the army’s avowal. Of course, taking a critical study of the circumstance, every rational mind wouldn’t hesitate to insinuate that the abduction wasn’t unconnected with the boast.

        

The United Nations (UN) has swiftly condemned the disaster. Having reiterated the bloc’s solidarity and support to the Nigerian Government, the UN’s Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres who tendered the reaction via his Spokesperson Mr. Stephane Dujarric, described the operation as ‘another horrific incident’. I can’t concur less with the description.

         

Although the Presidency has in strong terms expressed shock as well as frowned over the abduction, the fact that Mr. President is yet to visit the scene of the incident does not portray a good image for the country’s seat of power. This could be linked to that of the Chibok that took the then president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan two weeks to extend a phone call to the Borno State government as was disclosed by the state’s governor, Kashim Shettima, let alone visiting the affected arena.

         

Our leaders must learn how to show a practical and drastic concern over unfortunate happenings within the jurisdiction they govern especially the ones directly connected with the people’s lives and/or property.

        

In a different development; it is uncalled for that while the citizenry – the opposition in particular – ought to be more concerned about how to tender advice or tactics towards rescuing the captives, they are rather busy trying to create a suitable adjective that could be used to qualify the incident just for the sole purpose of discrediting the current administration.

       

As the Dapchi omen refreshes memories of that of the Chibok, it’s needless to notify us that what transpired in either saga unleashed a colossal injury on us all, hence the need for any patriotic Nigerian to treat it as such instead of playing politics with it.

       

Thus, we must desist from looking for a way to actualize our cheap political motives in a situation that requires our collective sympathy and contribution. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

Opinion I Okorocha, Madumere, Nwosu And Their Ongoing Political Antics

OKOROCHA, MADUMERE, NWOSU AND THEIR ONGOING POLITICAL ANTICS

         
The last time I checked, the heat was conspicuously on in the Imo Political setting that even the deaf coupled with the blind could respectively hear and see it. This is currently the case in the state even though the campaign era is yet to be declared open by the electoral umpire.

         
I was duly taught in the past by one of my mentors that politics as a profession was survival of the fittest. According to the patriotic Nigerian, only those who had proven to be strong enough could compete fervently and favourably in any political tussle. I have fully come to realize where the fellow was actually coming from, thus seen tangible reason to concur with his theory.

         
Such an assertion could be aligned with the popular saying “politics is a dirty game”. Of course, for one to belong to the clique of the fittest, he must in one way or the other indulge himself in a seemingly nasty game that might deprive him/her the chances of earning a good name. Such a scenario isn’t fat-fetched in any political terrain across the globe.

          
Lest I digress; it’s noteworthy that this piece is solely informed by the ongoing trending in the Imo State political sphere as it concerns the state’s number one citizen, his amiable deputy as well as the leader’s Chief of Staff in the persons of Governor Rochas Okorocha, Prince Eze Madumere and Chief Uche Nwosu, respectively.

          
It’s not anymore news that the governor had publicly indicated his interest to support Chief Nwosu over his apparent ambition to run for the governorship position in the state come 2019. This implies that the latter whose aspiration is officially yet unborn, had ostensibly proven to the former that he possess all it takes to succeed him during the awaited interregnum.

         
In view of the above, some Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state under the auspices of the purported leadership of the affected councils had boldly and proudly taken a walk to the Imo Government House otherwise known as the ‘Douglas House’ with a view to informing the sitting governor that they had unanimously endorsed the said aspirant.

        
In the aforementioned outings, the Ogboko born leader appreciated the guests, and therein concurred with them that Chief Nwosu truly had all it required to move the state forward when he eventually bows out of the leadership saddle. He further opined that the aide in question had proven beyond doubts that he had no rival at the election ground.

       

It is worthy of note that Prince Madumere is equally apparently aspiring to succeed Gov. Okorocha. But, as it stands, it seems the governor is not in support of his second-in-command who had hitherto proven to be a true loyalist since the commencement of the Rescue Mission Administration. This difference between the duo has thus far succeeded in raising tremendous dust cum mixed feelings amid the overall faithful of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Eastern Heartland, thereby seemingly creating factions among them.

       

Just recently, a certain group gathered the members of the APC in Mbaitolu LGA, the area where the Deputy Governor hails from without disclosing the actual agendum that necessitated the call. When they were in the hall situated at the council headquarters Nwaorubi, which was the venue of the abrupt meeting, a notice filtered in that the aim of the gathering was mainly to endorse Chief Nwosu as the gubernatorial aspirant of the revered party, contrary to their perception that they were gathered to discuss some critical issues concerning the party. Against this backdrop, severe pandemonium reportedly ensued among the attendees.

         

As if that wasn’t enough, penultimate week, some groups from Ohaji/Egbema and Oru-West LGAs called on the governor at the Douglas House, stating that they had thrown their weight behind Chief Nwosu to vie for the number one seat in the state come 2019. In his response, the Ogboko born renowned politician having commended the august visit, disclosed to the guests that he would be vying for the Imo West Senatorial District seat in the Senate during the forthcoming general elections. In the same vein, he went further to inform that he would as well conscientize his deputy to consider running for that of Imo East Senatorial district.

        

By the governor’s avowal, it’s obvious that he is seeing Prince Madumere as a threat to Chief Nwosu’s ambition. In other words, he had made it clear that he wasn’t in support of the governorship aspiration of the Mbieri-born politician. This no doubt calls for serious concern when critically examined how the number-two citizen has ab initio remained explicitly loyal and reliable to the boss.

        

On his part, Prince Madumere who is ostensibly aggrieved over the unfortunate trending has reportedly insisted that he isn’t deterred by the governor’s persistent melodramas. This has made the game appear more nasty but comic in the sight of the teeming viewers of the scene. Sure, Prince Madumere’s determination to passionately continue with his ambition is enough indication that he has decided to be an independent thinker rather than allowing his principal think for him, which his countless fans and allies had apparently longed to witness.

        

At this juncture, considering the antics that have thus far been displayed, one would then wonder what the fate of the APC entails in the nearest future. The party’s loyalists may at this point be perturbed with the notion that the ongoing intrigues are likely to break the existing unity of the platform. Hence, it is pertinent for anyone who cherishes the governor as well as the party to advise the former the compelling need to embrace the drawing board towards averting any scene that would mar the integrity of the latter.

        

In my capacity as a stakeholder in Imo, I want to candidly enjoin the governor to pilot the affairs of the APC as a leader and father, and not like a mere floor member for his good, that of his teeming followers and the state at large. He is indisputably in charge of the ruling party in the state, thus expected by all to handle the family’s issues as such.  

        

Gov. Okorocha ought to note that if God has destined Prince Madumere to succeed him, there’s absolutely nothing anyone could do about it, hence the urgent need for the former not to treat the latter’s aspiration or feelings as that of nobody. Think about it!  

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Follow me: @mediambassador              

   

 

               

Opinion I Tambuwal And His Poultry Adviser

TAMBUWAL AND HIS POULTRY ADVISER

         

I could recall vividly with passion that during my secondary school days in Lagos State, I and my fellow classmates were asked by our Agricultural Science teacher to individually write an essay between livestock farming and crop farming. I’m filled with nostalgia as I remember that fateful day.

         

In my analysis, as a teenager, I chose to pay greater attention to the former since it had to do with animals. At the time, I enjoyed discussing the animal kingdom because of a particular animal documentary I was invariably viewing on a certain television channel. So, I was of the view that livestock farming, particularly poultry which my family then had at our backyard, could be successfully practised with ease by any person or group. And I grew up with that perception.

         

But penultimate week, precisely on Monday 26^th February 2018, my candid opinion was proven wrong by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State who on the said date appointed an Adviser on “Poultry Development” in the person of Dr. Rabiu Alkali among four other appointees.

         

For coming up with such an appointment, the former lawmaker may have considered poultry as one of the key sectors that require adequate attention by his administration. He had apparently thought it wise to see that aspect of livestock farming as special, hence the need to treat it as such. He had perhaps considered the compelling need for Nigeria as a people to desist from the unending importation of frozen foods; an act that has thus far bedeviled our health and remained unwholesome to the country’s economy at large.

         

Nevertheless, inasmuch as the content of the portfolio is so glaring or self-explanatory, one might want to know what the actual role of the appointee entails. A concerned citizen may wish to enquire if the new intake is expected to advise the governor on how poultry ought to be reared by the government, or the areas that would be conducive for the creatures in question or would be suitable for the proposed practice.

         

Personally, I’m interested in ascertaining if the state’s government under the watch of Gov. Tambuwal is keen to invest on poultry. If ‘Yes’ becomes the answer to this sincere enquiry, then I would equally wish to know the reason the governor had chosen to pay attention to only the aforementioned area. But if the response is ‘No’, I would then wonder if Dr. Alkali’s consignment is to advise the governor on how to tax the poultry keepers domiciled in the state.

       

If the reality must be squarely faced, as the name of the portfolio implies, it is obvious that the Sokoto number one citizen is willing to enhance poultry farming, or key into it via the use of the modern methodology. If this is his true intention, it is a good step that deserves encouragement from any patriotic citizen in not just Sokoto but the entire Nigeria that acknowledges the essence for the governments at all levels to invest meaningfully in agriculture.

       

However, in my usual inquisitive nature, I’m still interested in comprehending why a given administration would choose to concentrate only on ‘poultry development’ as if other aspects of agriculture do not matter in the Nigeria’s present quest to resuscitate her economy.

       

On the other hand, it could be that the governor already has an adviser on agriculture but still went ahead to appoint someone else strictly for poultry. I’ve come to acknowledge that our political leaders enjoy the term ‘bureaucracy’ just as I mentioned in my previous piece on this platform. It’s pathetic and mind-boggling to note that bureaucratic system of government, which has hitherto remained a blood-sucking canker, is still pampered as well as celebrated by our various public servants.

        

It becomes more annoying when realized that in the long run, the supposed services of these bureaucrats are never sought by their employers thereby making mockery of the reason they were engaged. It’s noteworthy that in some quarters, most of these political recognitions are merely to place the appointees’ name on the payroll towards appreciating them for whatever role they played during the electioneering era that begot the administration, and not necessarily to involve him or her in any official consignment.

         

The above assertion is the reason our various political leaders would continue to manufacture all sorts of portfolio in the name of appointment. Just recently, the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha in his known creative ingenuity, appointed a Commissioner for Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment among his cabinet members.

        

By creation of such a ministry, one wouldn’t cease to wonder what kind of happiness would be gotten from it by the teeming Imolites. If all the already existing ministries concentrate on doing the needful, what do we need a happiness ministry for? It’s more appalling that this is happening at a time the various governors are enjoined to endeavour to cut excesses in the course of running their respective governments.

        

Though Gov. Tambuwal – who inaugurated N1.56bn Fadama III Agric Scheme in Sokoto penultimate year – may have meant well for his subjects by appointing an adviser on poultry, it’s imperative for his Excellency to understand that the state might on the contrary be doomed if priorities are misplaced. Hence, I candidly urge him to ensure that by that appointment poultry rearing is duly developed so that in no distant time, people from all walks of life would be trouping in the state for the purpose of acquiring thorough coaching and mentoring from Dr. Alkali.

        

So, as I strongly join the good people of Sokoto to welcome the new poultry adviser, it would be ideal and wise to remind the appointee that we expect wonders to begin to happen soonest in the aspect of domestic birds rearing. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

 Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

         

          

ShortStory I Derailed Homosapien

DERAILED HOMOSAPIEN

        “Good morning students,” Mr. Adesokan tendered after the unanimous warmth greeting received from the overall students as the tradition demanded. “How was your weekend?” He added in a jiffy.

        “Fine sir,” The students chorused. “Thank you.” They added, stood still.

        “Please have your seats.” He urged while standing.

         The students who were dressed in sky-blue checks immediately assumed their respective seats simultaneously, anxiously waited for a formal introduction from the strange being.

         It was on Monday morning at about some minutes past nine O’clock after the students’ usual morning assembly. It marked the beginning of the sixth week of the second term’s segment.

         Mr. Adesokan was a new teacher in the institution, Comprehensive Secondary School, Ojagidi, Ogun State. He assumed duty on that very day. He had just replaced Mr. Tunde whom was transferred two weeks back to one of the neighbouring public schools in the state; Mr. Tunde was one of the school’s Mathematics teachers in charge of the senior session but his duty posts were particularly S.S.S-1 and S.S.S-2 classes.

       “Hope this is SS1?” Mr. Adesokan verified.

       “Yes sir!” The learners chorused on the top of their voices.

       “Alright,” he said. “What arm is this?”

       “SS1A.” They responded.

         It’s noteworthy that each of the senior classes was made up of four different arms ranging from A to D.

       “Good.” he uttered, paused. “Do you know why I’m here?”

       “No sir!” The class of about forty students exclaimed, became jittery and curious.

        Apparently, the suspense was telling on them, hence they couldn’t wait for additional time.

       “Okay,” he said. “I am Mister Ola Adesokan.”

          The entire students became more impatient, could not wait to hear the next word, phrase or clause that would be dished out by the yet unknown dude who seemed to be in his early forties.

        Mr. Adesokan who was slim, dark and average in height was clad in tactically ironed black trousers and grey plain shirt coupled with a pair of black sandals. The shirt was neatly tucked into the trousers.

      “Henceforth,” he continued. “I will be taking you on Mathematics.”

        This time, the students in their entirety became relieved. They had been longing to see who would replace Mr. Tunde. The former Mathematics tutor was indeed a good and refined teacher who had all it required to make even a dummy understand the said subject to the fullness. His abrupt transfer from the school raised a tremendous pandemonium among the affected students.

        And, looking at Mr. Adesokan, going by his dress as well as countenance, the class seemed convinced that Mr. Tunde’s replica had eventually come to replace him. It became absolutely tranquil while excitedly waited to hear more impressive words from a man who appeared not unlike a god-sent.

        After all the needed instructions accompanied with consequential enquiries, Mr. Adesokan hurriedly introduced the topic for the day, which was overwhelmingly welcomed by the students.

        Something abnormal transpired in the process; while Mr. Adesokan was enthusiastically teaching the class, he was distracted by a female student who was lousily seated on her desk. The girl in question who was ignorant of the scene she had created felt relaxed and was attentively and passionately listening to the lesson, unknowingly to her that she was making her corrupt-minded tutor lose his concentration.

         Having managed to exhaust his period that lasted for about eighty minutes amidst the inevitable temptation, Mr. Adesokan signalled to the teen, asking her to come out. The moment she stepped out, he whispered to her to see him in his office during the school break time.

        The poor girl who couldn’t wait to embrace the awaited break time because she was anxious to ascertain or fathom what actually prompted the unexpected invitation, began her journey to Mr. Adesokan’s office at exactly half past eleven O’clock in the morning (11:30 am) the moment the school bell rang for the break. Her class was about a hundred metre (100m) away from the office. “Good morning sir..s!” She greeted as soon as she walked into the staff room.

         It was a complex room compromising four male teachers including Mr. Adesokan. Interestingly, all of them were Mathematics teachers; two were for the junior section whilst others taught the senior segment. Their respective tables coupled with chairs were separately positioned at the four corners of the room.

       “Good morning, dear.” They responded. “How are you?” one of them tendered.

       “Fine sir.” she replied, walked straight to where her intended host was seated.

       “Good day, sir.” She greeted the moment she got to her destination, stood directly opposite him.

       “Good day, my dear.” Mr. Adesokan responded. “How are you?”

       “Fine sir.”

       “Sit down.” He tenderly urged, pointing his right arm at the seat permanently cited opposite his likewise those of his colleagues.

       “Thank you, sir.” She appreciated, quickly sat on the seat.

       “I called you here to know more about you,” said Mr. Adesokan. “Because when I was teaching your class this morning, you appeared very serious-minded.” He added in false pretence.

       “Thank you, sir.” She joyfully dished out.

       “You are welcome.”

          At this point, she remained calm and relaxed.

       “So, what’s your beautiful name?”

          The pretty-looking teenager smiled at the tone of the question especially the ‘beautiful’ that was inclusive. “Yetunde.” She replied amid the grin.

        The seemingly harmless discussion lasted for several minutes. At the long run, phone numbers were exchanged though she wasn’t with her phone because they were severely warned not to come to school with their cell phones. In view of this, they agreed on how they would be reaching each other.

         Only God knew what the proposed intimacy, which seemed to Yetunde like that of a father and his daughter owing to the tune or mode of the proposal, would lead to.

        At the fifteenth minute on the dot when the discussion ended, she hurriedly left for her classroom filled with fantasy and ecstasy like one who had just won a lottery.

        To be continued, Please. 

 

Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

 

 

 

 

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