Opinion I On Danjuma's Intriguing Security Counsel

DISSECTING DANJUMA’S AVOWAL ON SECURITY

        

My recent written analysis on the state of the nation as regards security, which I titled ‘averting reprisals over herdsmen massacres’ as was published in this revered tabloid on Thursday 25^th January 2018, was actually informed by my panoramic view.

        

I truly foresaw that if apt measure wasn’t taken by the concerned authorities, Nigerians as a people might resort to self-defence or worse still, reprisal. Hence, I use the medium to decisively warn the governments at all levels on the dangers inherent in docility thereby urged them to expedite action towards putting the said societal menace to an obvious end.

       

Intriguingly, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma had in his capacity openly advocated for self-defence. The aforementioned retired security personnel, who had in different occasions served as the Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence, on Saturday 24^th March 2018, enjoined Nigerians to defend themselves from killers across the country instead of depending on the Armed Forces.

         

In the statement, which he made at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University in Jalingo, Gen. Danjuma frankly opined that the army and other security agencies “colluded with killers to attack Nigerians”. Having accused the army of being bias, saying it had failed in its responsibility of securing the country from attacks, he equally insinuated that there was an attempt at ethnic cleansing in the state as well as some rural localities in Nigeria. Hence, he further stated, “We must resist it. We must stop it. Every one of us must rise up.”

        

In the Nigeria’s extant laws, likewise other countries’, it is only in the course of self-defence one is permitted to commit murder. It suffices to assert that the former justifies the latter. It’s noteworthy that such form of killing can be classified as manslaughter.

       

The above constitutional clarification indicates that anyone could deploy any means towards defending him/herself in the course of any battle that befell them, even though no one is legally allowed to have arms or ammunition in his/her possession unless he is licensed to do so.

        

But going by Gen. Danjuma’s counsel, every Nigerian had been encouraged to possess arms and other forms of weapon. It’s more confusing that it took place at an era Nigerians were mandated by the police to return all firearms and ammunition in their custody or possession, as may be the case.

       

Besides, it’s mind-boggling that the advice came from no other person than a supposed security expert; from a retired security chief; from a Nigerian who is meant to know the nitty-gritty surrounding state policing; a man who ought to realize that illicit handling of arms is criminal, hence unacceptable; a man who should comprehend the best security tip-bits to tender in a public sphere.

       

If Gen. Danjuma was of the view that the President Buhari-led administration wasn’t doing enough towards ending crimes in the country, he should have realized that it is his duty as a renowned security figure to help in boosting the government’s capacity rather than inciting the people against the constituted authority.

       

As an erstwhile army boss, he has all it takes to demand for an explanation why things aren’t being done as expected. It’s his civic responsibility to assist the Armed Forces, and even the police, in carrying out their lawful obligations. Thus, conscientizing the people to take to arms was enough reason to assert that he has equally failed the country he vowed to protect many years ago; needless to say that he isn’t living up to expectations.

         

Even if such counsel was really consequential or unavoidable considering the current state of the Nigerian nation, it shouldn’t have been given by a citizen like Gen. Danjuma. If at all it ought to be tendered by his person, it never deserved a public hearing. And, if it must be made public, it shouldn’t have emanated from such an occasion comprising individuals of diverse backgrounds, or sense of reasoning.

         

Though he had claimed that he is not a politician, this statement of his person has made me to be of the notion that he’s an affiliate of a certain political party; that he belongs to one of those oppositions that are fond of employing sentiments while discussing issues of public concern. He has by that step communicated to me that he is not neutral, thus merely making effort to lure the electorate into his net.

        

I don’t really comprehend how we arrived at this point that a supposed patriotic Nigerian who had meritoriously served in one of the country’s reputable security outfits could publicly suggest to civilians that the best alternative way they could fight or repel crimes is to be fully armed as a people in their respective localities. If at this age, a full-fledged Nigerian could think in such direction, then I’m afraid, we are headed for doom.

         

Inasmuch as I own Gen. Danjuma’s gray hairs an explicit respect, I also want him to note that the Armed Forces are mostly in need of his wealth of experience at this time; hence, the need for him to think as an expert, and not like a mere dweller.

        

The leaders, on their part, must equally take into cognizance that securing the people’s lives and property is one of the prime constitutional responsibilities of the government, thus at all times remains non-negotiable. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

             

ShortStory I Smart Genius

SMART GENIUS

        “Mister Ken,” Adamu called. “Why were you not on seat yesterday?” He furiously queried.

           Mr. Adamu Danjuwa was the Human Resources Manager (HRM) of Capricon manufacturing company.

         Between late eighties (1980s) and early nineties (1990s), Capricon was undoubtedly a very notable firm across the federation that everyone, even an imbecile that existed within the stated period, could testify to the fact. Even beyond the period in question, Capricon Nigeria Limited as it was fondly called based on what was inscribed on its major signpost in line with its incorporation, never relented in making the general public and the society at large feel its impact to the extent that it was rated and widely recognized as the best among equals. To say the least, it never tolerated any excuses from its staff when it called for business right from when it was incorporated in 1985, June precisely.

         The company, which was mainly into cosmetics production particularly soap, cream and perfume, understood that the consumers come first before any other person or thing. This was why their products which were popularly known as Danza soap, Danza Cream, Danza perfume as well as Danza body spray remained cosmetics that any rational being wanted to behold.

         To assert that Adamu was one of the brains behind the prospect of the company is an understatement; Adamu who was one of the pioneer members of the firm, was one of the best three personnel, if not the overall best, the company could reckon with owing to his outstanding and brilliant contributions toward its enviable growth.

         On his part, Mr. Ken Okafor who joined the firm barely a year back was a staff of the Marketing department. On that fateful day, he was being queried due to truancy; he couldn’t make it to the office the previous day as a result of circumstances beyond his control and Mr. Adamu Danjuma was really mad over the attitude. Ken was actually ill on that day, so he decided to take a rest without even making effort to notify the management.

        “I was sick, sir.” He responded apprehensively.

         He was standing directly opposite Adamu who was seated in his office.

        “Sick…?”Adamu ranted.

          Mr. Danjuma’s furious physiognomy was not really prompted by Mr.  Ken’s absence but owing to the fact that the management was kept in the dark by the man in question. He absorbed the nonchalant act as a letdown which was tantamount to dismissal based on the company’s rules.

         “Yes sir,” Ken replied, remained jittery. “I suddenly fell ill and there was no way I could reach the company.”

          Though there was nothing like GSM during the era but Ken was meant to send a message across through any available means, probably a relative or friend. The fact was that he took the consequence of the act for granted.

         “You amuse me, Ken.”

           Ken quickly adjusted himself, stood still.

         “To start with,” Adamu rode on. “Were you not supposed to be treated by the company’s clinic?”

         “Sir, I didn’t even have the strength to…”

         “Will you stop amusing me?” interrupted Adamu, kept mute. “If our staff don’t use the clinic, then what was the essence of establishing it?” he supplemented after a brief silence.

           Ken remained speechless and calm.

         “When you came into this company twelve months ago, February 1994 precisely if I am not mistaken,” Adamu rode on. “I painstakingly read the riot act to you.”

         Ken became jitterier.

       “And in that very act, you were categorically informed that this company doesn’t condone truancy or laxity.”

         Ken who was dressed in corporate attire felt like defecating in his boxers.

         “And as I speak to you right now,” Adamu proceeded fiercely. “I want you to know that you have abused that directive.”

           At this juncture, Ken needed not a seer to disclose the fate that awaited his person.

         “The most confusing part is that,” the boss said, paused. “You are yet to realize that you belong to one of the most sensitive departments in this highly reputable firm.”

           There was maximum silence.

         “It will interest you to know that,” he continued. “Since 1986 I joined this company till date, I have never for once missed my duty post.”

          Ken couldn’t believe his ears.

        “The records are there,” boasted the HRM. “You can check for yourself.”

        “I am very sorry, sir.” Ken hesitantly dished out, lowering his head.

        “There you go wrong,” Adamu chipped in. “In this company, you don’t rob Peter to pay Paul.”

        “Sir, it won’t repeat itself.” He assured fearfully.

        “Mister Ken Okafor,” Adamu called ruthlessly in a high tone, hitting his right hand on his table.

         Ken became extremely attentive and perturbed on hearing the mode of the call.

       “Give me one reason you shouldn’t be fired.”

          At this point, Ken was actually seeing a totally different creature, which implied that the HRM had been speaking in a friendly manner all those while he was revisiting the company’s Act.

         The unexpected oral query wasn’t just confusing and devastating but threatening; it was no doubt a rhetorical test no matter how clever the offender was. Hence, there was an undiluted tranquility.

        “You can leave.” the angered boss instructed, demonstrating with his left arm.

          Ken who was dumbfounded, stood still, appeared like an electrocuted gorilla.

        “I said, leave my office.” shouted Adamu who was also clad in corporate attire.

          Consequently, Ken complied, thus left for his office in the marketing department.

          First thing in the morning the following two days being 15^th February 1995 – barely one year after he received his employment letter, Ken got the sack having attended to the written query issued to him on the day he left Adamu’s office; he received the disengagement letter in his office from his Secretary.

           The scenario yielded a very painful mood, but all he could do was to move on with his life; after all, life continued.

            * * * * * *

         “What’s the name?” Mr. Steven verified as soon as one of the interviewees assumed his seat.

          Steven was a member of the 5-man committee set up by the Management of Capricon to conduct an oral interview for their prospective staff. The company’s HRM, Mr. Adamu Danjuma was one of the members of the committee and happened to be the head.

          That day being 2^nd of March 1995 marked the commencement of the assessment exercise.

        “My name is Olatunji Seun.” The interviewee replied.

          Seun who walked in with a plastic file in his left hand happened to be the third applicant to be assessed by the team. The team was already with a copy of his Curriculum Vitae prior to his entrance, and they were perusing it right before him.

           Something remarkable transpired on that very day; the moment Seun walked into the complex room, he observed that Mr. Danjuma’s face was very familiar, but on the contrary, the latter never recognized the former.

          Adamu happened to be Seun’s course mate in the University of Ibadan (U.I) nine years back but the fascinating part was that Adamu was a dropout. He quit his studentship during his first year (100 Level), which was 1986, due to financial challenges.

           He secured his job same year with a forged degree certificate but since his engagement with the company, he had never been found wanting in any way because of his natural brilliance.

          While the interview lasted, Seun continued to look at Adamu who alongside his junior colleagues was dressed in the company’s white T-shirt, black jeans and black plain shoes, with a view that the man in question would reciprocate to the gesture, all to no avail. Hence, it became obvious to him that the boss didn’t recognize his face even a bit.

         To be continued, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

______________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I Police Orderlies, VIPs And The IGP's Order

POLICE ORDERLIES, VIPs AND THE IGP’s ORDER

       

It’s not anymore news that sustenance of adequate security in any given country remains a major responsibility the government owns the governed. This is the reason the various security outfits in such a society including the police, among others, are invariably charged to stop at nothing towards doing the needful in their respective jurisdictions.

         

Penultimate week, precisely on Monday, 18^th March 2018, during his meeting with Police Commissioners and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Ibrahim Idris ordered immediate withdrawal of all police orderlies attached to “Very Important Persons” (VIPs) and firms – particularly private individuals and companies – with exception of financial institutions like banks.

        

The order was following what the boss described as the “effects of the current security challenges in the country”. He stated that the need for streamlining the deployment of orderlies to VIPs was aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing across the length and breadth of the nation.

        

Mr. Idris however disclosed that business entrepreneurs, multi-national organizations, corporate individuals and entities that require such services and are found to be worthy, will be considered from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on application for re-validation through states’ commissioners.

        

In view of this, according to him, a memorandum would be forwarded to the President for approval, and that would henceforth “serve as a guideline or template for deployment of police officers to VIPs, political office holders” and public officers in general.

        

The IGP, who recently ordered that all prohibited arms and ammunition should be returned to the police within twenty one days, equally used the occasion to frown at the ongoing proliferation of the police Spy Number plates, covering of Plate numbers as well as illicit use of siren among highly placed Nigerians. Hence, urged his men to take maximum control of the anomaly.

       

Though the order seems to be the first of its kind under the reign of Mr. Idris, it bears essentially the same content as similar directives issued by his predecessors such as Ogbonna Onovo, Hafiz Ringim and Solomon Arase but failed to hold water in the long run. It suffices to assert that it is almost as often as the instruction for officers to desist from mounting roadblocks on our major roads, yet as days unfold, the ugly practice takes a different dimension. This is exactly where my utmost worry lies. 

         

It is gathered that about 150,000 police personnel out of a total workforce of about 400,000 across the country are attached to private individuals and companies, leaving only about 250,000 to take charge of state and community policing. The given statistics is a clear indication that these police officers are more used in the quarters they were not primarily meant for, hence the compelling need to have a review of the Force’s deployment policy.

         

I cannot agree less with any Nigeria who opines that the country is at the moment strongly in need of more hands as regards community policing. This is why Mr. Idris needs to expedite action towards ensuring that this directive of his does not fall on deaf ears as we have always witnessed in the past.

         

It’s even mind-boggling when noted that some of these police orderlies are safeguarding alleged culpable individuals. The system has become so bad that any influential person can walk up to the police quarters and demand for any number of orderlies, and such request can never be turned down. This is arguably a worrisome situation that deserves a keen and drastic attention.

        

It can’t be untrue that after several weeks of urging prohibited arms and ammunition to be returned to the police, many civilians are still illicitly in possession of the said devices. Does such behaviour not signify that most individuals are mightier than the institutions, or more powerful than the extant laws?  

        

As IGP Idris has also lamented over the lingering proliferation of the Spy Number Plates, covering of Plate Numbers and illegal use of siren, he ought to equally take into cognizance of the ongoing unauthorized use of tilted glasses that has abruptly become the order of the day in various nooks and crannies of the Nigerian society.

         

More so, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that the NPF needs to be boosted with additional manpower and working incentives to help in cushioning the excruciating effects of insecurity ravaging virtually every facet of the country. Each day, we are reminded that unemployment remains one of the greatest socio-economic bedbugs living in our midst, yet the workforce of most of our institutions are nothing to write home about.

          

As the IGP has later instructed that the implementation of the new order ought to fully take effect from April 20, 2018 rather than the earlier directive that bore ‘immediate effect’ to enable the various Commissioners of Police (CPs) aptly carryout the consignment , I enjoin them to ensure that the past mistakes aren’t repeated in this era. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

   

Opinion I As Eboe-Osuji Makes History In ICC

AS EBOE-OSUJI MAKES HISTORY IN ICC

        

In one of the serious conversations I had in the past with a professor friend who is equally my old time mentor, the don categorically told me that the best thing that could happen to any rational human creature was to leave legacies on the sands of time. Therein, I strongly looked into his eyes and asked him, “what is the best step to be taken to ensure that such feat is actualized?”

         

In a candid manner, he responded unequivocally “my dear, you will never leave legacies if you are not a sound and independent thinker”. To throw more light, he further stated that independent thinkers do not allow anyone to think for them, hence on a daily basis, they cough up reasonable time thinking of how to make a difference. This simply signifies that whatever we do in life is begotten by our thinking faculty.

         

It is indeed glad and amazing to note that while many were invariably busy thinking of how to ferment trouble in the land, a certain Nigerian jurist was doggedly busy thinking about how to make remarkable history. He is no other than Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji of Imo State extraction.

         

Judge Eboe-Osuji, a fine lawyer with a difference, was on Sunday 11^th March 2018 elected the President of the revered International Criminal Court (ICC). The legal luminary, who bagged his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Calabar, Cross-River State and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986, is the first Nigerian to record such a feat.

        

The ICC, which is an intergovernmental body and international tribunal, has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the global crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity as well as war crimes. Its primary intent is to complement existing national judicial systems. Hence, it exercises its functions when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute criminals, or when the United Nations (UN) Security Council or individual states refer situations to the court. It commenced its statutory duties precisely on 1^st July 2002.     

         

Judge Eboe-Osuji, born on 2^nd September 1962, further obtained his Masters of Law degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada in 1991 and Doctor of Law degree from the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. On December 16, 2011, he was elected as a judge of the ICC; he won the office in the fifteenth ballot in the Assembly of States Parties with 102 votes.

         

He would be serving as President in the war crimes tribunal for a three-year term with immediate effect, alongside Judges Robert Fremr of the Czech Republic and Marc Perrin de Brichambant of France who were respectively elected as First Vice-President and Second Vice-President. The presidency, consisting of the president and the two vice-presidents, plays a key role in providing strategic leadership to the ICC.

         

In his victory statement, which he released immediately after the election, Judge Eboe-Osuji said, “I am deeply honoured to have been elected by my peers as President of the International Criminal Court. As I take up my duties, I feel encouraged that I am able to rely on the wide experience of the two vice-presidents,…, both of whom I have closely worked with previously…”

         

The 55-year-old Judge Eboe-Osuji who practised briefly in Nigeria after he was called to the Bar before migrating to abroad, had prior to his election as the President of the ICC served in various capacities. From 1997 to 2005, he worked at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) as prosecution counsel and senior legal officer to the judges of the tribunal.

        

From 2005 to 2007, he worked in Canada as a barrister and law lecturer. He became the Legal Adviser to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, in 2010; just to mention but a few. It’s noteworthy that he was equally called to the Ontario and British Columbia Bars, both in Canada.

        

I therefore join other well-meaning Nigerians – both home and in the Diaspora – to celebrate this rare gem who has proven that he has hitherto been working round the clock to write his name in gold; that he is a true Nigerian; that he’s one of the few who believes in leaving footprints on the sands of time; that he’s unarguably an independent thinker.

        

However, as we celebrate this Imo-born distinguished fellow, it’s worthy of note that he is expected to see this position as a stepping stone, and not the limit of his career. In view of this, I challenge him to work extra mile toward ensuring that in the next three years when he is expected to take a bow, he would be leaving the jurisdiction far better than he met it.

        

Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji needs to take into cognizance that millions of Nigerians now look up to his person, hence the need for him to carry out his obligatory duties as a role model. He mustn’t be reminded at all times that, by recording this feat, he has written his name in the Guinness Book of Record, thus is required to do everything humanly possible to defend it.

        

The Nigerian government, on its part, ought to as well learn how best to celebrate their own when he/she makes them proud. Their appreciation shouldn’t stop at a mere Twitter tweet. Overtime whenever a Nigerian distinguished him/herself in the global sphere, you would only observe a government official – on behalf of the Presidency or as may be the case – congratulating the fellow merely via a tweet on the social media. We must go beyond such gesture while appreciating our own for updating the country’s presence on the world map.

         

As this unique jurist makes history in the ICC, as much as I enjoin him to sustain the tempo, other Nigerians thinking how to ferment trouble are equally urged to individually have a rethink with a view to thinking how remarkable history could be made. And, it’s needless to state that the government ought to be willing to seek the wealth of experience of such a citizen who has succeeded in writing his name in gold. Think about it! 

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador                    

Opinion I APC, Araraume And The Rumpus on Defection

APC, ARARAUME AND THE RUMPUS ON DEFECTION

       

The last time I holistically checked, the heat was really on in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, the Eastern Heartland that even the high-ranking members were ostensibly perturbed, thus preoccupied with fear of the unknown.

        

‘Fear of the unknown’, which remains a menace that has over the decades bedevilled the human race, is a cankerworm that can attack anyone regardless of his or her status, age or background. It has existed unabated among mankind that it could play guest to anybody’s nervous system at anytime. In Physics, the uncertainty principle can to an extent analyze how the aforementioned societal canker operates on a daily basis.

         

Lest I digress; the emergence of this piece was informed by the lingering rumour that one of the staunch members of the APC, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume is considering defecting from the party to elsewhere. According to the rumpus associated with the rumour, the said intent of the political juggernaut might not be unconnected with the premonition that the political family is likely not to be accommodating or hospitable in the nearest future.

         

This implies that Sen. Araraume is perhaps marred by fear of the unknown or what have you; that he has abruptly become pessimistic over his chances in the party; that he no longer believes in the family; that he has lost interest in the modus operandi of the party; or that he has thought it wise to relocate to where he would feel more at home.

         

It’s noteworthy that Sen. Araraume is one of the prime gubernatorial aspirants in the state. The erstwhile lawmaker, who had in the past represented the Imo-North Senatorial District in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, has remained in the frontline of the state’s guber race since 2007 till date.

         

He was actually the governorship card bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2007 general elections. But along the line, luck ran against his person, hence the party apex leadership decided to adopt another candidate in the person of Chief Ikedi Ohakim who belonged to a different political platform known as the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA). In view of this, their members were conscientized to vote for the PPA rather than the PDP. In a nut shell, the man called Araraume was during the period in review robbed of his entitlement by his political kinsmen.

         

Subsequently, he was never deterred by his past experiences. Hence, in 2011, owing to his seeming resolute and resilient nature, he persistently aspired for the same position. Luck equally ran against him in the PDP, thus he couldn’t grab the guber ticket from the party. In 2015, the vigour in him remained unchangeable; yet, as usual his fate didn’t smile on his person. 

        

And, presently, he is still passionately holding on to the wise words of the past American President, Abraham Lincoln who said, “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” In other words, Sen. Araraume who graciously defected from the PDP to the ruling APC two years ago, is at the moment still strongly determined to emerge as the number one citizen of the revered Imo.

          

Now, the rumour is on high speed that he is thinking of leaving the APC. It’s worthy of note that the party could currently boast of four major gubernatorial aspirants to include the state’s Deputy Governor – Prince Eze Madumere, the former Secretary to the State’s Government – Sir Jude Ejiogu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor – Chief Uche Nwosu, and the man in question – Sen. Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume.

        

Though it could be an unsubstantial rumour that Sen. Araraume alongside his likes is making effort to defect from the APC, it is with great concern I wish to advise him to jettison such move if he is truly thinking towards such direction. I’m not unaware that he wants to become the governor ‘by all means’, thus wouldn’t like to sense any other form of barrier on his way, but he must take into cognizance that any move to defect from the APC will drastically reduce his popularity.

        

Aside losing the fame he has earned for years, he is also liable to lose some – if not most – of his allies and protégés. I’m not a fan of Araraume, and not thinking to become one, but I detest with passion any move that is accompanied with cowardice. In other words, I’m enjoining all the aspirants in the APC to struggle vehemently to the end so that their respective supporters will remain proud of them at the end of the show. Politics is about competition, thus theirs won’t be an exception.

        

My interest is to ensure that a balance and formidable rivalry is sustained among all the aspirants in the APC as well as other political parties relevant to the state’s political terrain, and that of Nigeria in general. No one should see a political platform as a farmyard belonging to a certain individual, or only one person. No one owns an association, be it social, political or what have you. An incorporated company or firm – but not an association – can be owned by someone. The latter can only be founded by an individual but can never belong to him or her.

         

The moment the founder, or one of the founding members, of an association starts acting or parading him/herself as the owner, then the organization in question is likely on its way to extinction. This is the reason every member of any existing association, irrespective of position or rank, is said to possess equal rights and privileges in accordance with the constitution.

          

So, either unfounded or genuine, I wouldn’t like such an ongoing rumour constituting a rumpus to metamorphose into reality for the interest of us all, and Imo at large.  It was also Abraham Lincoln that said, “The probability that we may fail in struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.”  Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador

 

ShortStory I Greater Day Ahead (II)

 

GREATER DAY AHEAD (II)

        One week later, as God would have it, his church raised the required fund on his behalf. In consequence to this, his Pastor accompanied him to his school for the awaited registration. It was indeed a miracle just like his mother kept telling him.

        Prior to the exam period, Uzo left no stone unturned towards ensuring that he made distinction in all his subjects. He was thoroughly determined to make his mum who he regarded as an ‘angel’ proud. He was a notable science student in his school that in every interschool exhibition/competition involving the school, he must be the school’s representative or one of the representatives as might be the case.

        When the results were released in August 1994, he came out with flying colours just as he anticipated. More interestingly, he was not just the best candidate among his set/peers but was the overall best in the whole of Lagos State. As regards the amazing performance, he was granted a scholarship by the state’s government to study his dream course, Medicine and Surgery in any university across the federation.

          His mum, Ugonma couldn’t hold her joy. On hearing the latest development, she felt like running from Lagos to Abia State – her home state. She alongside her entire family dedicated the rare victory to God. And, she challenged her other four children to follow suit. They were made to realize that their elder brother had laid a tremendous foundation for them, hence had no reason to fail.

          The following year being 1995, Uzo sat for the University Matriculation Examination (UME) – now known as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). He enrolled for the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Medicine.

        Consequently, he made an excellent grade when the result came out later in the year, and he successfully secured admission in the university on merit toward the end of the year in question.

          Before he departed for the campus, he had an indoor one-on-one meeting that lasted for several minutes, if not hours, with his wonderful and darling mother.

        “Uzo my son,” Ugonma called. “I have always told you that God makes a way where there seems to be no way.”

         Uzo grinned, visualizing the memory lane.

         They were seated on separate plastic chairs situated in their humble room. Ugonma who was plump, about 4.8-foot tall and chocolate, was putting on a pink casual dress and barefooted. On his part, Uzo was clad in multiple-coloured knickers, green polo spotted with white colour and equally barefooted; he was slim, fair and about 5.5-foot tall – he was a reminiscent of his late father. They were seated directly opposite each other, but very closely.

        “Now you can see for yourself.” she proceeded. “Of course you have seen how miraculous our Lord is.”

        “Mum, you are absolutely right.” he responded. “He is indeed a miracle working God.”

        “I am happy for you, my son.”

        “Thank you mum.”

        “Now that you are in the university.” she proceeded, calmly grabbed his two hands with hers respectively. “You must not forget where you are coming from.”

         She continued relentlessly till both of them became saturated. It was a holistic counselling section.

         The following three days, Uzo left for the campus. While in the university, as an ardent and gifted singer as well as one who could play an organ perfectly, he never abandoned his artistic talent rather he became more devoted to the calling.

         As time progressed, as a first year medical student and a well brought up chap, Uzo was taking three major things very seriously; they were – his prayers, studies and talent. He resisted everything that was liable to make him a failure.

         Amazingly, his singing talent took him round the state and beyond owing to uncountable public functions as well as competitions he was engaged in, that at a point, he was chosen to represent Nigeria in one international singing competition that involved students of various tertiary institutions in the world.

         In the aforesaid competition, Uzo emerged as the overall best. In addition to the astonishing prizes attached to the award which included hundred thousand US dollars, a duplex in Lagos State and a Range Over Jeep, the organizer of the event – the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – issued him a scholarship to study his discipline in any university of his choice across the globe up to any level. But Uzo chose to remain in UNILAG so he would not be far from his beloved family.

         On receiving the incredible news, his mother Ugonma passed out due to overwhelming euphoria but regained her wellness after forty-eight hours in a hospital bed.

         Little did the poor widow know that, there was a greater day that lied ahead when her son was granted a scholarship by the Lagos State government.

        From that moment onwards, their family’s life changed overnight. Everything including food, clothes and adequate shelter became available. To assert the least, they never lacked again.

       The rest is history, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador