Opinion I Still On 2018 World Book And Copyright Day

 

WORLD BOOK AND COPYRIGHT DAY IN FOCUS

        

Today, Monday, April 23, the world over is commemorating the 2018 World Book and Copyright Day. It was on this day – April 23 in the year 1616 that some prominent authors including Cervantes, Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso Vega left the world; it is also the date of birth or death of other global literary icons like Maurice Druon, Haldor K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejia Vallejo.  

         

It was a natural choice for the General Conference of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date in order to encourage everyone, particularly young people, to discover the pleasure of reading as well as gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this regard, UNESCO created the World Book and Copyright Day.

         

A book is a collection of pieces of paper comprising a set of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets made of ink, parchment and other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. In the same vein, copyright can be defined as the legal prerogative of ownership and exclusive distribution of any creative work such as article, book, music or movie originally done by a person or a group of persons.

         

On the other hand, plagiarism is the illicit practice of using or copying someone else’s idea or creative work and the impersonation of its ownership. In other words, plagiarism is an unauthorized and unlawful faking or imitation of thoughts or works that are already legally credited to a person or group. Suffice to say; plagiarism, which is popularly known as piracy, is a criminal act that is punishable by law.

          

A book could be majorly classified into two namely, academic and literary. An academic book is one that is written on a certain subject or about a particular area whilst a literary book is mainly a creative work that is written with the knowledge of literature. Irrespective of its class, just as anything under the sun can be identified by one or two idiosyncrasies, the unique or basic features of any book include the content, authorship, the ISBN, its title and cover page, among others.

          

No doubt, every book has a unique content regardless of its size or number of pages. Likewise a movie or music, a book may go beyond a particular edition or version, hence can transcend to additional two or more editions based on the choice of the author or the kind of message intended to be conveyed by it. The content of any book is expected to be original; in the sense that, it must be the initiative of the acclaimed author/writer.

         

Also, any book must be authored by one or two persons and as long as the book lasts, the specified author(s) remain the rightful owner of the intellectual property. Needless to say; no part of such publication would be reproduced or translated to any other language, or even transmitted in any form or by any means without the authorization or written permission of the author or publisher as the case might be.

         

The International Serial Book Number (ISBN) is another unique feature or mode of identification of any book. The ISBN of a published compilation, which is widely regarded as its individual identification number, is the only globally recognized means of identifying a text-filled book. Thus, any published book is entitled to a certain ISBN which will never be allocated or assigned to any other publication across the globe. Even if the book in question is expected to have a subsequent edition/version in future, each of the additional editions, when published, would be entitled to different ISBNs.

          

Furthermore, the title and the cover page of a book speak volumes as regards its identification; though in some cases, like in the movie or music sector, two books authored by different writers might coincidentally comprised of the same or similar title. In a situation of coincidence of titles or where two/more publications of different authors comprise the same title, the books involved would be contrasted by the names of the respective authors. 

         

Aside other features of a book, it is noteworthy that, its title and cover page are the major recipes that attract the target audience, especially in a situation where the name of the author is relatively new in the system. This is the reason most notable authors pay much attention while creating a title for their works. Due to the significance or delicacy attached to titling of a book or any creative work, sometimes the title of a work in progress may be yet to be created by the author/inventor until the work is duly completed.

         

Taking a painstaking consideration of the aforementioned features of a book, there is no gain reiterating the fact that book publication is all about creativity. Surely, it is obvious that every aspect of book compilation coupled with its publication cum printing thoroughly deals with originality which is the basic element of any creative work.

         

Apparently, the societal impact of a book cannot be overemphasized. It is through a book that a literate society is formed; it is through a book that an awaited civilized society is actualized; through a book, an intellectual group can be created; of course through a book, the socio-economic level of a nation can be uplifted or boosted; it is through a book that a nation can actualized its utmost desire; and  it is through a book that a leader can be made; above all, it is a book that can guarantee optimum peace and unity in any society.

        

This is why those who are widely read such as the likes of late Marcus Tullius Cicero and Jane Austen would always tell you that “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Or that “A person, be it gentleman or lady, who has no pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.” It was the late Jorge Luis Borges that said “I have always imagined that paradise would be a kind of library.” In the same vein, Lemony Snicket stated “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

         

Considering the indelible role of a book in any society, there is need to fiercely safeguard the copyright of a book or any other creative work such as music or movie. Against this backdrop, as the world commemorates the World Book and Copyright Day, I enjoin every group in Nigeria concerning authorship such as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Nigerian Literacy Society (NLS), and many others to join in the crusade towards the complete eradication of plagiarism which has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society.

         

The production of fake works which is on the rampage in Nigeria is solely attributed to the ongoing alarming pace of plagiarism. It is longer news that plagiarism has indeed endangered the wellbeing of millions of creative persons across the globe thereby constituting apathy among prospective writers or artistes as the case may be. This singular fact is the reason many incoming/potential creative individuals have chosen to remain idle rather than embarking on a venture that would end-up being futile and worthless.  

         

So, as the global community marks the 2018 World Book and Copyright Day, the ANA and other indigenous authorship associations are expected to form a synergy with other related societies such as the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) with a view to fighting the scourge squarely.

        

In view of this, the concerned groups ought to carry out a holistic campaign towards conscientizing the legislators to enact a strict law that would assign capital punishment to anyone found guilty of any form of piracy by any court of competent jurisdiction. The time to act is now. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
_______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador            

ShortStory I Suicidal Fugitive (II)

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE (II)

        Afam was seated adjacent to the couple who was making use of the only two-in-one upholstery chair in the lounge. The couple was dressed in Pyjamas of different colour patterns while Afam put on dark-blue jeans, purple T-shirt spotted with strips of white colour as well as black shoes.

        Ujunwa stood up, leaving only Chief Okeke in the seat. “So what do we offer you?” She asked Afam.

       “Don’t bother yourself, ma.”

       “How?” she said. “You don’t care for any drink?”

       “No ma.” Afam responded, waving his right hand.

       “Afam, what did you mean you don’t care for any drink?” Chief Okeke quarreled, frowning.

       “I am Okay, sir.”

       “What about food?” Ujunwa chipped in, stood still. “Or, have you taken your breakfast?”

       “Ma, I am Okay.” reiterated Afam. “Thank you very much.” He added, smiling in false pretence.

          It was obvious that the young man wasn’t looking bright. He conspicuously seemed pale.

        “Na wa ooh!” Ujunwa exclaimed, calmly went back to her seat.

        “Afam,” Chief Okeke called. “You don’t look happy.” He observed.

         His wife nodded in agreement.

        “What is wrong with you?’ quoth Chief Okeke.

        “Sir, that is why I am here.”

         The couple looked each other in surprise on hearing the last clause. “Madam, please excuse us.” Chief Okeke urged.

         It appeared the chief host was already aware of what was on Afam’s mind. Sure, even a blind man could spot the bitterness written on the latter’s physiognomy.

         On receiving the request, Ujunwa hurriedly stood up and walked to her matrimonial room leaving only the two in the parlour.

         Afam abruptly became mute as he sat quietly in his seat, couldn’t utter a word.

        “Is it about your trade?” Chief Okeke guessed.

         Afam looked at him amazingly. “How did you know, sir?”

         Chief Okeke smiled. “Because I saw it coming.” He succintly replied.

        “Saw it coming…?” uttered Afam. “How, sir?”

        “Never mind, my boy.”

          There was absolute silence at this moment.

        “Sir,” Afam truncated the silence. “My business is really giving me troubles.”

        “Like I said earlier,” quoth Chief Okeke. “I saw it coming.”

        “I don’t understand, sir.” Afam said, profoundly confused.

         Chief Okeke became speechless. “Afam,” he eventually broke the muteness. “There is more you need to know about this trade.” He disclosed hesitantly.

         Chief Okeke who was densely rich was a member of an occult confraternity, but Afam was not yet aware. And the tradition of the cult was that any apprentice who was settled by any of its members having concluded his apprenticeship would never be successful in his trade unless he joined the group.

         Afam quickly left his seat for that of his boss, sat very closely to him. “Sir, is there anything you are not telling me?” He anxiously enquired.

        “Meet me tomorrow at Braxton Hotel,” Chief Okeke enjoined. “Room 116.” He supplemented in a jiffy.

         Afam was shocked. He apparently least expected the invitation.

         Braxton Hotel was one of the most exotic hotels in the city. Afam was yet to know how its interior parts looked like because he had never been privileged to be there.

       “We need to talk.” Chief Okeke landed.

                            * * * * * *

       “Young man, remove your shirt,” the Grand Master of The Classic mandated Afam in a thick and frightening voice. “For you are in the presence of Ogbojiji.” He added.

       ‘The Classic’ was the name of the confraternity in question. ‘Ogbojiji happened to be the name of the god or the Supreme Being worshipped by the members of the cult.

        This was taking place at about some minutes past eight at night of Wednesday June 29, 2011 – exactly three days, or the fourth night, after Chief Okeke met with Afam at the ‘Braxton Hotel’. During that meeting, Chief Okeke succeeded in cajoling him into joining the secret society.

        There were about seventeen men, including Chief Okeke, uniformly clad in black overall in the enclosed hall. They were all on their feet creating two parallel lines among themselves, and were facing each other as the tradition demanded. The two lines were about two metres apart. The arena was undoubtedly fearful that even the blind could testify to it.

         Afam, a plump, chocolate and about 1.7-metre dude who wore corporate native attire, hastily complied with the directive.

         Chief Okeke who stood directly opposite Afam, nodded in appreciation to Afam’s knee jerk reaction.

        “Come forward, my son.” the Grand Master as he was addressed, urged.        
         “It is time for you to be cleansed and duly initiated into the big family of Ogbojiji.”

         Afam immediately stepped toward the beast-like creature (the grand master) that was standing ahead of the group and was equally facing the entire members.

         The initiation, which was accompanied with series of incantations, lasted for several minutes.

         “My son,” said the Grand Master. “Congratulations!” He excitedly applauded the moment Afam went back to his initial position.

          There was some seconds’ silence afterwards.

        “By this time tomorrow,” he proceeded. “You shall bring your mother to Ogbojiji for the final ritual rite.” He ordered, pointing at a huge basin filled with water that was positioned at the centre of the gathering.

         The white-coloured container was displaying the image of Afam’s mum to his greatest shock. It’s noteworthy that the master pointed at it with the symbol of authority he held in his right hand.

         Afam who became astonished on hearing the demand, couldn’t believe his ears as well as eyes. It was like a mere joke until the reality dawned upon his person.

         Prior to this period, right from when his boss joined the cult about fifteen years back, he had sacrificed his both parents and two siblings apart from the non-members of his family he offered as requested by the confraternity. More so, based on the cult’s norm, he – likewise other members – was not entitled to have or boast of any male child.

        After several days, in spite of the series of importunities from Chief Okeke, Afam insisted not to comply with the weird and ungodly request. He remained resolute to the extent that he began to avoid his boss who was functioning as the cult’s delegate or intermediary.

        Two weeks on, having exhausted the grace given to him by the occult group, the fugitive who felt not unlike taking his own life was eventually overtaken by madness.

        The rest is history, please.

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I The Offa Robbery And Nigeria's Worry

THE OFFA ROBBERY AND NIGERIA’S WORRY

        

I almost concluded that bank cum highway robbery had become a thing of the past in every facet of Nigeria not until two weeks back when I was proven wrong by the unspeakable that befell the country.

         

In the period in review – precisely on Thursday 5^th April 2018 – in broad daylight, a gang of well armed robbers serially invaded five different commercial banks alongside a micro-finance bank in Offa town situated in Kwara State, the home state of the country’s number three citizen Sen. Bukola Saraki.

         

The affected financial institutions included Eco, Guaranty Trust, First, Union, and Zenith banks. The firms weren’t just invaded but were equally robbed by the invaders. In the process, many were reportedly murdered, several individuals maimed and injured while others managed to escape for their dear lives. It’s noteworthy that some of the police personnel on duty were part of those brutally killed.

        

It was gathered that the culprits’ ammunition outshined that of the policemen guarding the various banks. According to the ugly report, the robbers were said to be armed with firearms like machine gun, magazine and other related weapons whereas the police officers could at most boast of AK-47 and its likes.

         

The police had informed that thus far some of the criminals had been apprehended as the government had vowed to ensure that every person involved in the dastardly act is duly arrested and prosecuted without much ado. This implies that as other suspects are still at large, there’s apparently no hidden place for each of them.

         

It is indeed hard to believe that in the contemporary Nigerian society, six different financial institutions were successfully invaded and robbed in broad daylight by a certain group of miscreants. It becomes more mind-boggling when realized that the disaster took place in an era when the apex government had ostensibly considered security as priority.

        

Whatever the case might be, it’s pertinent to painstakingly dissect the Offa incident towards reaching a tangible conclusion. Every discerning mind would comprehend that the affected firms were not robbed simultaneously. It is also very crucial to take into cognizance that we are currently passing through a digital age; an era when even a kid could easily assess telecommunication; a period that makes a distance amounting to various kilometres seem so short.

       

The above paragraph is trying to notify us that the concerned security outfits were so sluggish or reluctant towards responding to the robbery attack. Let’s assume the security men on duty were overpowered as claimed. But it will be difficult to assume or believe, as the case may be, that the various security authorities domiciled in the affected state were equally engulfed by the attacked.

        

For six banks to be robbed one after the other is enough indication that there is a serious lapse as regards curtailing the numerous lingering security challenges not just in Kwara but across the lengths and breadth of Nigeria. The pace in which the police respond to distress call is exactly where the Nigeria’s worry lies.

         

However, since apportioning blames cannot solve our plight or would rather result in further crisis, there’s need for us to focus on the way forward. It is indisputable that no existing bank in Nigeria lacks the CCT camera, hence the need for us to concur with the government’s avowal that there’s no hidden place for the culprits.

        

Though the said device would serve as an aid in capturing each of the suspects, those that have already been apprehended would further assist in providing the consequential details surrounding the ones still on the run.

       

More so, for apt deterrent to be served, adequate prosecution mustn’t be overlooked. The crusade ought not to stop at just capturing the entire fugitives. The concerned authorities must further ensure that the jury’s verdict is duly served, and such needn’t be delayed if we are truly determined to serve a placebo to the people.

       

Similarly, as we eagerly await justice, we can’t shy away from asserting that Nigeria is equally deeply worried over how lowly equipped her security outfits are at the moment. Against this backdrop, the governments at all levels are required to henceforth lay emphasis on how best the personnel that have been mandated to safeguard the people’s lives and property can be armed with a view to rendering effective and efficient services in their respective jurisdictions.

       

Above all, the benefitting companies must on their part endeavour to materially, and otherwise, support the security outfits – particularly the police – so there won’t be any room for excuse when any unfortunate/unforeseen circumstance befalls them. They shouldn’t leave all responsibilities for the government, because the latter cannot handle it alone.

        

It is part of the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) of these firms, especially the financial ones that are more in need of security services, to from time to time extend hands of fellowship to the law enforcement agencies in question, mainly in the area of equipment procurement and workers’ incentives.

       

It’s therefore needless to reiterate that all hands are expected to be on deck towards boosting the country’s security system. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

       

Opinion I The Northern Clerics' Call And Buhari's Declaration

THE NORTHERN CLERICS’ CALL AND BUHARI’S DECLARATION

        

It’s not anymore news that several groups of persons, particularly under the auspices of the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC), had for some time now been calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to recontest for a second term in office come 2019.

        

The clamour has been taking place in various quarters across the federation as being engineered by the allies and protégés of the country’s number one citizen, even though many are still in disagreement that the Buhari-led administration does not deserve a continuity bid.

        

In spite of the contrary view of those believed to be in opposition, two weeks ago, it seemed the clarion call assumed a different dimension. During the period in review, on Thursday 5^th April 2018 to be precise, a set of Northern clerics under the aegis of Arewa Pastors’ Peace Initiative (APPIN) paid a courtesy visit to the president at the Council Chambers in Aso Rock Villa and therein outrightly endorsed the chief host to vie for a second term.

         

In his remark on behalf of the group, the leader of the guests, Bishop John Abu Richard disclosed that the call was informed by the ‘numerous achievements’ recorded thus far under the watch of President Buhari. According to him, within a short while, the president had succeeded in fulfilling his campaign promises.

        

Just the following week, barely a few days after the endorsement, Mr. President publicly declared his interest to oblige the numerous calls to recontest for the number one seat in the forthcoming general elections. The president stated he considered accepting the calls from millions of Nigerians after a deep thought. It’s noteworthy that the declaration had triggered mixed feelings among the Nigerian citizenry, both home and abroad.

       

When I got the news of the ‘Northern pastors’, I couldn’t help but continue to ponder over what the country’s religious institutions had turned into, though the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had refuted the genuineness of the clerics’ existence. By that display of the so-called Arewa pastors, every discerning mind wouldn’t desist from ascertaining if our religious leaders have abruptly become political gladiators.

       

When did the church begin to campaign for, or throw their weight behind, a certain political aspirant? The main duty of the religious bodies as regards elections is to stand neutral while relentlessly conscientizing the various key players – including the electoral umpire, political parties and the electorate – on the need to play by the rules.

         

In addition, they are – in their capacity – expected to preach to their respective congregants on the need to participate actively in the elections so that they can favourably elect anyone of their choice at the polls. It is their duty to ensure that each of their followers whom has attained the adulthood could boast of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), which remains the only tool that can institute power in their hands.

         

It is equally the duty of the clerics to ensure that their wards aren’t deceived or cajoled by any aspirant or party, as may be the case. It is their civic responsibility to ensure that none of them derails in the long run. Hence, it is not in their calling to tell their followers who they ought to vote for; rather, they are only meant to warn them not to vote against their conscience, or compromise their future just for today’s token.

         

So, endorsing a certain politician to vie for a particular position, even when he was yet to declare his interest to do so, was enough indication to assert that the supposed anointed men of God had derailed. Although I believe so much in Buhari’s ability as a person and leader, but can never be a party to any form of tokenism or sycophancy displayed by his allies under any guise.

       

Now that Mr. President has eventually declared his intention to aspire for a second term, the pertinent question becomes; does he really deserve a continuity bid? Before one could tender an apt answer to the enquiry, there’s need to painstakingly dissect the thus far activity of the present administration.

       

He graciously embarked on a mission in 2015 as the President of Nigeria with the seeming candid motive of considering three key factors as priorities. He vowed to fiercely tackle corruption and insecurity headlong as well as restore the country’s dying economy. So far, every sector seems to have come to a standstill despite the dogged efforts of the government to usher in change as earlier promised.

         

However, we can’t forget in a hurry that the APC-led administration has succeeded in fighting corruption to an extent. The outright introduction of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) are obvious indications. But the problem remains that till date, no single individual or officer had been convicted of any corrupt charges, and that is exactly where the worry of the people lies.

        

Similarly, we can’t equally ignore the fact that terrorism had reasonably been fought in the recent times. Prior to inception of the current administration, the said societal menace was occurring virtually on a daily basis but at the moment, we only hear of it once in a blue moon, although other forms of security challenges had sprang up within the past two years.

         

My optimum concern over the president’s second term bid is his age. We aren’t unaware that age is against him, and handling such a critical and highly demanding position required a heartier Nigerian. It would be recalled that he had remarked earlier, precisely in 2015 “Old age will limit my performance…”

        

Similarly, back in 2011, he declared he would serve for only one term, stating “age is not on my side”.  One, therefore, would wonder what prompted the u-turn seven years after. Well, it’s not unconnected with the fact that anyone who has tasted power wouldn’t like to vomit it.          
        

As much as I candidly wish him well, I urge his Excellency to reexamine himself towards ensuring that he’s truly fit and willing to run, and not based on his allies’ quest. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

Opinion I Imo Lawmakers And Their Fascinating Endorsement

IMO LAWMAKERS AND THEIR FASCINATING ENDORSEMENT

        

The last time I checked, endorsement of aspirants of various political positions by their allies was obviously the order of the day in not just Imo State, the Eastern Heartland but equally at the federal level.

        

Since the commencement of this year, it has been endorsement galore that many have begun to wonder why such trending would abruptly dominate the polity even when campaign era was yet to be declared open by the electoral umpire. Such an intriguing scenario had kept several concerned Imolites pondering over what the future of the state would entail if her subjects continue to dwell in such weird political style or culture.

        

Here in Imo, it has been taking place exceptionally between the governorship aspirants in the state, particularly those aspiring under the auspices of the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC). No week that passed, one wouldn’t witness a certain group of persons or politicos calling on the state’s Executive Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha at the Douglas House just to notify the number one citizen that they have unanimously endorsed his Chief of Staff, Chief Uche Nwosu to vie for the state’s number one seat.

        

It had continued that way unabated to the extent that the allies of the other aspirants in the APC, such as the state’s Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere among others, thought it wise to borrow a leaf from the Chief Nwosu’s protégés. In view of this, the endorsement scenario has eventually been adopted by virtually every political aspirant in the state, thereby ending up overheating the innocent polity.

       

As if that of the non-political office holders was not enough, recently the Imo lawmakers equally publicly declared that they have thrown their weight behind Chief Nwosu towards ensuring that the said officer emerged the next governor of the state come 2019. In his speech on behalf of his colleagues, the Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Chief Acho Ihim unequivocally disclosed that twenty out of the overall twenty-seven legislators in the assembly were behind the endorsement.

       

Chief Ihim, who was earlier rumoured to be an aspirant of the number one post, stated that Chief Nwosu had proven beyond doubts to be the only suitable individual that could succeed Gov. Okorocha after expiration of the governor’s tenure. He said, among all the gubernatorial aspirants in the state, he alongside his likes looked inwards and understood that no other person could do better than Chief Nwosu if given the chance to govern the Eastern Heartland in the forthcoming interregnum.

        

One may wonder why, of all people, our lawmakers could decide to descend so low. I personally can’t desist from thinking the reason the individuals that constitute the state’s revered legislature could consider endorsing a politician for a certain position. Does it imply that they were left with no other consignment to deliberate on, or that they no longer considered their legislative business as important?

       

As far as I’m concerned, it was an abuse of the legislature for the legislators to even think of endorsing an aspirant let alone making such intent public. Even if they are really – individually or collectively – in support of any person’s aspiration, such an interest never called for public declaration, especially when realized that they are respectively representing the interest of a certain set of people, and not their individual selves as they presume.

        

The actual point here is that, playing politics in the state’s Hallowed Chambers was simply an abuse of power, to assert the least; read my lips. Their respective constituents delegated them to represent their constituencies in the legislature as regards governance. Their statutory consignments are very critical and sensitive compared to those of other existing arms of government. Hence, it’s mind-boggling to observe people whom we look up to when it calls for moving motions and passing bills indulging in political brouhahas.

         

It becomes more saddening and baffling when realized that the ‘aspirant’ in question was, and is still, yet to declare his interest to vie for the state’s governorship position during the forthcoming general elections. To the best of my knowledge, Chief Nwosu has never, even in my dreams, disclosed to the people of his political ward in Nkwerre LGA that he is interested to contest for the Imo number one seat let alone doing so before Imolites in their numbers.

        

Then, one would wonder why some persons would be endorsing an aspiration that is yet unborn; one may wonder if there was an aspiration that ever sought for their endorsement in the first place. This simply signifies that the politicos involved in the lingering endorsement saga are just building mountains out of nothing. It suffices to assert that their pronouncements so far had been out of context.

       

Nevertheless, I enjoin Imolites not to be carried away by the so-called endorsements. They must remain focused and acknowledge that power invariably lies in their hands when it calls for electing anyone that would become the next governor of the state. And, they must also note that such power cannot be exercised by them if they failed to possess their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).

       

On the other hand, I urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) domiciled in the state to use its immunity to control the political trending occurring herein. They can’t claim ignorance of the several happenings that are bedevilling the wholesomeness of the state at large.

        

Hence, I need not remind the electoral officials that they are expected to sit up towards doing the needful. And, the time to act is now. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

 

      

ShortStory I Suicidal Fugitive

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE

       “What kind of trade is this?” Afam thought sadly. “Every day, same story.” He added while seated on the main chair situated in his shop.

        Afam, a thirty-five year old young man who was of Anambra State origin just rounded off his apprenticeship on sales of building materials six months back. Since his boss settled him immediately after his seven-year old apprenticeship, things hadn’t been going smoothly as anticipated; there had been slow pace of sales as well as constant nightmares experienced by him.

       “I pray God will deliver me from this bondage.” he continued.             

        To worsen it all, a lot of responsibilities awaited him being the first born of his vulnerable parents who could boast of eight children including himself.

         “Afam, how far nah?” Ugo exclaimed amidst the lamentation the moment he walked into the shop.

         The supposed recipient of the greeting was obviously outside minded.

        “Afam…!” He repeated in a loud voice while still standing.

         He was standing directly opposite him. Their positions were demarcated by a wooden table.

         Afam quickly became conscious owing to the gravity of the last call. “Hey Ugo,” he eventually responded in a very low tone. “How nah?”

         Ugo hurriedly sat on one of the single seats sited adjacent to Afam’s. “Guy, what is eating you up?” He enquired.

         “My brother,” Afam said. “Just tiredness ooh.”

         “Tiredness?” Ugo chipped in. “Did you go to night vigil?”

         “No,” quoth Afam. “I have been very busy since morning.”

          It was about some minutes past two in the afternoon on Tuesday June 21, 2011.

          Ugo was Afam’s closest friend and neighbor. They lived very close to each other at their place of residence in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State, and their shops were also located closely. He was also a trader but he majored in motorcycle spare parts. Both of them were of the same age, though Ugo appeared older.

        “Afam,” Ugo called tenderly. “When did you start hiding things from me?”

        “How?”

        “You and I know that you are not happy.” he observed. “Even a blind man can see it.”

         Afam became mute and calm, didn’t know what next to utter.

        “If you don’t share your burdens with me,” continued Ugo. “Who would you?”

         Afam immediately took a very deep and noisy breath. “My brother,” he said. “You already know all my worries.”

         Ugo became attentive as he looked into his eyes.

        “What else do I need to tell you?” Afam added.

        “Is it about sales?”

        “What else, my brother?” replied the frustrated dude. “Since morning, only one customer has walked into this shop.”

        “Is that why you want to kill yourself?” scolded Ugo. “You can’t continue like this, my man.”

        “So what would I do?” he uttered inquisitively, seemed confused and pale.

       “My dear,” Ugo proceeded. “I have been into this before you.” He said, referring to trade.

         Ugo was almost a year old in trading, and he was doing well. He commenced six months before Afam joined the trend.

         Afam became attentive and curious.

         “You see,” said Ugo. “I was like you when I started mine.”

          Afam seemed intrigued, filled with mixed feelings.

          “I was almost frustrated just as you are.”

          “Bros,” Afam broke his silence. “I don’t think you can compare yours with mine, even though I was not there when you started.”

         “Since you were not there,” Ugo argued. “How would you know how serious was mine?”

          “Because mine appears totally different and strange.” Afam responded. “How can one not experience even a patronage for a whole day?”

          Ugo abruptly became silent and submissive. The last statement apparently struck his lips, thus he threw in the towel.

         “Honestly, I think there is something wrong somewhere.” Afam finally insinuated.

         “So, what’s your plan?”

         “I want to go and see my boss before the week runs out.” Afam thought aloud. “He might have something useful to contribute.”

          His boss, Chief Okeke was equally a resident of the city, Onitsha and the headquarters of his trading empire was situated there. It was at the main branch (headquarters) that Afam did his apprenticeship.

          Ugo nodded. “I think you are right.” he encouraged. “But you must not let this thing weigh you down.” He added.

         “Thank you bros.” Afam appreciated.

                         * * * * * *

         “Good morning, sir.” Afam greeted lowering his head as soon as he stepped into his boss’ sitting room at about some minutes to eleven on Saturday 25^th June, 2011.

         The entrance to the room was let open by Chief Okeke’s female house help having received an alert via the doorbell.

         Afam had earlier informed him that he would be at his place on that very day during the morning hours and Chief Okeke welcomed the notice wholeheartedly.

         Chief Okeke who was in his middle fifties was married with four female children. His last child was about ten years old. On that very day when Afam visited the family as scheduled, he alongside his wife Ujunwa was watching television at the sitting room.

         “Good morning, ma.” He added instantly, focusing on Ujunwa.

         “Good morning Afam.” The couple responded concurrently, smiling. “How are you?” Chief Okeke added in a jiffy.

         “I’m fine, sir.” replied the guest, stood still.

         “You are welcome.” Ujunwa exclaimed. “Please make yourself comfortable.” She cheerfully urged.

         “Thank you, ma.” Afam appreciated, majestically walked to one of the single upholstery chairs in the parlour and got seated.

        To be continued, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

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