Opinion I Melaye's Controversies And Police Makosa Dance

MELAYE’S CONTROVERSIES AND THE POLICE MAKOSA DANCE

      

Senator Dino Melaye has conspicuously emerged a household name not just in the National Assembly (NASS) but in the contemporary Nigerian polity. The outspoken legislator who is currently representing the constituents of Kogi West Senatorial District in the eighth assembly, has for quite some time now, been controversially dominating the banner headlines of most dailies domiciled in the country.

      

Not many Nigerian politicians can boast of being in the mould of Sen. Melaye. Not so much for the many bills and motions he had thus far sponsored but for many controversies that have dogged his political personage.

      

On Tuesday, 12^th July 2016, the lawmaker had in a closed-door plenary of the Red Chamber of the NASS, unequivocally abused his female colleague – Oluremi Tinubu – over some remarks made against his person by the latter. It’s noteworthy that Mrs. Tinubu is the lovely spouse of a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu.

      

It was gathered that the two senators’ clash was informed by the request made by the Kogi senator on the floor of the hallowed chamber. Sen. Melaye – an ardent supporter of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki – had enjoined the Senate to deal mercilessly with its honourable members who had offered to serve as prosecution witnesses in the ongoing forgery case against Sen. Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.  

       

Mrs. Tinubu, who was reportedly among those Mr. Melaye was pointing accusing fingers at, rose up in anger and began to react furiously to the latter’s demand. In the process, the altercation almost resulted in a physical combat after the Kogi legislator said to her face “I will beat you, impregnate you and nothing will happen”. The melodrama subsequently metamorphosed into a ‘war’ between Melaye and Ashiwaju Tinubu.

      

Way back in 2007, barely four months after he was elected into the NASS – House of Representatives precisely – where he represented Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu/ Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Sen. Melaye filtered into the news for the wrong reason.

      

At the peak of the crisis – on September 20, 2007 – that trailed the allegation that the then Speaker, Patricia Etteh awarded N628 million contract to renovate her official residence and that of her deputy, Babangida Nguroje in Apo Legislators’ Quarters, Abuja, Melaye physically exchanged blows with two of his colleagues – Emmanuel Jime (Benue) and Samuel Sejoro (Lagos) at the public sitting of the David Idoko-led panel that investigated the alleged contract scam.

      

His ‘troublesome’ nature continued unabated throughout his four-year tenure in the Green Chamber. For the next four years (2011-2015) he was out of the legislature, Sen. Melaye went back to activism. He floated the Anti-Corruption Network, which he used to campaign against graft. One of the cases the group fought against was the one involving a former Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah who allegedly purchased two BMW armoured vehicles for N255 million while in office.

       

So, in 2015 when he found himself in the Red Chamber, he apparently thought it wise to continue from where he stopped in the NASS. Two years after his existence in the Senate, members of his constituency – Kogi West – began a recall process against him.

      

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Monday, 3^rd July 2017, released the time-table for the recall of Sen. Melaye, which was allegedly engineered by the sitting Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello perhaps as a result of the political disagreement between the duo, following the receipt of recall petitions purportedly signed by over 188,000 constituents from his senatorial district, citing loss of confidence in their Senator.

        

Sen. Melaye via his solicitor Mr. Mike Ozekhome consequently filed a suit at the court, asking the jury to halt the recall bid, in which he alleged that even dead bodies signed. On September 11, 2017, the Justice Nnamdi Dimgba-led jury of the Federal High Court, Abuja dismissed the suit, hence the lawmaker headed for the Supreme Court to seek for redress. Unfortunately, early this year, the apex court upheld the recall move, mandating the INEC to continue with the process.

      

Recently, the embattled legislator alerted the police on an alleged serial plots to assassinate his person. In addition, the women drawn from the seven LGAs of Kogi West Senatorial district marched from the streets to the senator’s residence in Kogi State, conveying their solidarity to him while accusing Gov. Bello of being behind the alleged plot. The police, however, reportedly discovered that the information was false after conducting investigations.

      

Sen. Melaye stated that the reason Gov. Bello wanted him dead was because of his stand on the prolonged plight of the state workers and retirees. It would be recalled that for over fifteen months, the said governor refused to pay salaries and pensions in Kogi State, yet had reportedly collected N20 billion and N11 billion from the Federal Government, respectively as bailout fund and Paris Club refund.

      

On Monday, 23^rd April 2018 – at about 7.00am – on his way to Morocco for an official assignment, Sen. Melaye was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by the personnel of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) who later claimed that the arrest was based on police instruction.

 

Intriguing, on that fateful day, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police laid siege to his Abuja residence in spite of their earlier denial that they never instructed the NIS  to arrest the lawmaker.

      

It’s worthy of note that, prior to the arrest, the police recently declared Sen. Melaye wanted after the lawmaker was accused of supplying arms to some murder suspects who allegedly implicated him. The senator frantically denied the allegation. The police had, after the arrest at the airport, stated that the legislator had earlier been invited on different occasions for interrogations but he ignored the invitations.

      

On that same Monday, Sen. Melaye reportedly jumped down from a moving police vehicle en route Lokoja, the Kogi State capital while being detained by the SARS. It was gathered he was being translocated to Lokoja to stand trial for the crimes relating to murder and armed robbery he was accused of. The reaction by the embattled senator resulted in his hospitalization on Tuesday, the following day.

 

I wonder why a serving senator would jumped out from a vehicle in motion. It's really absurd and disheartening that a Nigerian who supposed to act as a role model could performed such unthinkable drama. 

      

The report had it that Melaye feared that his life would be in danger if taken to Lokoja, owing to the perceived sinister motives of both the police and the Kogi State government. It was further reported that the case in question had already been transferred to the Abuja High Court upon request of the accused senator.

      

The matters arising from Sen. Melaye’s case are numerous. There are too many questions to be answered by the police. First, why would a sitting senator be arrested on his way to a foreign country for an official engagement? Secondly, why was his residence barricaded after the arrest without any court order as if they just captured a roadside criminal?

      

Thirdly, having transferred the case from the Lokoja High Court to that of Abuja as we were told, what then prompted the proposed translocation of the embattled lawmaker? Fourthly, why did the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris refused to answer the call of the Senate for onward clarifications?

       

There are things the law enforcement agency isn’t really telling us. Though I’ve faulted Melaye’s refusal to attend to the police previous invitations for interrogations as alleged by the latter, I saw no reason the sitting senator should be molested by them. Notwithstanding, if the legislator has a case to face in the law court, he should endeavor to do so since there's no immunity clause that overrides such proceeding. 

 

It's noteworthy that, considering Sen. Melaye’s obvious impact on the NASS, Kogi State as well as the Nigeria’s polity at large in recent times, his recent arrest by the police was ostensibly politically motivated.

        

Hence, as the embattled lawmaker dances this makosa dance being played by the police, the latter needn’t be told that the music is overheating the polity, hence the compelling need to call it a quit. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

          

Opinion I No Voter's Card, No Salary, Admission Et al

NO VOTER’S CARD, NO SALARY, ADMISSION ET AL

        

The last time I checked, the Imo State government had presented a platform that would ensure that virtually every Imolite – who has attained the adulthood – could boast of his or her Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC)

        

Two weeks ago, the Rescue Mission Government disclosed its intention to stop any worker in the state from collecting his/her monthly salary if they failed to present their PVC. The initiative, which was declared by the state’s governor Chief Rochas Okorocha, equally stated that anyone seeking admission into the state-owned institutions would not be granted the opportunity if he/she is yet to obtain the PVC.

        

It’s noteworthy that the proposed measure was also extended to everyone who intends to have any business transaction with the government. This signifies that any business person nurturing interest to engage him/herself in any business with the government would never be contracted to do so if they can’t show their voter’s card.

       

Hence, no contract, trade or collaboration of any kind, between the government and any corporate body or individual if the latter does not have their PVC. To throw more light; if a corporate organization is involved, each of the persons that constitute its management or leadership would be expected to individually tender their voter’s cards.

      

This is a welcome development, to assert the least. It’s a highly welcome initiative because it is targeted to ensure that no one, particularly adult, exempt him/herself from possessing the ‘almighty’ PVC. The PVC is required to be collected or possessed by every living adult in Nigeria in its entirety, and Imo isn’t an exception. It is seemingly aimed at ensuring that no one runs away from such a constitutional task.

       

This, therefore, implies that it would be very crucial for other states across the country to borrow a leaf from the Imo Government with a view to ensure that each of the citizens domiciled in their respective territories does not exempt him/herself from taking a walk to the closest office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and obtain the PVC.

       

However, it’s worthy of note that overtime the Nigerian society has been bedevilled by the inability to implement a laudable and wholesome policy having made a pronouncement in that regard. Its’ not anymore news that most times when a certain policy is pronounced by the government, not just in Imo but at all levels, in the long run the intended policy or programme would not see the light of the day. This is needless to say that most government’s policies die on arrival.

        

It’s against this backdrop I candidly implore the Imo government to ensure that this measure doesn’t collapse on arrival. It is pertinent for the government to comprehend that the policy in question will surely die as it arrives if apt measures aren’t put in place. The government needs to acknowledge that the said initiative will hold no water in the long run if the needful isn’t done.

       

Hence, I would advise that a committee comprising well-trusted individuals is set-up in earnest to ensure compliance. The proposed committee would operate round-the-clock towards ensuring that no one, no matter how highly placed, violates the policy. And, for the committee to function as expected, every facet of the government’s authority must be willing to grant its members all the needed support. In other words, no iota of compromise should be displayed by anyone in a position of authority.

       

Similarly, it would be lofty to sell such a policy to the state legislators towards conscientizing them to deliberate on it with a view to domesticating it. The policy deserves to be given a fair hearing by the lawmakers, so that, it would be domesticated thereafter. Making the policy emerge as an extant law would ensure that successive governments uphold it without any contemplation.

        

I can’t concur less with the Imo government’s notion that the proposed measure, if duly implemented, would go a long way in ensuring that the fast-approaching 2019 general elections witness a massive turnout. We are not unaware that it is only the aforementioned anticipated response by the electorate that would guarantee an all-inclusive participation. And, we are aware that such manner of involvement by the people will usher in a successful outcome at the end.

       

Notwithstanding, regarding the part of the proposed policy that pertains to securing admission into the state owned tertiary citadels of learning, we need to acknowledge that not everyone is legible to obtain the PVC.

        

The card is constitutionally only meant for people that have attained the adulthood, or the age of eighteen. It’s no longer news that nowadays teenagers are part of those seeking admission in our various higher institutions, hence the need for the policy not to be applicable to all admission applicants.

       

So, inasmuch as the approach in question is a wonderful one and deserves  accolades, there’s equally need for the concerned authority to understand that it’s not required to affect every individual who belongs to the set of people it is meant for such as the workers, businessmen, admission seekers and what have you, as mentioned by the government.

       

However, whatever caution meant to be adhered to as stipulated above, the bone of contention surrounding this piece is that the approach in question is a welcome one that ought to be granted all the supports it requires towards ensuring its absolute success afterwards. Thus there’s a compelling need for the Okorocha-led administration, otherwise known as the Rescue Mission, to expedite move towards putting the policy into action.

        

The INEC, on its part, needs to ensure that the centres meant for the collection of the PVC are brought closer to the electorate rather than the current situation whereby they are required to go to their various Local Government headquarters for the exercise. Such a proposed measure would ensure that the people don’t spend much, financially, in the process.

         

As we all patiently await the 2019 elections, it’s needless to reiterate that the ‘no voter’s card, no salary, admission et al’ mantra ought to serve as one of the veritable tools to ensure undiluted success at the polls. Think about it!  

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

__________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
Follow me: @mediambassador              

     

Opinion I As Multitude Get Away With Murder

AS MULTITUDE GET AWAY WITH MURDER

        

The last time I checked, Nigeria was ostensibly synonymous with murder. The ubiquitous bad omen, which is usually occasioned by the activity of the so-called herdsmen, has made virtually every rational Nigerian resort to sleeping with one eye open.

       

The ugly scenario has lingered unabated that many have begun to insinuate that the Nigerian State is now a ‘Banana Republic’. In some quarters, most dwellers are endlessly of the notion that Nigerians as a people are facing a nemesis owing to the perceived mistake made in 2015 during the last electioneering era.

        

It wouldn’t be an overstatement if one opines that we have lost statistics of cases pertaining to massacre or homicide that transpired in recent times. The worst of all remains that no locality across the federation is exempted while discussing those that have suffered from such dastardly acts. Little wonder even a kid could with ease take to the social media just to write all sorts of trash against the President Muhammadu Buhari – led government.

        

The purported farmers, rather than acting as guests while breeding their livestock, end up constituting evitable nuisance in their various host communities. This domineering and nonchalant idiosyncrasy of the armed herders who parade themselves with unspeakable ammunition and weapons has overtime been arguably overlooked by the government and other concerned authorities.

       

Two years ago, precisely on Monday, 25^th April 2016, a certain group of herdsmen unleashed an astonishing and untold terror on the people of Nimbo Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State. The attack resulted in a massacre that could only be imagined. In the crisis, reportedly scores feared dead, countless persons maimed, about a hundred residents injured, several houses cum worship places razed, thereby rendering over two thousand dwellers homeless.

       

Though the above incident may have come and gone, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that the peril it inflicted on the living victims is unarguably an experience they will live to recall. Myself, each time I recollect that a certain community in Enugu in the history of this country woke one morning only to be brutally taken unawares by a group of total strangers who had supposedly been their beneficiaries, I only take solace in the perceived notion that it could be a mere dream. Yet till date, no one has been convicted in regard to the mayhem.

        

Subsequently, as if that wasn’t enough, such an ordeal transcended to other states. Currently, it seems states like Benue, Taraba and Zamfara have abruptly become the headquarters of the cruel herders. At the moment, no day that comes on board, we wouldn’t hear that a certain part of the said provinces – particularly Benue – had been attacked by the ‘herdsmen’. 

       

Penultimate week, on Tuesday, 24^th April 2018, the same set of individuals unleashed terror on the people of Ayar-Mbalom village of Gwer East LGA in Benue State during a requiem service in a Catholic Church identified as St. Ignatius. The incident, which claimed the lives of two priests – Reverend Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha – and seventeen worshippers, commenced at about 5:30am when gunmen who had been lurking in the bushes swooped on the villagers who had sorrowfully gathered to bury their dead.

        

It was gathered that the attackers first started the attack in a neighbouring community in the evening of the previous day being Monday, but were repelled by the locals. They subsequently made effort all through the night in some villages within the surroundings and further met with stiff resistance. The invaders, who were with both machetes and firearms, reportedly numbered about thirty.

        

It was further reported that aside the Catholic Church, the supposed herders burnt down various homes, destroying thousands of food items and properties. Some residents who tried to flee the scene were stopped dead in their tracks by a hail of bullets.   

        

President Buhari had described the incident as vile, evil and satanic. I wish someone could tell Mr. President that it isn’t about issuing a condolence message from the State House but swinging into action without much ado towards averting reprisal, which I have long foreseen.

        

It’s noteworthy that barely twenty-four hours later being Wednesday 25^th April 2018, a different set of attackers, or perhaps the same people, descended on another locality identified as the outskirts of Daudu still at about 5.00am. A cross-section of the villagers confirmed the attack and disclosed that people were killed, though the police couldn’t give the exact picture of what transpired. According to the report, the residents were awoken by gunshots and the cries of agony from victims.

        

It’s indeed mind-boggling to realize that while Nigerians are on a daily basis being eaten up by gunshots from these terrorists, some selfish politicians are busy endorsing Buhari to re-contest for a second term in office. Similarly, the only contribution most Nigerians could make was that they were ready to sack Pres. Buhari come 2019.

        

Isn’t it so disturbing to note that at a time when every sane mind is expected to be sober, we’re rather preoccupied with frivolities all in the name of 2019 elections? Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

 

  

ShortStory I Standing Alone

STANDING ALONE

        “Sergeant Okoro!” DSP Ahmed furiously called in a very high tone while standing in-between his office executive chair and table the moment the said sergeant hastily stepped into his office.

        “Yes sir!” Sergeant Okoro responded accordingly, facing the boss as the ethics demanded.

          He stood seriously right before the DSP, posing not unlike one of the soldiers that fought the Second World War.

         Both were in their uniforms.

         DSP Rasaq Ahmed who was in his early forties was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of one of the notable police stations situated in one of the South-Western states in Nigeria. He was widely and famously known for his unrelenting vibrant and dogged approach to issues pertaining to security of lives and property from the very day he joined the Police Force. To say the least, he was unarguably a no nonsense police personnel, that, he became the role model of any police officer that intended to discharge his/her duties or serve the country selflessly and efficiently without any iota of fear or favour, as might be the case.

         On that day, precisely 13^th August 2002, he had earlier sent for Sergeant Ekene Okoro within a twinkle of an eye he received a report on one local ‘champion’ in the neighbourhood named Femi who was accused of rape.

         The notorious Femi who hailed from the locality had been terrorizing the residents of the area and its environs, and his dastardly acts coupled with other misdeeds were condoned by the previous DPOs. He was popularly known by his accomplices as ‘Bale’, which literally implied the Monarch of the territory, based on their native language Yoruba.

         DSP Ahmed who was barely one month old in the Division had vowed to deal ruthlessly with anyone in the area of any questionable character having been intimated on the unwarranted anomalies that were on the rampage in the locality. He was actually posted to head the quarters owing to the ordeal.

         “Go and get me the so called Bale.” DSP Ahmed ordered. “Right now.” He supplemented, stood still, looking like one who just lost one of his own.

         “Yes sir!” replied the serious-looking sergeant who was already aware of the ugly incident.

        “Don’t keep me waiting.” He warned.

        “Yes sir!”

          He signalled the sergeant with his left hand as he frowned, urging him to leave immediately.

         The sergeant hurriedly tendered his last salute positioning his masculine chest forward and dashed out of the office like a breastfeeding monkey as requested.

         “Non….sense!” the DPO exclaimed as soon as the sergeant departed, quickly resumed his seat, looking pale and anxious.

          Considering his physiognomy, it was obvious he couldn’t wait to behold the accused person.

          Within three minutes, Sergeant Okoro organized a 5-man team comprising no nonsense and well experienced cops including him, and headed for the consignment with their black patrol vehicle.

       * * * * *

         “We have him, sir!” Sergeant Okoro disclosed in a high tempo the moment he dashed into the DPO’s office, posing as usual.

          This was taking place barely twenty minutes after his departure with the team having successfully apprehended the culprit as instructed by the boss.

          “Good job.” the DPO applauded, nodding his big skull. “Where is he?” He added while standing from his chair.

           He was instantly led by the seeming fearless sergeant to the room where the hooligan was kept in handcuffs.

           Femi who could not be confronted by anyone, not even his King, couldn’t believe he was in the police net.

         “So you are the Bale?” said the DPO in a mean tone within a second he found himself in the room.

          The boss stood directly in front of the suspect who was seated on an Iron back-chair. Among everyone in the room – including the DPO and his men, he was the only one who had a seat. As he felt relaxed in the chair, he calmly looked up to the DPO’s face and remained mute.

          The huge, dark-looking and about 5.5-foot tall Femi, who seemed to be in his mid-forties, was clad in black jeans, blue polo and dark-blue trainers. The stylishly carved beards on his chins and lower jaw were enough to form a forest within his skull. By merely taking a glance at his appearance, you needn’t be told that he was a kingpin.    

          That was the first time the DPO would set his eyes on him. Prior to that moment, the former was only familiar with the latter’s names especially his sobriquet.

          Aside DSP Ahmed, there were other three cops in the room, which was virtually empty. They included Sergeant Okoro and one female officer.

          The DPO, DSP Ahmed who was in his police uniform alongside his junior colleagues signalled the female cop who stood adjacent to him to uncuff Femi.

          She hastily complied with the instruction and returned to her initial position.

          She was standing by the left side of the detainee, Sergeant Okoro stood directly at his (Femi’s) back whilst the other male cop was by his right side. It suffices to say that the hoodlum was surrounded by the four cops present in the room.

         “I learnt you have been terrorizing the whole town?” the DPO proceeded. “And now, you have diverted to rape.”

          Femi remained speechless, looked mean.

        “Are you dumb?” DSP Ahmed shouted.

          Femi stylishly glanced at him. “I promise,” he said. “You will surely regret this.”

        “What …!” the DPO exclaimed in a high voice.

          The other male cop rushed to hit him but he was resisted from doing so by the DPO via a commanding sign.

          The cops including the DPO became preoccupied with extreme rage. They, excluding the boss, kept their pistols handy; the DPO’s was lying on his belted waist.

         “So,” quoth DSP Ahmed. “You are threatening me?”

           The other three cops simultaneously shook their heads in disappointment.

         “Even in my office?” the DPO added, looking bitter.

           To be continued, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I On The Proposed Increment Of Imo Workers' Salaries

ON THE PROPOSED INCREMENT OF IMO WORKERS’ SALARIES

        

The last time I checked, Imo workers in their entirety once again had a good reason to not just smile but grin. The expected outlook of the physiognomies of the persons in question is informed by the pronouncement made by the Imo Executive Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha penultimate week.

         

In the period in review, precisely on Thursday 19^th April 2018, the state’s number one citizen while speaking to newsmen domiciled in the state who called on him at the Government House, disclosed that Imo civil servants would henceforth be faced with a ‘new salary structure’, which is targeted to bear an upward review of their monthly wages and allowances.

        

The above avowal implies that as from the end of April this year, the said workers are going to be placed on a juicier take-home pay. It suffices to assert that their individual lives are meant to change positively commencing from this month, which would mark the premiere of the proposed new salary structure.

        

Governor Okorocha who used the occasion to comment on the ongoing penury faced by the overall Imo retirees, stated that he was determined to change the welfare of the civil servants for good. This is needless to say that he is wearing the political will over the issue as one would wear a clothe.

         

However, the amiable governor didn’t inform Imolites if the salary structure is mainly aimed at ensuring that the workers start receiving hundred percent of their entitled salaries. We expected His Excellency to use the event to throw more light on the forthcoming initiative.

         

It would be recalled that on arrival of the lingering recessionary era, the Imo Government began to pay the civil servants only seventy percent of their entitled wages, though in agreement with the leadership of the workers’ union otherwise known as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) of the Imo State Chapter.

       

The consequence of the downward review of the workers’ salaries unabated threw their mood in anguish on a monthly basis even though the scheme was ostensibly approved by them via their leaders. They were left with no option than to accept their fate in good faith since there’s invariably a light at the end of the tunnel if one remains optimistic.

       

It’s noteworthy that it was the unfortunate situation faced by the civil servants that mainly prompted the Imo workers’ Free Working Days; an initiative implemented by the governor to enable them use part of their working period to engage themselves in farming with the motive of boosting their respective incomes as well as attract surplus foods on their tables.

         

Regrettably, the candid initiative that attracted countless criticisms from various quarters, failed to yield any meaningful fruit as anticipated by the Governor who apparently meant well for the teeming workers. The failure of the scheme recently called for its abrupt termination by the number one citizen.

        

It’s equally worthy of note that subsequently, the salaries of the workers were upwardly reviewed to eighty percent, which reportedly remains the percentage received by each of them till date. In spite of the upward review, they were yet not comfortable with the take-home pay. This perhaps was what occasioned the pronouncement made by the governor penultimate week.

         

But, the number one citizen didn’t consider telling us the nitty-gritty of the proposed increment. It was pronounced as if the incoming ‘new salary structure’ is a largesse, and not the workers’ supposed entitlement.  It was presented as if the said initiative is a hamper from the Rescue Mission Government. We were informed in a way that anyone would think the scheme is an additional allowance initiated by the governor.

         

Although the initiative was born out of the governor’s magnanimity because if he fails to do so, no one would query him, but concerned Imolites expected him to notify if the new structure is aimed at increasing the workers’ wages to ninety percent or what have you. Or better still, if it will ensure that the workers henceforth will receive hundred percent of their salaries coupled with extra package on a monthly basis.

        

Inasmuch as I wholeheartedly appreciate the governor for coming up with the ‘new salary structure’, I equally wish to use this medium to inform him that discerning minds in the state would want to know what exactly the initiative entails. Hence, there is need for a painstaking statistics regarding the scheme to be made available to all concerned.

       

As I also urge the leadership of the NLC to salute the number one citizen for the new structure, I implore them to endeavour to ask pertinent questions when need be towards intimating their entire members on whatever they deserve to know. In view of this, I expect them to call on His Excellency with a view to enquiring from him the nitty-gritty of the seeming laudable scheme.

       

It’s imperative for governments at all levels to acknowledge the essence of incentives in boosting the productivity of the labour force. The manpower in any setting, either private or public, ought to be meant to enjoy regular incentives to enable them put in their best regardless of the circumstance.

        

Believe it or not, an effective and efficient day-to-day input can never be gotten from a group of workers that are maltreated as regards regular payment of wages and allowances. Any underpaid labour force as it is witnessed in most quarters across the federation, irrespective of the setting, is liable to malfunction.

         

This is the reason I mustn’t cease to commend Gov. Okorocha for eventually thinking in this direction, even as I tell him that he can do better. He really needn’t be reminded that workers are just not unlike Oliver Twist. Think about it!

 

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

      

Opinion I Still On 2018 World Malaria Day

 

GETTING READY TO BEAT MALARIA AS WE MARK 2018 WORLD MALARIA DAY

          

On Wednesday, April 25, the world over is commemorating the 2018 World Malaria Day. This year’s theme is “Ready to beat malaria”. It’s a day set aside by the World Health Organization (WHO) to create awareness on the prevalent malaria scourge.    

                     

 Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by a group of single-celled parasitic micro-organisms known as protozoa belonging to the genus plasmodium. The disease is mainly transmitted by mosquito bites, and the symptoms often commence few days after the incident.

        

Malaria is transmitted most commonly by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito bite introduces the parasite called plasmodium from the mosquito’s saliva into a person’s bloodstream. The parasites then travel to the liver where they mature and reproduce.

        

The signs and symptoms of malaria typically begin eight to twenty-five days following infection. However, symptoms may occur later in those who have taken anti-malarial medications in the past as prevention.

         

The presentation may include headache, fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, haemolytic anaemia, jaundice, haemoglobin in the urine, retinal damage, and convulsions. Malaria in pregnant women is the major cause of stillbirths, infant mortality, abortion and low birth weight.

         

Symptoms of malaria can recur after varying symptom-free periods. Depending upon the cause, recurrence can be classified as either recrudescence or relapse. Recrudescence is when symptoms return after a symptom-free period; it is caused by parasites living in the blood as a result of inadequate or ineffective treatment.

        

Whilst, relapse is when symptoms reappear after the parasites have been eliminated from blood but persist as dormant hyponozoites in liver cells. It commonly occurs between eight to twenty-four weeks and is common among P. Vivax and P. Ovale infections.

          

The primary sources of mosquitoes include sewage, refuse, dirty stagnant water, and untidy environment. In most cases, mosquitoes are peculiar to damp and dirty environments or substances such as gutter, pool, faeces, urine, among other solid and liquid waste materials. This is why residents of untidy localities are at a high risk of contracting malaria.   

          

Methods used to prevent malaria include medications, mosquito elimination through fumigation coupled with regular environmental sanitation, as well as prevention of mosquito bites via regular cum proper use of the mosquito nets, among others. Prevention of malaria, which is yet to have a vaccine, may be more cost-effective than treatment of the disease in the long run. And, the initial costs required are out of reach of many of the world’s poorest people.

          

Owing to the non-specific nature of presentation of symptoms, diagnosis of malaria in non-endemic areas requires a high degree of suspicion. Malaria is invariably confirmed by the microscopic examination of blood films or by antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT). Microscopy is the most commonly used method to detect the malaria parasite in the body.

        

In spite of its widespread usage, diagnosis by microscopy suffers from two main drawbacks: many settings especially rural are not equipped to perform the test, and the accuracy of the results depends on both the skill of the lab technician and the levels of the parasite in the blood.

         

Malaria is widely treated with anti-malarial medications. The ones to be used solely depend on the type and severity of the disease. While medications against fever are commonly used, their effects on outcomes are not clear.

          

Uncomplicated malaria may be treated with oral medications. The most effective treatment for P. Falciparum infection is the use of artemisinins in combination with other anti-malarial drugs known as Artemisinin-Combination Therapy (ACT), which decreases resistance to any single drug component.

         

It is obvious that malaria is a killer disease. The WHO estimates that in 2010, there were about 219 million cases of malaria outbreak resulting in 660,000 deaths. The majority of cases, about 65%, occur in children under fifteen years.   

         

Survey also indicates that about 125 million pregnant women are at risk of infection each year. In Sub-Saharan Africa such as Nigeria, Angola, Chad, Congo, Benin, Ghana, and several others, maternal malaria is associated with up to 200,000 estimated infant deaths yearly. In a nutshell, globally, about 3.3 billion individuals in 106 countries are at risk of malaria, mostly among African children.

        

As the annual World Malaria Day is commemorated today, I urge us to be extremely conscious of the outlook of our surroundings since malaria is mainly attributed to unhealthy environment. Thus, we should always endeavour to properly dispose any form of waste found within our place of residence as well as thoroughly sanitize our gutters and toilets at all times. In addition, we ought to ensure that our beds are always covered with treated mosquito net whenever we lie in it.

         

Among all, we should endeavour to see our physician from time-to-time or whenever we notice any abnormality in our body system, for onward review of our health status. In the same vein, the various health personnel across the country are expected to contribute meaningfully in creation of awareness regarding the causes and possible effects of malaria disease cum its epidemic.

         

Most importantly, we ought to always bear in mind that prevention is invariably better than cure. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

Opinion I The Senate And That Show Of Shame

THE SENATE AND THAT SHOW OF SHAME

        

I have often times argued that the legislature ought to be placed as the first arm of government, hence its members are required to act like frontiers when it calls for doing the needful or leading by example.

        

The above assertion was informed by the fact that the institution in question is the only body constitutionally responsible for lawmaking in any democratic terrain. Of course, we aren’t unaware that if the laws aren’t available, the executive will have nothing to execute. It’s not anymore news that execution of projects are done strictly in accordance with the extant laws.

         

The Senate, however, disabused me of that impression penultimate week, precisely on Wednesday 18^th April 2018. In the period in review, a group of five thugs invaded the Hallowed Chambers of the Senate during legislative sitting and forcefully made away with the mace, the symbol of authority of the legislature.

         

The names of the thugs, who were later apprehended, were given as Tuoyo Mabiaku, Peter Ovede, Blessing Edjeke, Lucky Okomu and Prince Enayemo; all of Delta State extraction. It was alleged that they were led by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who is currently representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the Red Chamber.

         

It would be recalled that Sen. Omo-Agege was recently suspended by the Senate for ninety legislative days over alleged misconduct. According to the President of the Upper Chamber, Sen. Bukola Saraki, the suspension which precisely occurred on Thursday, April 12, 2018 was necessitated by the court action instigated by the embattled lawmaker.

       

Sen. Omo-Agege, who was previously billed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions as regards his comments on the 2018 Amendment of Electoral Act, had sued the Red Chamber in a bid to stop the proposed appearance. The legislator who had been piloting a ‘Parliamentary Support Group for President Buhari’ was of the view that he was exercising his constitutional rights, thus deserved not to be queried by his colleagues.

       

Sen. Saraki opined that the suspension was highly consequential, stating taking the Senate to court smacks of ‘gross-indiscipline’ which should not be condoned by the Upper Chamber. He disclosed that a situation whereby a few senators would portray themselves before the Presidency as saints and make others appear as devils was ‘totally unacceptable’. 

       

The stolen mace was reportedly recovered by the police at the fly-over before the Abuja city gate. It’s noteworthy that Sen. Omo-Agege alongside the thugs had been arrested by the police. It was equally gathered that the indicted lawmaker, who belongs to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), had outrightly been disowned by the party as well as the Presidency.

         

It’s worthy of note that this is first in history across the globe a symbol of authority of a country’s legislature would be stolen. It becomes more confusing and saddening when realized that such a disgusting criminal act was allegedly engineered by a sitting senator.

         

This brings to my notice a certain piece I did some time ago titled ‘When lawmakers become lawbreakers’. In that critique, I unequivocally tendered my unalloyed displeasure over how some so-called lawmakers in Nigeria were on a daily basis involved in issues that bore no reverence for the country’s constitution or extant laws. It’s disheartening that almost two years after publishing that analysis, our legislators at all levels are yet to prove to us that they are really in charge of lawmaking.

         

A lawmaker was suspended and afterwards felt that the action taken against his person was inappropriate or illicitly carried out. Hence, the next thing he could think of was to invade the Senate premises and steal the body’s mace. Such a criminal outing allegedly piloted by a man, who ought to acknowledge the prime essence of the judiciary, was truly unspeakable and unacceptable, to assert the least.

         

It could be that the Senate derailed over the process embraced towards sanctioning the legislator. It could be that the Red Chamber overrode the judiciary by taking decision over a case that was already before a court of competent jurisdiction. It could be, therefore, that the Upper Chamber goofed or overreacted in its action.

       

Inasmuch as I wasn’t in support of how he was suspended, that reaction taken by the embattled legislator, which I have aptly described as a ‘show of shame’, wasn’t in any way required in the process of fighting for his right that was apparently violated. That singular reaction was unequivocally enough reason to expunge, and not suspend, him from the National Assembly (NASS) if eventually found guilty.

         

Notwithstanding, I wouldn’t hesitate in putting the blame of what transpired in the Senate on the security personnel that were on guard during the incident. I refuse to be convinced that a gang of five thugs, either armed or not, could outshine the policemen on duty on that fateful day.

       

This implies that there are many questions yet to be answered by the ‘men of honour’ in charge of the Senate’s security. If your thought is as good as mine, then one wouldn’t hesitate to ask; where exactly are we headed for? Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador