PAYMENT OF GRATUITY AND PENSION IN NIGERIA
Brethren, “there are dangers in men’s smile” as it was cited by William Shakespeare. Even as the world over and beyond celebrates and would continue to celebrate the late literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe for his unquantifiable contribution towards the global academic growth and promotion, there are many who are yet to know that someone of his kind once came into existence; just as various entities or individuals in the Nigerian South-Eastern region are yet to acknowledge the fact that the late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu had an exemplary vision towards the emancipation of the Igbo nation which was marginalized. The aforementioned idiosyncrasy or phenomenon is not barbaric; thus, it doesn’t sound crazy, rather, it’s natural. Meanwhile, let’s ride on!
Penultimate week, I coincidentally ran into a young man who happened to be one of my university friends and classmates at one of the relaxation points in Ehime Mbano L.G.A, Imo State. As we were embracing our impromptu get-together, the welcome speech of the man who has known me as an activist right from our school days was that, Nigeria was still in comatose state. In spite of the cruelty, without being asked to expatiate while I was still in my pensive mood, he proceeded by saying that the nation would soon collapse if drastic measure was not taken. Though the preface coupled with the body of his candid speech was so harsh, but it wasn’t thoroughly shocking to me because I’ve come to realize that at recent time virtually every Nigerian youth is aggrieved. Please don’t ask me why.
Besides, our topic of the day is payment of gratuity and pension in the Nigerian society. Gratuity, according to the context of this humble edition, is a large gift/amount of money given to someone when he/she leaves his/her employment or after his/her retirement. In the same vein, pension is a regular sum of money given to someone to serve as an entitlement as a result of his/her retirement, old age, loss of a marriage partner or disability as the case may be.
Going by the definition of the latter, you will find out that apart from a retiree anybody could be entitled or be a beneficiary to pension provided that he/she is less-privileged. Such routine is being adhered to in most civilized/advance countries in the world. In Ireland for instance, there’s a place created by the government which is known as “the old people’s home”. In such home, the old men and women ranging from seventy (70) are being kept and properly catered for. But in Nigeria, the government is only concerned with the retirees; still, the retirees constantly cry out for such entitlement. Considering this aspect of the Nigerian society, what stops a typical or an average Nigerian youth whom I’ve known for decades to be restive from boldly saying that “Nigeria is still in comatose state” as it was cited by my beloved friend and fan.
Not just the pension. What about the gratuity that someone is meant to go home with as soon as he retires or vacates his office for his home having served the country meritoriously for several years. As a worker goes home after retirement, his journey back home ought to be accompanied with his gratuity. He worked for it, thus it’s his entitlement. Therefore, he is not expected to beg for it. Q.E.D.
As an analyst, I know there is a way out of this consistently occurring ugly scenario. Since most of the officers in charge of payment of gratuity and pension have cultivated the disgusting habit of running away with our money thereby enriching their respective bank accounts, then we don’t need a prophet to tell us that the remedy to our sleepless nights lies in our precious hands. Let the concerned political office holders understand that the entire citizenry has become used to these reoccurring cock and bull stories being witnessed on a daily basis.
If I may ask, what is actually wrong with our psyche; are we under a kind of spell or something? If yes, then let’s go for thorough deliverance so that we would be totally free from this social and economic mayhem.
But frankly speaking brethren, if properly checked, we will discover that in the midst of several smiles lies a deceit. Truly, there are dangers in men’s smile. Think about it!
COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
____________________
+2348099250401
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Misuse of Godfatherism
NIGERIAN POLITICIANS AND MISUSE OF GODFATHERISM
Brethren, when you say that someone is a mistake, don’t forget that you are actually saying that God made a mistake. Apparently, if you dispute what God created, then you must be ready to absorb the rot that awaits such grievous blasphemous act.
Let’s come down to this level. If you’re yet to acknowledge the fact that the Supreme Being does not make mistakes and shall never make attempt to, then it’s high time you did. Most times, even some of us who understand this fact very well end up being skeptical over nature’s ability by displaying pathetic attitudes that identify them as ignoramuses.
Barely three days ago, someone who happens to be my bosom friend who was sitting right beside me in a political gathering that took place in one of the localities in Rivers State whispered to my humble ear that most of the Nigerian politicians were paradoxes. It ushered in a shock though I stood my ground because prior to that low toned exclamation, I was really in my usual pensive mood. I stood my ground because my senses perceived the message as a polite shock. Yes it was polite because as an analyst, such bitter utterance from the populace was no longer news to my person. Similar utterances I have came across since I know myself as an activist have run into millions, if not billions. Notwithstanding, I still urged the poor fellow to expatiate his view. He further told me that if I was yet to realize that this set of people always contradict themselves whilst dishing out their speeches, then it appeared that I was still sleeping and needed to wake up as a matter of urgency. He said, “If at the long run these people can see their godfathers as a mistake in their political career, then they should be seen as biased men.” At this point, I smiled tentatively having understood where he was actually coming from.
We are discussing the misuse of godfatherism by most Nigerian politicians. To commence with, who’s a godfather? Based on the context of this edition, a godfather is a person or a male superior who directs his junior colleague(s) or beneficiary on how to succeed in life, or in his/her career. We also have a godmother but in this edition, “godfather” stands for both. This means, the aforementioned superior could be a male or a female. Let’s ride on!
Frankly speaking, godfatherism is as old as the world, if not older. Such phenomenon began with God, who stood as a mentor to Adam the first mortal man on earth, though he (Adam) derailed. Christ also followed suit by acting as a godfather throughout His stay or companionship with His twelve disciples, though Judas Iscariot derailed. In other words, godfatherism is a divine and worthwhile phenomenon. It is found in all areas of life or any career in existence. It’s a pathway or scenario instituted by God Himself.
In the religious sector for instance; taking Christianity as a case study, we will discover that any child begotten by any couple must be linked / affiliated to a certain godfather or godmother, as the case may be. The godparent who would be chosen by the biological parents must be someone who they believe would help in bringing up their child in a God-fearing way.
In the political setting also, we have godfathers and it’s quite encouraging because someone must direct you to your success room. Honestly, you must need a coach. It’s a fact. Yes, a fancy fact! A certain Igbo adage which I usually cite says, “Mmadu bu chi ibe ya.” Meaning; one stands as a god to his/her fellow human being. But it’s really disgusting to see most politicians regarding their godfathers who ought to have led them well to their respective success rooms as a mistake they initiated in their political career, thereby resulting to these uncontrolled cacophonies witnessed in all the nooks and crannies.
Surely, there must be misunderstanding in our relationship with others because we’re not the same, but it shouldn’t call for unnecessary mayhem. Yes, some of these bickering do not really worth it.
Brethren, we are bound to comprehend that godfatherism is truly a worthwhile phenomenon, therefore ought to be embraced with absolute wisdom. We shouldn’t bite the fingers that fed us because God never made a mistake making us to be privileged to possess those fingers. Don’t forget, there are many who were not privileged to have such part(s) of the body. Think about it!
____________________
FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
Brethren, when you say that someone is a mistake, don’t forget that you are actually saying that God made a mistake. Apparently, if you dispute what God created, then you must be ready to absorb the rot that awaits such grievous blasphemous act.
Let’s come down to this level. If you’re yet to acknowledge the fact that the Supreme Being does not make mistakes and shall never make attempt to, then it’s high time you did. Most times, even some of us who understand this fact very well end up being skeptical over nature’s ability by displaying pathetic attitudes that identify them as ignoramuses.
Barely three days ago, someone who happens to be my bosom friend who was sitting right beside me in a political gathering that took place in one of the localities in Rivers State whispered to my humble ear that most of the Nigerian politicians were paradoxes. It ushered in a shock though I stood my ground because prior to that low toned exclamation, I was really in my usual pensive mood. I stood my ground because my senses perceived the message as a polite shock. Yes it was polite because as an analyst, such bitter utterance from the populace was no longer news to my person. Similar utterances I have came across since I know myself as an activist have run into millions, if not billions. Notwithstanding, I still urged the poor fellow to expatiate his view. He further told me that if I was yet to realize that this set of people always contradict themselves whilst dishing out their speeches, then it appeared that I was still sleeping and needed to wake up as a matter of urgency. He said, “If at the long run these people can see their godfathers as a mistake in their political career, then they should be seen as biased men.” At this point, I smiled tentatively having understood where he was actually coming from.
We are discussing the misuse of godfatherism by most Nigerian politicians. To commence with, who’s a godfather? Based on the context of this edition, a godfather is a person or a male superior who directs his junior colleague(s) or beneficiary on how to succeed in life, or in his/her career. We also have a godmother but in this edition, “godfather” stands for both. This means, the aforementioned superior could be a male or a female. Let’s ride on!
Frankly speaking, godfatherism is as old as the world, if not older. Such phenomenon began with God, who stood as a mentor to Adam the first mortal man on earth, though he (Adam) derailed. Christ also followed suit by acting as a godfather throughout His stay or companionship with His twelve disciples, though Judas Iscariot derailed. In other words, godfatherism is a divine and worthwhile phenomenon. It is found in all areas of life or any career in existence. It’s a pathway or scenario instituted by God Himself.
In the religious sector for instance; taking Christianity as a case study, we will discover that any child begotten by any couple must be linked / affiliated to a certain godfather or godmother, as the case may be. The godparent who would be chosen by the biological parents must be someone who they believe would help in bringing up their child in a God-fearing way.
In the political setting also, we have godfathers and it’s quite encouraging because someone must direct you to your success room. Honestly, you must need a coach. It’s a fact. Yes, a fancy fact! A certain Igbo adage which I usually cite says, “Mmadu bu chi ibe ya.” Meaning; one stands as a god to his/her fellow human being. But it’s really disgusting to see most politicians regarding their godfathers who ought to have led them well to their respective success rooms as a mistake they initiated in their political career, thereby resulting to these uncontrolled cacophonies witnessed in all the nooks and crannies.
Surely, there must be misunderstanding in our relationship with others because we’re not the same, but it shouldn’t call for unnecessary mayhem. Yes, some of these bickering do not really worth it.
Brethren, we are bound to comprehend that godfatherism is truly a worthwhile phenomenon, therefore ought to be embraced with absolute wisdom. We shouldn’t bite the fingers that fed us because God never made a mistake making us to be privileged to possess those fingers. Don’t forget, there are many who were not privileged to have such part(s) of the body. Think about it!
____________________
FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
Man & Religion
MAN AND RELIGION: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!
In certain contexts, even seemingly innocuous words are taken to be offensive which could make the surroundings to be insalubrious. Notwithstanding, we the analysts shall continue to think in the right direction towards the societal innovation.
From my humble view, irrespective of our ages, everyone belongs to or is affiliated to a certain institution. For instance, a new born-baby is a member of an institution widely known as “Family”. Likewise every other babies or kids. Most times, a kid could be a member of various institutions respective of his/her family background. In other words, an institution/institute is as old as man; if not older. But one fact we must comprehend is that some institution supersede others due to their nature or validity.
Few days ago, one of my childhood friends called from Abuja to inform me that he would soon join that institution that seems to be everlasting. He further told me that he had already picked his membership form and was ready to return the completed form in two weeks time. I understood where he was coming from because it was no longer news that marriage has been seen and regarded as an everlasting institution; or in other words, an institution that is bound to last for eternity. Having known that my friend is a Christian, Catholic precisely; after all other necessary questions, I asked him of which religion/denomination the lady in question belongs to. And he sincerely told me that the issue of religious faith has been a barrier ever since he started planning towards the marriage. At this juncture, I became confused, and biased too. In order to clear the air, he said that the lady is a member of the Jehovah Witness, likewise every other members of her family. According to him, her parents had earlier vowed that none of their daughters would get married to a man of another denomination. Though after all necessary persuasion from members of the extended family, they succumbed to his marriage proposal but insisted that their daughter who happens to be his fiancée must be wedded in their church. What an aberration!
Brethren, we are discussing man and religion. In a concise manner, religion is a belief in a god or gods and the activities connected with this belief.
There are so many branches/kinds of religions in existence, of which Christianity is one of them. According to my Christian Religious Studies (C.R.S) teacher during our days in Secondary School, every Christian believes in Christ or that Jesus Christ actually came to the world and died for our sins. Let’s ride on!
If truly that all the Christians believe in Christ irrespective of our denomination, then what is actually the dichotomy. Or in other words, what is the origin of all these bickering; is it the style of worship or the nature of the doctrines? This is a case study we all must endeavour to consider for the interest of humanity.
Come to think of it, even if the Muslims don’t believe in Christ, who says their faith does not lie in the same God that of the Christians lies? Despite my religious affiliation, I have personally taken time to digest the holy Quran. And I understood that the content is similar to that of the holy Bible. But the most tangible difference is that they misplaced Christ with Mohammed and that has to do with their understanding or acknowledgement. But the only fact remains that, they also believe that God exists just as the Christians do.
Even the Pagans believe that God exists. Have you ever taken time to be around them during their moment of incantation? In Igbo land, you would hear them say, “Obasi bi na elu”. This means, the God that lives in heaven.
More so, after all the tantrums and pandemonium, the philosophers finally agreed that truly God exists. Then ask yourself, who are the philosophers? A very complicated question indeed, though it has an answer.
At this point, I put it up to you that every religious institution believes that God exists. The fact is that some of them willingly or unwillingly chose to be rebels. Our predicament remains misinterpretation. We interpret God’s existence or supremacy in a way that it would suit our respective religious faiths or institutions which is extremely abnormal. We must go back to the drawing board and sincerely ask ourselves some certain sensitive questions such as, who’s God and how do mankind belongs to Him? Else, this crazed behavior would cost us an unbearable mayhem.
Honestly brethren, we are really abusing this worthwhile institution known as “Religion” which remains the nucleus of mankind’s existence instituted by God Himself. We must learn to do this thing right. Above all, we ought to understand that we’re one regardless of our religious affiliations. Think about it!
____________________
FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
In certain contexts, even seemingly innocuous words are taken to be offensive which could make the surroundings to be insalubrious. Notwithstanding, we the analysts shall continue to think in the right direction towards the societal innovation.
From my humble view, irrespective of our ages, everyone belongs to or is affiliated to a certain institution. For instance, a new born-baby is a member of an institution widely known as “Family”. Likewise every other babies or kids. Most times, a kid could be a member of various institutions respective of his/her family background. In other words, an institution/institute is as old as man; if not older. But one fact we must comprehend is that some institution supersede others due to their nature or validity.
Few days ago, one of my childhood friends called from Abuja to inform me that he would soon join that institution that seems to be everlasting. He further told me that he had already picked his membership form and was ready to return the completed form in two weeks time. I understood where he was coming from because it was no longer news that marriage has been seen and regarded as an everlasting institution; or in other words, an institution that is bound to last for eternity. Having known that my friend is a Christian, Catholic precisely; after all other necessary questions, I asked him of which religion/denomination the lady in question belongs to. And he sincerely told me that the issue of religious faith has been a barrier ever since he started planning towards the marriage. At this juncture, I became confused, and biased too. In order to clear the air, he said that the lady is a member of the Jehovah Witness, likewise every other members of her family. According to him, her parents had earlier vowed that none of their daughters would get married to a man of another denomination. Though after all necessary persuasion from members of the extended family, they succumbed to his marriage proposal but insisted that their daughter who happens to be his fiancée must be wedded in their church. What an aberration!
Brethren, we are discussing man and religion. In a concise manner, religion is a belief in a god or gods and the activities connected with this belief.
There are so many branches/kinds of religions in existence, of which Christianity is one of them. According to my Christian Religious Studies (C.R.S) teacher during our days in Secondary School, every Christian believes in Christ or that Jesus Christ actually came to the world and died for our sins. Let’s ride on!
If truly that all the Christians believe in Christ irrespective of our denomination, then what is actually the dichotomy. Or in other words, what is the origin of all these bickering; is it the style of worship or the nature of the doctrines? This is a case study we all must endeavour to consider for the interest of humanity.
Come to think of it, even if the Muslims don’t believe in Christ, who says their faith does not lie in the same God that of the Christians lies? Despite my religious affiliation, I have personally taken time to digest the holy Quran. And I understood that the content is similar to that of the holy Bible. But the most tangible difference is that they misplaced Christ with Mohammed and that has to do with their understanding or acknowledgement. But the only fact remains that, they also believe that God exists just as the Christians do.
Even the Pagans believe that God exists. Have you ever taken time to be around them during their moment of incantation? In Igbo land, you would hear them say, “Obasi bi na elu”. This means, the God that lives in heaven.
More so, after all the tantrums and pandemonium, the philosophers finally agreed that truly God exists. Then ask yourself, who are the philosophers? A very complicated question indeed, though it has an answer.
At this point, I put it up to you that every religious institution believes that God exists. The fact is that some of them willingly or unwillingly chose to be rebels. Our predicament remains misinterpretation. We interpret God’s existence or supremacy in a way that it would suit our respective religious faiths or institutions which is extremely abnormal. We must go back to the drawing board and sincerely ask ourselves some certain sensitive questions such as, who’s God and how do mankind belongs to Him? Else, this crazed behavior would cost us an unbearable mayhem.
Honestly brethren, we are really abusing this worthwhile institution known as “Religion” which remains the nucleus of mankind’s existence instituted by God Himself. We must learn to do this thing right. Above all, we ought to understand that we’re one regardless of our religious affiliations. Think about it!
____________________
FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
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