Security challenges in Nigeria

SCENIC SCENARIOS: THE WAY FORWARD (5)


Our physiognomies have suddenly turned sour due to the deceptive countenance of our ‘great’ nation. Even a fancy smile played across her normally grim visage wasn’t enough to wipe out the virulent feelings.

A good friend of mine once told me a horrible story. Before he commenced the folk tale, he began with a nasty clause which reads, “in any state of sober I found myself, I do remember one fateful day with extreme loathing.” Don’t worry. Just relax; I shall tell you the story. I’m not amazed; many have started calling me by the name, “a story narrator.” Honestly, I care about stories, because, I believe the best way to teach is to begin with a story, either tragic, comical or tragicomic. So, my fans were not mistaken.

The story goes like this: The young man said, one certain day, he happened to be in one of the banks in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. He was busy transacting as usual. Suddenly, or as satan would have it, armed robbers invaded the banking premises and started shooting on the rampage. Everyone was subjected to the harshest possible punishment; lying without breathing. What a paradox! At this point, I was forced to smile. But, I found out my friend wasn’t looking funny at all. With the look on his face, I realized he wasn’t in any way joking, or exaggerating. Even, I noticed my sudden smile was so disgusting to him. He continued, “…the most painful and deadliest part of it was that, after dishing out the instruction, one of them, knowingly or unknowingly, quickly stood on my bottom. He remained there for quite some seconds, or a good number of minutes if I’m not mistaken, before returning to the floor.“ I asked him if he imagined why such scene transpired. He replied that, from his weak imagination, the man (robber) in question wanted to increase his height due to his urgent indulgence in one of the activities he was involved. According to him (my friend), it appeared the robber never noticed (observed) that he was standing on a living creature. Extremely pathetic! Brethren, I think at this point, the narration has become succinct.

Over the years, I decided to remain introspective with regard to security. Honestly, I would have exploded before now, and it might have resulted to manic depression or paranoid schizophrenia. Who knows? Thank God I’m still alive, and safe, though still introverted. A bashful introvert indeed! Please, don’t blame me; I’m just being security conscious. After all, it isn’t my fault. Yes, in this case, my actions have been faultless. Anyone, or a right thinking person can testify to that. It’s no longer news to any one of us that, at recent times, they had cultivated the habit of even picking or molesting those that can’t even boast of ten thousand naira (#10,000) in their bank account. To be frank, the fanatics are mean; and are up to something. It’s not a joke.

Don’t forget, today we’re discussing the Nigerian security sector (system). Security refers to all the precautions that are taken to protect a place including its occupants. In other words, according to BBC English dictionary, “ it is legal protection against possible harm or loss.”

You’ll agree with me that, many had been convicted of seditious activities. Many are still in the trial, while, many are yet to be tried. Rampant security threats have suddenly become the order of the day in all nook and cranny of our dear country as if Nigeria is made of only citizens that are barely few days old. Secularism has gotten a strong current in the structure and ideology of this country. Even the secularists parade themselves in such a manner that any concerned Nigerian would conclude that, they are the king makers. Many had been martyred, yet it appears like a scene that just begun, or that was introduced barely few seconds ago; which means, or significantly, enormous massacre may still be witnessed. What a shame!

Or, should we forget the national security threat and discuss that of the community level? At the community stage, it’s no longer a game for the adulthood; that is, unlike before, adulthood has been totally abolished as the prerequisite. Bunch of adolescents have taken over the houses (homes) in most communities. Yes, most homes have been taken hostage. Their bulk of metals arouse people from sleep within the holy hours of the night. Honestly, yester-night’s incident that took place at one of the towns in the State (Imo State) could well arouse the settlers to even greater violence. Yes, the case has constituted tremendous controversy.

Though, each day, billions of naira are being coughed up for the sake of security. As a crime analyst, what could I have done than to watch with keen interest and continually embrace my harmless pen, and as well, look up to the ‘Almighty’ for His tremendous ingenuity.

Please, we ought to tell ourselves the truth and forget this cock and bull story that is constituting these lingering doubts and suspicions. Apparently, we’re deceiving ourselves and it would take us nowhere.

See you next week on labour; the last on my list but not the least!

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FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

Nigerian Refineries

SCENIC SCENARIOS: THE WAY FORWARD (4)


If you’re a true Christian, what stops you from going through your copy of the holy bible at least every morning? If you’re a dedicated Muslim, you ought to be knowledgeable to acknowledge that, your Quran comes first as soon as you leave your noble bed. Or, are you a pagan? Then, I should assume that, you embraced your oracle at its chamber before leaving your lovely house/lodge this morning. Stick to it, you would see that the ‘Almighty is good’. As a devoted Christian, catholic to be precise, I said my rosary this morning as usual, coupled with my daily psalms. I don’t think I’m clowning, so, don’t see me as a clown; because, if every single soul in Nigeria sticks to its respective religious faith, then, these incessant barbarous and inhuman atrocities shouldn’t had taken place.

Honestly, without mincing words, the last time I checked, Nigeria was still an inhospitable nation due to the unnecessary use of those terrible and inhumane weapons. Yes, they had acted in an inhumane way and overstepped the limits of a democratic state. What an inhumanity!

Brethren, let’s leave the issue of security for the subsequent edition that would solely digest the security sector in Nigeria. Today, our concern is on refineries. But, I want to quickly inform you that, all these insecurity issues are attributed to only one thing, which is oil and gas (petroleum). Yes, the oil and gas sector has been constituting these series of dream-like thoughts that were solely initiated by those scattered technicoloured phantasmagorias. This is not scaremongering. It’s high time we faced reality, because, this is nothing but a fact. You might say I’m being scathing. But, I must tell you, the present state of loggerheads in the Nigerian state (society) is not just producing a political and economic morass, but as well, scatterbrains. I’m deeply afraid; this may lead to fathomless socio-economic miscarriages. Think about it.

Few days ago, someone called me on phone to find out why the sudden change of phone number on my column. He asked, “Does it has anything to do with security? “ I responded, “No, just a way forward.” He added, “…therefore, that should be one of the Scenic Scenarios? “ And, I replied, “…yes, my brother! “ Brethren, if rampant change of number could determine a serene environment, then, what stops me from changing thousands of them? I’m a patriotic Nigerian; therefore, my optimum concern should be way forward. And, this cannot be ascertained without tranquility. Thus, any right thinking Nigerian should be concerned with the success of the nation, or any society he/she belongs. When I was an undergraduate, at a point I was known by the name, “way forward”, because, I happened to be an advocate (a crusader) of that phrase. I used to preach it in every occasion I happened to be present. For that reason, most times, my fellow students/colleagues would walk up to me and asked, “FDN, what is the way forward? “ And, as God would have it, I was loaded with enormous information then, with the help of my position as a student leader. Yes, by His grace, I was a leader of various student unions.

It is deeply pathetic and disgusting to hear that a country like ours, which is tagged as the sixth most oil producing nation in the world, still buys the oil in question from other nation(s). Listen to this; something being drilled here happens to be refined elsewhere. Then, finally undergoes importation to ensure that its land of origin embraces its worthwhile products. How does it sound? Isn’t it apocryphal? Then, if this is the case, we’re just being vainglorious. Do the observation yourself and see if I’m truly communicating. Vainglorious posturing indeed!

The only way to stay out of this mess is to tell ourselves the truth. We must be transparent to ensure success. And, such requires total overhaul. Honestly, subsidy removal is not enough. It’s not the best or even one of the best steps. We all know the best step that is why I began this paragraph with the above remark; telling ourselves nothing but the truth. We shouldn’t look unto God; we can redeem the situation. Yes, the redeemer lies in our bare hands. Please, don’t misunderstand me; I mean we have the ability, or what it takes. The only thing we’re meant to do is to apply it. Let’s do the application. I bet you, it’ll surely work. Or, should I emphasize on how the application should be done.

There are already existing refineries across the federation; name them. All we need to do is to revive them, regardless of how much it would cost us. Even if it would cost us our fortune, it shouldn’t be of any stress. Therefore, no one is expected to be selfish while the implementation is going on. The capital for the revival is already there; it’s available. Even without the removal of oil subsidy, it can be actualized. Yes, we worth more



than what the situation requires. Our only problem is nothing but corruption. But, we can put it to stop if we truly mean business. Thank God, we’ve detected the actual fault. So, it’s easy to solve the problem.

Don’t forget, a country like Nigeria shouldn’t be selling oil to the citizenry, rather, should be sold for free of charge. Believe me, it’s our entitlement. The only monetary involvement that ought to be attached to the oil/gas price is tax. Yes, the indirect tax that is expected to be paid by the populace/individuals. Our great leaders should please save us from these moments of extraordinary poignancy. How can one have (possess) abundant cooking oil in the kitchen, but still cook without oil. Doesn’t it sound ridiculous?

Brethren, see you next week on security!

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COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

The Educational sector

SCENIC SCENARIOS: THE WAY FORWARD (3)


Brethren, it’s so pathetic to see a man to whom reading meant so much become almost totally blind. Believe me, Nigeria is a country loaded or blessed with numerous citizens that acknowledge/cherish the efficacy of education. But, on the contrary, she looks pathetically defenseless as regards the tool (education). Off course, it’s no longer news that, about fourty percent (40%) of the country is reckoned to be illiterate. The funniest part is that, none of the children of the officialdom is schooling in Nigeria. The other day, I was privileged to overhear someone exclaiming, “ bunch of derailed homosapiens! “ I thought he was referring to me. Who knows? Honestly, the whole mythology of national greatness that occupies the minds of the entire citizenry needs to be questioned, because, it’s inconsequential.

Don’t forget, this edition is exclusively discussing the Nigerian educational sector. And, I promise not to be ponderous, because, “ a word is enough for the wise.” Like I’ve always said, as a patriotic analyst, my interest in any problem I’m discussing lies in its causes, and the remedial and drastic measures (steps) that are required to be taken. So, my sole interest in this is the causes of the on-going educational decay or crisis, and how such can be boycotted.

At the end of this critique, an exegesis wouldn’t be necessary because it shall be self-explanatory. The only thing I can’t promise you is, withholding the fact. Yes, the truth must be told (analyzed).

Education is the act or process through which a person is taught better ways of doing something or a better way of living. Going by the definition, one could figure out that, education can take place anywhere. Let me use this avenue to draw your attention to one of my previous editions that reads “ the world: an institution where everyone is a student. “ On that edition, I made it clear that education can take place anywhere; I categorically stated that anywhere can serve as a classroom, including your kitchen. In addition, let me also remind you of the remark I made mention of, in my immediate previous edition that discussed health, which came from one of my female fans. In her remarks, she said that, she sees me not just as a writer, but also, as an educator. If truly that education can only take place in an institutional classroom as many presume, then, the lady was wrong, because she had never for once seen me in any classroom. So, in a nut shell, education simply means ‘learning’, and learning could be actualized anywhere even in a moving vehicle.

Let’s go into the business of today. If the truth must be told, then, where do we start, or what do we start with? We must commence somewhere. The rapid constant decay in our educational sector is directly attributable to lack of adequate training/teaching institutes (centres), coupled with standard teaching materials, high rate of depreciation of reading habit amongst the students and the entire citizenry, and corruption. Yes, in our various schools/institutions, the human resources are already there; we’ve efficient, effective and sufficient staff.

Our only problems are inadequate/insufficient infrastructure and teaching equipment. Well equipped laboratories, libraries, workshops and class/lecture rooms should be provided in our various citadel of learning. The primary and secondary schools should not be left out because the educational background of any nation lies in that area. The private institutions should also be mandated to follow suit. Any training/teaching centre(s) is/are expected to be practical oriented, irrespective of its field/line of interest. In addition, our technical colleges ought to be revived. A graduate of any school, regardless of level of the citadel, is meant to boast of a particular talent (skill). The profundity is already obtainable; the hindrance remains the required materials and environment.

Also, the teachers/lecturers should be catered for. Their welfare should remain the government’s priority. Their individual salaries ought to be regularly increased/considered, coupled with their respective promotions. And, other juicy incentives should not be left out. These will definitely help to completely eradicate the high level of corruption in the sector such as sorting, hiring of ‘machineries’ or assistants during exams, and other forms of examination malpractices, as the case may be. Furthermore, the respective offices of the teachers/lecturers deserve to be well furnished and equipped. Let’s begin with the teachers, because, the future and greatness of any society lie in their hands.

In the aspect of the reading habit, all hands are expected to be on deck. Such habit begins from childhood. And, this is where the parents come in. The parents should continually motivate, and as well, mandate their children to read by drawing them closer to text books, novels, newspapers/magazines, and what have you. They should also ensure that the children cultivate the habit of listening to news on radio/television. Above all, they should ensure that, the children in question are always ebullient to enable them participate effectively in the above practices. This is where health comes in. Their ebullience would make them enthusiastic, outgoing and spontaneous.

Brethren, I wish to end my critique with a short story that has to do with the above apathy; lack of reading habit. One fateful day, a certain young man who happened to be present at one of the general meetings of a newly introduced communal organization, which I happen to be the founder/leader, greatly amused me. During the A.O.B section, he stood up to earn his view, and as well, give his remark. After commending the officers, he asked us to put more effort on information dissemination in regard to subsequent meetings; stating that, if not the invitation he received from a friend of his, who happens to be one of us, he wouldn’t had known, or be informed about the meeting. After his lovely comments, the Secretary General raised his eyes and looked, briefly and curiously, at him. Though, it wasn’t pronounced. I tried to find out from the President General (PG), who was presiding over the meeting and as well sitting next to me, the reason for the sudden gesture exhibited by the Sec. Gen. Based on the information I got from the PG, I learnt the notice for the on-going meeting was pasted at the door-step of that very young man. And, the notice lasted for six good days before the meeting took place. Maybe, he took the notice for granted, and never cared to glanced at even a bit of its content. Probably, not even a perusal. Thus, he ignored the notice with impunity. Lack of reading habit in the highest order. So pathetic and disgusting indeed! To be frank; the young man’s eccentric nature denied him his desired respect at the executive desk. Honestly, you needed to see how I was engulfed in a fathomless moment of hatred towards him; though, hidden and brief. In fact, I was totally appalled. Believe me, all the resultant gestures were happening unknowingly to him. But, even if they were pronounced, he deserved it, because he seemed the apotheosis of total ignorance and extreme insouciance.

Please, Nigeria should implement a drastic approach to ensure that, her educational sector that is fast deteriorating and becoming malodorous is totally revived, because, her anticipated greatness lies solely in the area. Don’t forget, the parents are not left out.

I beg to take my usual seven days leave. See you next week on refineries!



FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

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