Farewell Note To The Outgone Imo State Police Commissioner

MY FAREWELL NOTE TO THE OUTGONE IMO STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER

Brethren, I want to use this avenue to candidly disabuse you of the belief that, any child born with a ‘silver spoon’ can attain to his/her desired height regardless of the level of effort involved. Let me quickly use this wonderful opportunity to remind you of my usual citation which states that, any child is a product of nature and nurture. Believe me, I grew up to train myself with such belief; and it’s a fancy fact.

Let me throw more light on what I mean by a child being a product of ‘nature and nurture’. Considering nature; you would bear me witness that, any child is formed, born and sustained by the sole effort of nature. On the other hand; for any born child to be a useful member of the family he/she hails from, he must had been well nurtured by the family in question. In other words, a child can never be useful to either his family or society without passing through a thorough and severe nurture by his/her parents or guardian.

I wish to put up a brief question at this juncture. And the question is; have you ever for once dreamt of seeing your junior colleague or your younger one at home chasing you for the sole purpose of intimidating you? Such manner of dream is not unconnected to witnessing a scene whereby the Secretary of a certain club/society presides over the club’s meeting right in the presence of the president of the said club. Believe me, anyone in his right senses who witnesses such dream or scenario must be bemused thereby embracing a state of incapacity. Nevertheless, pardon me for I’ve digressed.

Few weeks ago, during my last trip to Enugu State for a business transaction, as soon as I switched on my radio set for the news of the day, I was informed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar had ordered the redeployment, with immediate effect, of eighteen (18) Police Commissioners to various Commands and Formations of the Force across the federation. On receiving the striking news, I quickly picked up my phone and dialed the phone number of one of my fellow Imo State based Social activists to ascertain if the state in question was affected. Shockingly, the crusader told me that Imo State was one of the affected states. Honestly, I abruptly became devastated and incapacitated by the mode of the message. Truly, the information took my person to a state of incapacity. In fact, the news was really a shocker.

As an Imo State based Crime/Social analyst, I’m in a good and better position to inform you that the outgoing Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Musa Katsina, has recorded tremendous achievements in the history of the state in the area of security or Protection of lives and property. Suffice to say that, the pronouncement of his redeployment from the state wasn’t just a shocker to my person, but to the state at large. The 637 autonomous communities in the state would testify to this fact.

Without mincing words, prior to the inception of duty of the outgoing Police Commissioner, the crime rate in Imo State was unquantifiable; a condition that kept the entire occupants of the State in a state of imbroglio. Even the blind could see as at then that, Imo was right in the hands of our enemies. Let’s ride on!

Since the stay of the outgoing CP and his entire team in Imo State, it has been as if God has finally answered the prayers of the occupants of the state in its entirety, as regards security. Everyone has been sleeping with his/her eyes well closed, unlike as it was in the past. Inter alia, it was only during his time/administration, that I understood fully, the real meaning and essence of Community Policing; every nook and cranny of the state has been totally under control till date. Needless to say; the outgoing Police boss was not just a ‘silencer’, but a God-sent.

I also want to use this medium to appreciate the pleasant Governor of the great State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, for his vigorous mission to see that the crime rate in the state is reduced to the barest minimum; I can’t thank him enough.

I sincerely want to inform the entire Imolites that, CP Mohammed Katsina came to nurture the security structure of the gigantic state (Imo) which was founded by nature itself. This was the only reason we were able to attain the present desired and anticipated height. My prayer remains that, his successor would work more effectively and efficiently to see that Imo got to its Promise-land.

My impeccable outgoing CP Sir, we all pray that as you leave Imo for a tougher and more challenging concernment ahead, God in His infinite mercy would continue to guide and guard you till you arrive at the peak of your service. I want to rightly inform you that, the entire members of Imo Fans Fortress (IMOFAF) – an NGO that fosters unionism among all Imo State occupants, which Comr. Fred Nwaozor is the Leader, is deeply pleased by the potent and selfless service you rendered to the ‘Eastern Heartland’. But, when shall Imo receive your warm handshake or see your enticing and charming face again? A question I would love you to answer without hesitation.

My fellow Imolites, truly Imo was born with a silver spoon, but insecurity and societal social-vices in the state has become a thing of the past due to the unending nurture granted to it by the outgoing Police boss and his team in general with the support and willingness of the Governor of the state, by the special grace of the Almighty. Think about it!

_____________________

FRED NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com

Nigeria, INEC And the Elections in Anticipation

NIGERIA, INEC AND THE ELECTIONS IN ANTICIPATION


Brethren, it’s popularly cited that ‘It’s better late than never’. Believe me, most of us are yet to know the prime essence of that citation. For some of us who knows the essence or significance of the famous quotation, how would you throw more light on it if you were asked to do so?

As for me; ‘it’s better late than never’ simply means that, it is better one comes late to an event than being marked absent. In other words, it means, it’s better you’re being known by your colleagues as a latecomer than being recognized as a regular absentee. You can tweet me at ‘fdnnwaozor’ for further clarification. Please, pardon my preamble; I just decided to commence with such analysis. But as we proceed, you will acknowledge its relevance.

Barely three nights ago, February 7 precisely – at exactly eleven O’clock, I was faced with a serious and thorough meditation as regards the present state of the Nigerian society in respect to her socio-political sector. At the end of the said meditation, I concluded that one thing was missing in Nigeria’s polity in its entirety, and that had been the root of our collective plight. And till date, that thing is still missing. Without mincing words, that “thing” remains sincerity coupled with transparency. Please I’m just thinking aloud; therefore, I’m humbly letting out my opinion which can be countered by any interested person. If you have any contrary view, kindly drop it on my official Facebook page, http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor.

For crying out loud, Nigeria is of age. Fifty three years is neither fifty-three days nor fifty-three weeks. It beats my psyche to realize that most Nigerians are yet to know that Nigeria is truly of age, going by the manner they treat the country in question. Most pathetically, they’ve turned the ‘giant of Africa’ to a thing of mockery. Isn’t it wickedness? Well, still thinking aloud; though sooner or later, I would be communicating loudly.

The fancy fact remains that, Nigeria has been abused greatly by her subjects. How can we be repeating just one issue, which is corruption, on a daily basis; does it implies that, we don’t know the actual remedy to put such cankerworm to stop? As far as I’m concerned, this is simply insincerity. Let’s ride on!

Just few days ago, the House of Representatives suspended the consideration of the national budget due to non compliance of the Fiscal Responsibility Acts. And my singular question is; how can such vital and critical aspect of the budget be missing or incomplete in spite of the fact that, budget approval by the National Assembly remains an annual ritual? Very soon the first quarter of this year (2014) would round off, still the budget for the said year is yet to be approved. Who is deceiving who? Still thinking aloud; or, if you wish to answer it, you can kindly forward your response to my innocent e-mail address.

Furthermore, the polity has been filled with enormous uproar in regard to the forthcoming elections. The funniest part is that, lately, even the ‘touts’ have been speaking as if they own this country. The aforementioned pandemonium has abruptly become ubiquitous, which implies that, no one is safe if we decide to remain mere onlookers as the days unfold.

It’s no longer news that, the national Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Atahiru Jega, has announced to the public recently that, he wouldn’t guarantee perfect elections in Nigeria come 2015. How can the boss of a committee in charge of a certain concernment be exercising skepticism as regards actualization of perfection? We universally know that no one has ever attained perfection, but still, we all struggle to attain the perfect line on a daily basis. On this note; even if one embraces some elements of doubt towards attaining perfection, courtesy demands that, such vision or feeling shouldn’t be disclosed to his/her fans or well wishers because such disclosure might warrant unquantifiable panic among the people in question. But on a second thought, why must one exercise doubt towards arriving at the peak; isn’t it despair?

At this juncture, I urge each of everyone of us to search our respective consciences because, I’m of the view that we’ve all derailed tremendously. Mind you, it’s better late than never.

I can’t see how someone born with silver spoon could be dinning with rotten one even as a grown-up. Isn’t it absurd? Think about it!

______________________

FRED NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com

The Dawn of a New Era in Oru East LGA

THE DAWN OF ANOTHER ERA IN ORU EAST LGA: MY CANDID NOTE TO THE TC-CHAIRMAN

Brethren, today is truly bright or would I say, it’s grinning at us. Having noted the worthwhile countenance of this day, apparently, throughout today would yield a thing of joy. Thus, we’re indeed convinced that, nature has once again ushered us into another joyous day.

Personally, each time I wake up from my long-lasted night slumber, I usually ask myself a certain question which may seem peculiar to you all. A question that remains constant and consistent to my entire person. And the question is, “How would my name sound to my people today?” When I say ‘my people’, I mean all those who have been by my side, which includes my friends, fans, relatives, well-wishers, colleagues (associates), and as well my kinsmen.

Penultimate month, January 2 to be precise, I was opportune to dine with my old time friends from different walks of life, at Owerri metropolis. In the midst of the pleasant conversation, one of us raised a point in respect to the present Nigerian political system. Conclusively, we unanimously agreed that, politics has abruptly become a “business venture” to most Nigerian politicians. But at last, I succeeded in convincing them that there’s a way forward to such ugly scenario; though time and space may not permit me to disclose the candid opinion I submitted to that assembly (forum) which was made-up of fully learned men and women from different parts of Imo State.

Please, kindly pardon the digression, though it was consequential and relevant because, any work or piece without a preamble (preface) or prologue as the case may be, might not be comprehensible to the entire audience or observers. My paramount desire in anything I say or do is to ensure that everyone understands my language or footstep respectively. Let’s ride on!

On Thursday January 23 - 2014, a remarkable history was recorded in Oru East Local Government Area (LGA). It was the day a new Transition Committee (TC) Chairman was inaugurated for the said LGA, alongside other LGAs in Imo State, by the Governor of the State, Chief Rochas Okorocha. An inauguration that was long awaited by the entire people of Oru East due to the implicit respect they have for the appointee, Barr. Obinna Augustus Amagwula.

No doubt, a tangible history was made on that fateful day the aforementioned Barrister was sworn in. This singular opinion was due to several conclusions I’ve arrived at; from my sole observation, Hon. Amagwula is a practicing Lawyer par Excellence, an exuberant and competent youth, a gentleman to the core, and one who hails from a parental background of no questionable character. As a bona-fide indigene of Oru-East, Awo-Omamma precisely which the person in question also hails from, I’m in a good and better position to observe every bit of his person or image.

                                   Hon. Amagwula Addressing His People After His Inauguration

Of course with no atom of skepticism, a young man who single-handedly cited the “Imo Anthem” to his people’s delight during the occasion of his assumption of office at the Council headquarters – Omuma on Monday 27th January – 2014, deserves to be addressed as an ‘exuberant and competent’ youth. I also want to bring to your notice that Hon. Amagwula who’s the Chairman of the Coalition of Imo State Lawyers based in Abuja, was a member of the Counsel that brought the recent victory to the eminent Governor of Imo State at the Apex Court, by the special grace of the Almighty. In the same vein, he has been crowned by his people as the youngest serving TC – Chairman in the whole of Imo State. And if properly checked, he ought to be one of the youngest Council Chairmen, if not the youngest, that has ever been produced in Imo State. These and more are some of the reasons the people of Oru East see him as the right person that can deliver the Council or that would lead the Council to its desired promise-land. Suffice to say that, they’ve tagged him as the “Moses” of their time. No wonder, the overall members of Oru Youths Platform (OYOPLA), an umbrella body for all the youths in Oru Ancient Kingdom - which comprises of Oru East/West LGAs, addressed the recognition as “Placing a round peg in a round hole”. Mind you, I’m not eulogizing anyone here; frankly I’m just earning my view based on my observation as a concerned social analyst.

At this juncture, I wish to unequivocally use this avenue to submit my candid note (advice) to my newly inaugurated TC – Chairman, Hon. Barr. Obinna Amagwula, if truly he wants his administration to yield the best so far. The proposed advice is also applicable to other TC – Chairmen in Imo State.

First and foremost, I urge him to be a forgiving leader. He should be willing to forgive people at all times; most especially, those whom must have wronged him at the long-run. Thus, he ought to endeavour to give everyone a sense of belonging.

Secondly, he should be very observant. He’s expected to know every bit of what’s happening in the Council in its entirety. Therefore, he must stretch out his tentacles to the lengths and breadths of all the six major towns comprising of ninety Autonomous Communities that make up the LGA. So, he’s expected to increase his level of sensitivity, but ought to pay less attention to inconsequential and trivial issues. Most importantly, he must beware of sycophants.

Thirdly, he ought to grant all his subjects a listening ear; most especially, members of his Transition Committee (TC). I urge him to carry everyone along, thus, must shun any iota of segregation. Listen to everything, but don’t utilize or make use of all.

Fourthly, I expect my Honourable Chairman to be tolerant at all occasions. Please Sir, welcome every advice or comment from the opposition, the elders, present and past leaders of the Council, your fellow youths; even the children or toddlers are not left out. Please keep your door widely open for criticisms because they must surely surface. Criticism, antagonism, sycophancy, rumour mongering and what have you, are natural; they’re as old as the world, if not older. Even Christ was criticized. Nevertheless, bear it in mind that constructive criticism is a worthwhile gesture; it enables any administration or government to grow adequately. Let’s proceed!

Fifthly, he should always be courageous. Never he embrace despair irrespective of the circumstance. Lately, I’ve come to realize that, despair is one of the grievous sins, if not the worst, in existence. So my dear brother and friend, do not allow any pressure or distraction becloud your reasoning faculty or sense of reasoning.

Inter alia, I sincerely urge him to be transparent. As a leader that is largely accepted by his people which is not unconnected to how the members of the Council turned out en masse on the day he assumed duty, he should invariably come closer to them, so that, they can easily access him. He ought to run an open door policy to enable his people know him too well. Be open to all; do not despise any person or group regardless of age, background or status. On this note, you should constantly and consistently call for an Assembly which must involved every member of the Council including the opposition. Such gesture would be an avenue where everybody would be expected to earn his/her view. You would also use the medium to inform them on what your administration has done so far, and the way forward.

Above all, he should often endeavour to wear a human face whenever he’s with his people or addressing any issue, no matter how sad or devastating the matter might be. Thus, I sincerely urge him to always control his emotions. In other words, let his emotions be under his control. I’m not a lawyer, but I wish to rest my case at this point. A word is enough for the wise.

My able and impeccable Chairman, I’m of the view that, if you wholly absorb the above note, Oru East LGA which has been known for years to be a byword for sycophancy and hypocrisy, would be an LGA to positively reckon with in near future. Honestly you require nothing but the best out of this concernment because this is just your stepping stone. Besides, you don’t deserve any honour such as “Second Best”; rather, what you deserve is “Second to None”.

Don’t forget; each time you wake up from sleep, endeavour to ask yourself, “how would my name sound to my people today?” Think about it, while I continue to pray for you, your administration and the entire Oru East!

_____________________

FRED NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com