2014 Int'l Day of Democracy (Aired Newstalk)

A CLARION CALL FOR ERADICATION OF CORRUPTION AS THE WORLD MARKS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY, TODAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

Everyone detests with passion seeing his/her voice or speech swept under the carpet. In the same vein, it’s extremely painful and devastating for one to be deprived of his freedom of speech in any circumstance or arena he finds himself. And, this characteristic known as ‘Freedom of Speech’ remains the most distinct feature finds in democracy.

According to BBC English Dictionary, democracy is ‘a system of government or organization in which the citizens or members choose leaders or make other important decisions by voting.’ The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines it as ‘a fair and equal treatment of everyone in an organization or any group of persons, and their right to take part in making decisions’.

In Political Science, democracy is defined as ‘the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ From my personal perspective, democracy is the slogan or anthem of a certain organization that is being cited or sung, and understood by the entire members of the organization or union.

Frankly, democracy of any country is the prerogative of the people that make-up the country; therefore ought to be duly sustained because it’s no doubt a welcome development. Thus, any democratic state is expected to be maintained at all costs, owing to the fact that any practice that gives peace to those concerned requires adequate sustenance.

It is appalling that in most developing nations such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and what have you, democracy has suffered from enormous maltreatment due to corruption. Without mincing words, corruption has remained a blood-sucking cankerworm in the democratic dispensation of numerous countries in the world.

Corruption has indeed hampered the socio-economic and political growth of several nations thereby constituting nuisance to the available human and natural resources of the nations in question. Surely, the various lingering uncalled and questionable attitudes such as personal aggrandizement, nepotism, election rigging, abuse of human rights and rule of law, misappropriation of public funds as well as impunity of most political office holders in a country like Nigeria is solely attributed to corruption. In a nutshell, unequivocally, corruption has obviously rendered so many countries incapacitated, all in the name of ‘democracy’.

Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. On the contrary, Nigeria as a country has failed to uphold this philosophy. This is why the youth are no longer the major dominance of the country’s political arena, as it was during the postcolonial era.

In spite of Nigeria’s bureaucratic nature, the youth cannot boast of at least twenty-five percent (25%) participation in her political strive. Rather, the old men who started the game have vowed to die in service thereby endangering thorough participation of the youth that are regarded as the most productive class, which is purely contrary to the mandate of the United Nations. These and many more factors presently found in the democratic setting of many nations in the world are products of corruption.

Today Monday September 15, the world over is commemorating the 2014 International Day of Democracy. The Day which is annually celebrated was adopted on November 8, 2007 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. In its resolution in 2007, the General Assembly, which believes that human rights and the rule of law are best protected in democratic societies, encouraged governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy and also decided that 15^th of September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy.

The Int’l Day of Democracy was first celebrated in the year 2008. The UN General Assembly recognized that the year 2008 marked the 20^th anniversary of the first International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which gave people a chance to focus on promoting and consolidating democracy worldwide. The event which featured various activities was used to raise public awareness about democracy.

The theme of this year’s commemoration which is tagged ‘Engaging young people in Democracy’ is expected to highlight the challenges and opportunities of young people engaging in democratic processes. It is obvious that people between the ages of 15 and 25 constitute a fifth of the world’s population; statistics has that the proportion is even higher in many developing countries. Yet, several studies show declining faith among young people in politics, with decreasing levels of participation in elections, political parties and socio-cultural organizations across the globe. This apathy applies to both established and emerging democratic states.

As the world marks the Int’l Day of Democracy today, I’m sincerely calling on all concerned civil societies or institutions for total eradication of corruption in our democratic system, through sensitization of the youth as well as promotion of freedom of speech among the electorates, so that, the citizenry of every democratic state shall live to benefit the real dividend of democracy. The time to act is now!

  

      COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Social activist

_______________________________

              +2348054719437  

 

              

Demise of Constituency Briefing By Legislators

 THE ABRUPT DEMISE OF CONSTITUENCY BRIEFING BY NIGERIAN LEGISLATORS

Greetings brethren! Believe me; sometimes, Dementia which is a serious mental disorder caused by brain disease or injury that affects negatively the ability to think, recollect, and behave normally, could be attributed to a mark of spell or spiritual origin.

In the same vein; Stroke which is a medical condition mainly caused by the disorderliness of the nervous system of the sufferer could as well be as a result of an evil/insincere deed committed by the patient, which is generally referred to as nemesis or repercussion.

Surely, it is no longer news that insincerity has suddenly become the order of the day among most Nigerian politicians. This is the reason most of them will never give you ‘A’ having emerged victorious at the polls, in spite of the fact that they had promised to give you ‘A’ during the campaign era.  Suffice to say; various Nigerian politicians could be referred to as ‘Wolves under sheep clothing’ or, ‘green snakes under green grasses’. In a nutshell, they are unpredictable; therefore, could be regarded as Chameleons.

I’ve always wondered in my lonely mood why we’ve decided to murder or crucify our consciences. Right now, I’m thinking aloud so that anyone with a reasonable and tangible answer could kindly tender it to me, because I can’t continue to feel pains in silence. I’m of the view that, dying in silence ought to be tagged as one of the worst sins ever.

But is it true that some persons’ consciences are dead, or could it be described as a countenance parading a false pretence? Though personally, I don’t think one’s conscience can be murdered in any way or by any means. Thus, every conscience lives till the death or eternal demise of the bearer. If you have a contrary view, please feel free to disprove my opinion; after all, we’re all bound to encounter ignorance.

Please, kindly pardon my digression, for I’ve derailed in this edition. The theme of today’s crusade remains, ‘The abrupt demise of Constituency Briefing among Nigerian Legislators.’ Demise is simply the end or non-existence of something/someone. In the same spirit; Constituency briefing is a situation whereby an elected member of a certain House of assembly gives his/her score-card or informs his/her electorates on what he/she has been able to achieve within a given period of time, which usually takes place annually or as it pleases the elected officer. Let’s ride on!

Frankly, without mincing words, it is disheartening to notice that most of the present days legislators or law makers in Nigeria have thrown constituency briefing to the dustbin contrary to how the practice was being observed in the past, thereby endangering the healthiness of their constituencies.

Constituency briefing, in its real sense, was initiated by the past politicians (legislators) to enable them create a cordial relationship with their respective electorates. Also, it is an avenue through which the legislator is expected to know and note the pressing needs of his/her electorates or constituents. But presently, the remarkable scenario (platform) has been abused profoundly due to the selfishness or self-centeredness of most of the politicians in question.

Why should there be constituency briefing when the constituency allowance or the allocation granted for the developmental thrives of a particular constituency is now comfortably utilized with impunity as a fund meant for the development of the immediate family of the legislator? It is even more pathetic that a legislator cannot boast of having sponsored or co-sponsored just a bill or motion on the floor of the House. So why should there be a constituency briefing when the legislator involved has virtually nothing to tell his/her constituents, or to boast of?

Brethren, why have our Representatives in the Upper and Lower Chambers as well as Members of the State House of Assemblies chosen to bring disgrace to our polity? Most of them have spent over twelve years in the House without a single Constituency briefing. Legislation which I personally consider as the most respected arm of government has abruptly been reduced to a thing of mockery by many of our politicians or so-called law makers. It is really quite appalling.

At this juncture; I urge every one of us to wake up as we are about embracing another era of elections. The members of the various recognized political parties are expected to search their consciences while selecting the flag bearers of their parties. And mind you; I would advise you to concentrate on the personality and background of the aspirants while taking this decision.

Above all, those who would be legible to vote come 2015 ought to ensure that they are not disfranchised in any way because their votes remain their prerogative. And while casting their votes, they must also ensure that they vote wisely, and that their votes count. Thank God, the masses are now the prime determinant of the fate of any election. Needless to say; we now have the chances of electing who we actually want.    

Beloved, since the era of thuggery is gradually coming to an end, please do not make any attempt of selling your vote to anyone, so that, you won’t have the chances of encountering an unforeseen state of spiritual dementia. Think about it!

 

FRED NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com

   

        

2014 International Literacy Day (Aired News-Commentary)

CHECKING THE DANGERS OF ILLITERACY AS THE WORLD COMMEMORATES THE INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY, TODAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

   

According to BBC English Dictionary, Literacy is ‘the ability to read and write’. Over the years, there have been several definitions of literacy by various schools of thought. In some quarters, it is described as a fundamental right and a foundation for lifetime learning, better well-being and livelihoods. 

Surely, literacy is a driver for sustainable and inclusive development. It is a tool for personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. In the same vein, it is an instrument of empowerment to improve one’s health, income and his/her relationship with the world.

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for alleviating poverty, eradicating child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality, as well as ensuring sustainable development, peace and functional democracy. Thus, educational opportunities and other academic prowess depend solely on literacy.

Honestly, we need to be able to read and write in order to get through our basic daily tasks or activities, such as writing a shopping list, gaining admission into any school, and securing a job opportunity. No doubt, literacy opens up a window of opportunities to every one of us; and it is very essential to our individual and national developments.

Since it is only a literate community otherwise known as a dynamic community that has the ability to exchange ideas and engage in debate, it is of no need saying that literacy is the only tool that can guarantee a healthy and hearty living, and an encouraging development among mankind.

Illiteracy, however, is an obstacle to a better quality of life. As a societal cankerworm, it has yielded several uncalled and inconsequential stigmatizations among humanity, both in the past and present, thereby leading to series of unimaginable and uncontrollable violence or crises.

Indeed many people in the world have derailed in their various pursuits due to illiteracy. An illiterate person, whom is considered as a vulnerable being, is exposed to numerous maltreatments or abuses, including humiliation, stigmatization, intimidation, extortion, drug abuse, just to mention but a few.

Frankly, the dangers of illiteracy cannot be overemphasized; it has led to several social, economic, cultural, religious, and political mayhem at various levels of human endeavours. Unequivocally, illiteracy has subjected humanity to uncountable vices, and has remained the major cause of the increasing rate of abject poverty as well as several severe illnesses which often result to the death of the victims.

Taking cognizance of the fact that over 775 million adults in the world lack minimum education, coupled with the acknowledgement of the real dangers of illiteracy in any society, the commemoration of the International Literacy Day came into existence by the effort of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The International Literacy Day was proclaimed on November 17, 1965 by UNESCO; it was first celebrated in 1966. The aim of adopting the initiative was to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals and the international community at large; and to raise public awareness on the extraordinary value of the written words coupled with the necessity to promote a literate society.

Today Monday September 8, 2014, the world over is commemorating the International Literacy Day as stipulated by the United Nations. It is a day that calls for the promotion of literacy at all levels in order to totally eradicate the lingering dangers of illiteracy across the globe.

For over sixty-six (66) years, UNESCO has worked tirelessly to ensure that literacy remains a priority on national and international agendas through its formal and non-formal literacy programmes worldwide. Till date, the organization is earnestly striving towards realizing the vision of a literate world for all.

Part of the Millennium Development Goals regarding Universal Education is aimed at ensuring that every human being, especially a child, has the opportunity to make a better life. Unfortunately, too many children in the world today grow up without this chance because they are denied their basic right to even attend nursery or primary school.

Lessons learnt over recent years have shown that, meeting the goal of universal literacy calls not only for more effective efforts but also for renewed political wills, and for doing things differently at all levels – locally, nationally and internationally, irrespective of the challenges that might be faced.

As the world marks the annual Int’l Literacy Day today being September 8, we are expected to contribute our quota towards ensuring that everyone around us understands the essence of having a literate society which would go a long way to combat the various dangers of illiteracy that is earnestly tarnishing our socio-economic image. ‘A stitch in time saves nine!’

  

      COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Social activist

_______________________________

              +2348054719437