My Candid Letter to All Imolites

MY CANDID LETTER TO IMOLITES: A CLARION CALL TO VOTE WISELY

        

Dear Imolites, I sincerely bring you greetings from the powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no need withholding some facts since the majority of us belong to the same religious faith; I’m referring to the “Jesus Christ” I mentioned above. Of course it was used because it is no longer news that the generality of Imolites comprised of Christians or members of the Christendom.

Fellow Compatriots, frankly life is all about learning from yesterday, living for today and hoping for tomorrow. In the same vein, there comes a point in our lives when we realize who really matters, who never did, and who always will. That is to say; as we learn from our past, live for today as well as hope for or be optimistic over the incoming days, we ought to endeavour to stick mainly to those who will always matter in our precious lives. I sincerely tender my unalloyed apology for the digression, though the prelude was consequential. Meanwhile, let’s hit the nail on the head.

The caption of this open letter bears “A clarion call to vote wisely.” This implies that the letter, which is designated for my fellow beloved Imolites, has to do with the fast approaching gubernatorial cum State Houses of Assembly election. Apparently, it is only a dummy that is yet to acknowledge that the said polls are already by the corner or at our doorsteps.

I’m not here to preach a ponderous sermon; rather I came here to tender only but a gospel truth. Thus I promise to summarize the overall content of the epistle. You would recall that in my last edition on this very platform, I did a work concerning the ongoing “Church interference in electoral matters”, which I also tagged as an epistle. In respect to that critique, I must tell you that this is exactly the right and ripe time our noble society requires the paramount and sacrosanct services of the church.

Taking Imo State as a case study, the church is expected to preach to entire Imolites the gospel truth. And the gospel truth is nothing but to let them know that they are meant to vote wisely and judiciously. Surely, the church is supposed to tell Imolites the basic criteria they ought to concentrate on regarding the idiosyncrasy of the various aspirants, while casting their votes. And the time to do so is now.

In my individual capacity, I thought it wise that as a Public Affairs analyst and Civil Rights activist, I’ve a very vital and cogent role to play as regards the aforementioned forthcoming political exercise. And my role is to tell Imolites that they are meant to vote wisely. But I can’t just ask them to vote wisely without letting them know the prerequisite that guarantees a wise vote, or what they are required to do to ensure that they wisely participate in the said election. And that is the prime essence of this letter. Let’s ride on!

My dear people of Imo State - the Eastern Heartland, as we are prepared to vote come April 11, 2015, I urge us to consider four basic factors critically while assessing the various candidates stipulated to participate in the polls. The factors are antecedent, vision, tolerance, and party affiliation.    

One’s antecedent is his/her background. Your background is your past. And your past includes, parental background, qualifications, accomplishments, and of course your previous public conducts. It is obvious that each of the candidates has a distinct background; therefore we must squarely assess theirs, one after the other. For those among them who have served in one public/political position or the other, we must thoroughly ascertain what they were able to accomplish or achieve while serving in such positions. Antecedents, I repeat is very, very necessary and paramount in a situation like this, thus must not be taken for granted.

Secondly, anyone who intends to serve us either as a governor or legislator as the case may be is expected to have a vision. Rather than concentrating on their so-called manifestoes that seem far-fetched, we should ask them to present to us how they intend to actualize their intentions; and that where mission comes in. I extensively wrote on ‘Vision and Mission’ in one of my previous pieces, which I tagged as “Interwoven veritable tools”. Believe me; a vision without an intended or proposed mission is simply worthless. So we must be extremely careful while assessing their visions.  

Most importantly, let’s discuss tolerance. Take it or leave it, a leader that lacks tolerance doesn’t worth being addressed as one. In other words, a prospective leader who lacks tolerance doesn’t worth giving an iota of space or chance to lead. Tolerance is the quality of letting other people say or do as it pleases them, even though you do not agree or approve of it. Suffice to say; tolerance is the ability to accommodate offensive opinion or action from anyone. I put it up to you that a leader must be tolerant irrespective of the nature of the leadership position.

Let me take you back to what transpired few days ago at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja during the collation of the results of the just concluded Presidential election from the various states of the federation as they were being presented by the respective returning officers on Tuesday March 31. On that fateful day, having granted the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe the privilege to observe as requested by him, he derailed profoundly while enjoying the privilege. In his observation, he called the INEC boss, Prof Attahiru Jega names, stating that the man in question was partial, biased, tribalistic, and illogical. Surely Prof Jega was tolerant enough over the opprobrium constituted by the unscrupulous politico, which was condemned by every rational person present at the occasion. I commend the high level of maturity exhibited by the Chairman of the electoral umpire; that is one of the most fundamental qualities of a good leader. This is why I personally dedicate the peaceful outcome of the said polls to Prof Jega having dedicated it to God Almighty.

Inter alia, I enjoin us to think beyond party affiliation while assessing the candidates because if we concentrate on their political parties, we would stand to make an indelible mistake; let’s concentrate on the individuality or eligibility of the candidates. This aspect was made clear in one of my past works captioned “Thinking beyond party politicking”. Please let’s be concerned with what the aspirant would offer if he eventually emerged victorious; and this could be seen from his past or present conducts, not the political party he belongs as we presume.

My people, we can’t afford to fail Imo State, therefore we must endeavour to do it rightly just as we are known for. A typical Igbo man would say: Eku cha kwa la’m, onye nwere nti nuru. Meaning; I’ve said it all, he who has ears should hear.  At this juncture I say; let’s stick to those who will always matter in our precious lives. Think about it!

 

 

FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

Church Interference in Electoral Matters

CHURCH INTERFERENCE IN ELECTORAL MATTERS

 

The hilarious nature of a certain circumstance might make one to behave childishly; thus, hilarity could be misleading. Notwithstanding, it pays to appear differently sometimes.

I must be unequivocal while tendering my critique in this piece if I sincerely wish to actualize the primary object of the aforementioned theme. In other words; for posterity sake, I’m expected to be candid. I pray no witch or wizard would make me truncate the anticipated whole content of this epistle.

Yes I call it an ‘Epistle’ because it is a sort of open letter I was directed by the holy ghost to send to the leaders of the Christendom in its entirety, which I am a bona-fide member. I write as a concerned individual being a member of the above mentioned global community.

Surely if I truly cherish the said family, I’m expected to do anything humanly possible to ensure that normalcy is restored whenever I see the leaders whom we address as ‘spiritual and ordained men’ derail or act outrageously. Believe me, no single member of this holy entity can afford to witness our cherished and God-sent spiritual overseers dancing Hi-life music when we expect them to dance to the tune of Country song. Well, that’s by the way. Let’s go straightly to the point.

Electoral matters, in a concise term, are issues relating to political pursuits or strides. It is obvious that politics as a profession is definitely as old as the world, if not older. This implies that there is an element of politics in any living individual regardless of his or her affiliation. On the other hand, we ought not to forget that politics is a distinct profession meant for or being practised by a group of persons.

Suffice to say; everyone belongs or is affiliated to a certain profession irrespective of age. And every profession is strictly designed for a given purpose, all for the betterment of mankind. But the annoying part is the situation whereby someone would interfere to other people’s profession or transcend to one that doesn’t match his/hers, or one that is totally contrary to his/her calling. Let’s ride on!

To commence with; the church is a holistic institution meant for the liberation of mankind from all forms of bondage or to strengthen or uplift one’s faith as well as bring him nearer to his salvation. Considering the current political situation in Nigeria, you would notice that most church leaders or clergy men have either stylishly or wholly ventured into the situation in question thereby generating strident sounds or series of unwarranted cacophony.

The duty of the church in a scenario like this is to pray vehemently and vigorously for the various persons involved and the nation at large; but on the contrary, you would observe that most of the so-called men of God have gotten it wrongly. Some have completely delved into politics, unknowingly or deliberately, all in the name of ‘Monitoring the politicos in order to create a conducive environment for the ordinary people.’ This is exactly the hilarious nature of the ongoing scenario, which had succeeded in making my person laugh childishly.

If I may ask; when did the church abruptly turned to a civil society? If the church is never a civil society organization, then how can their leaders be acting like frontiers of a civil group? I’m just thinking aloud. For crying out loudly, the role of the church in any given society is plain and boldly written; it is meant to sanctify, pray, advise, and above all, liberate the members of the concerned society.

In this regard, personally I’m of the view that the idea of a church organizing debate for political aspirants is totally out of play. Rather, a church could be invited over to observe or better still sanctify a certain political debate or gathering, but not standing in as the organizer or the chief host. Every institution or organization has a calling, or is called for a particular purpose; and as its pursuit progresses, it is expected to adhere strictly to the motive of the said calling, so that it won’t be abused.

I want to disabuse us of the notion or intuition that the President of a country has the right to preach gospel to the congregation in any church he worships since he is the ‘Number one’ citizen of his country. Being the number one in that country doesn’t make him a clergy man, or vice-versa; therefore mustn’t be seen as one who can fit in such position unless he is as well qualified. There are no two ways about it. 

Without mincing words, the recent interference of the church in political/electoral matters has really succeeded in constituting nuisance to our noble nation, thus such unwarranted and appalling attitude must be put on hold to avoid an astonishing catastrophe. I’m quite sure you wouldn’t need an exegesis for this critique. Think about it!    

 

COMR FRED D.N NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

2015 World Tuberculosis Day

CHECKING THE MENACE OF TUBERCULOSIS AS THE WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY IS COMMEMORATED TODAY TUESDAY MARCH 24, 2015

Tuberculosis popularly known as TB is an infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules or tubercles in the human respiratory organs, especially the lungs. It is a curable communicable infection that is transmitted by inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of a carrier or an infected person.

Tuberculosis (TB) mainly affects the lungs, though it can affect any other part of the body, including the glands, bones, and nervous system. Typical symptoms of TB include a persistent cough that last more than three weeks and usually brings up phlegm which may be bloody, loss of weight, high temperature or fever, night sweats, tiredness and fatigue, loss of appetite, overstayed swellings, among others.

TB is generally caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which could be found in food, water or unsafe environment. The type that affects the lungs is the most contagious type, but it usually spreads after prolonged exposure to someone with the illness. Most times, it is transmitted within family members who live in the same house.

In most healthy people the immune system, which is the body’s natural defence against infections or illnesses, kills the bacteria thereby making the patient free from any form of symptom. Sometimes the immune system cannot kill the bacteria, but manages to prevent it spreading in the body of the carrier; this means the carrier in question would not have any symptoms but the bacteria will remain in his or her body. This mode of infection is known as Latent TB.

If the immune system fails to kill or contain the infection, it can spread within the lungs or other parts of the body, and symptoms will develop within a few weeks or months. This is known as Active TB. Latent TB could develop into an active TB infection at a later date, particularly if the patient’s immune system becomes weakened. It is estimated that, about one-third of the world’s population is currently infected with latent TB; of these, up to ten percent (10%) is expected to become active at some point.

It is important to note that someone suffering from HIV/AIDS or any immune-deficiency disease is at a higher risk of contracting tuberculosis, especially when the person is not placed on a proper diet. Thus, a HIV patient is expected to go for TB test from time to time.

Several tests are used to diagnose tuberculosis, depending on the type suspected. The most common types include, chest X-ray, Mantoux test, urine and blood tests, biopsy, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan; and in some cases, lumbar puncture may be recommended. Some of the diagnoses are implored in a case of Pulmonary TB, some are applied in cases of Extrapulmonary TB, whilst lumbar puncture is specifically used to ascertain if the TB has infected the central nervous system i.e. the brain and spinal cord, of the patient.  

Pulmonary tuberculosis is the type that affects mainly the lungs, while extrapulmonary TB is used to describe the type that occurs outside the lungs. Any of the above types has the tendency of affecting the brain or spinal cord of the carrier.

Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a vaccine for tuberculosis disease. Many foreign-born persons have been BCG-vaccinated. BCG is used in many countries with a high prevalence of TB to prevent childhood TB meningitis and miliary disease. Though, the vaccine is meant only for selected individuals who have met specific criteria and in consultation with a TB expert. For instance, BCG vaccination ought not to be administered to persons who are immuno-suppressed such as HIV patients or persons who are likely to become immuno-compromised like someone who is a candidate for organ transplant.

In the same vein, BCG vaccination is not meant to be taken during pregnancy. Even though no harmful effects of BCG vaccination on the fetus have been observed or detected, further studies are needed to prove its safety in the body of a pregnant woman.

It is noteworthy that, tuberculosis can be cured. In some cases, the carriers would need a course of antibiotics, usually for six months. Several different antibiotics are used; this is because some forms of TB are resistant to certain antibiotics. If one is infected with a drug-resistant form of TB, treatment can last as long as two years or thereabouts.

Tuberculosis is a contagious air-borne disease. Someone suffering from the infection is not supposed to share household materials like spoon, fake, cup, and what have you, with anyone until he is totally cured. He is also required to always endeavour to cover his mouth with handkerchief whenever he coughs, to avoid spreading the bacteria to his immediate environment or transmitting it to anyone around him.

If one is in close contact with a carrier of tuberculosis, it is recommendable to carry out tests on him or her to see if he/she has also been infected with the disease. These can include a chest x-ray, blood tests, as well as a skin test called the Mantoux screening test. This measure is often significant, so that if necessary, the person can receive treatment alongside the original carrier of the disease.

Today Tuesday March 24, the world over is commemorating the 2015 World Tuberculosis Day. The annual World Tuberculosis Day, which was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and duly adopted by the United Nations (UN), is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by WHO. March 24 was chosen to commemorate the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch astounded the scientific community by announcing to a small group of scientists at the University of Berlin’s Institute of Hygiene that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis known as the TB bacillus.

The World Tuberculosis Day is aimed at building public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. According to UN, survey shows that in the year 2012, about 8.6 million people fell ill with TB and 1.3 million of the said carriers died of the disease, mostly in the Third World countries or developing nations such as Nigeria.

As the global community marks the World Tuberculosis Day, there is an urgent need for every Nigerian, both home and in the Diaspora, to acknowledge that the societal menace of tuberculosis cannot be overemphasized and that, it is indeed a contagious and deadly disease. On this note, we ought to continually ensure that whatever we eat or drink is thoroughly boiled or washed as the case might be and also endeavour to keep our nostrils away from unwanted environmental particles such as dust and what have you.

Also, we should bear in mind that intake of vaccine, if and when necessary, is a pathway towards embracing a TB-free society. Therefore, government and other health stakeholders should encourage the entire citizenry to ensure that they are vaccinated against TB by ensuring that the BCG vaccine is regularly made available within their reach in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

Above all, we should not forget that this ongoing crusade is a civic responsibility of every sane individual irrespective of his/her affiliation. Think about it!    

 

FRED Doc Ndu NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056