What's Okorocha up to?

WHAT IS OKOROCHA UP TO?

       The last time I checked, the highly revered Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha had ordered that modalities should be worked out towards ensuring that three thousand (3,000) graduates from the state are recruited into the state’s civil service. He gave the instruction penultimate two weeks, precisely on Thursday 27^th October 2016, in Owerri, the state capital while swearing-in the new Chairman of the state’s Civil Service Commission in the person of Mr. Bonaventure Ibebuike.

       The number one citizen, however, directed that the prospective beneficiaries of the proposed exercise must be computer-literate, and fall between the age bracket of 20 and 30. It’s noteworthy that the directive was not unconnected with one of the key resolutions reached by the state’s Executive Council (SEC) during its meeting held on Friday 2^nd September 2016 at the Ndubuisi Kanu Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri. In the said resolution, the SEC agreed that five graduates per ward, from the existing 305 political wards in the state, would be employed to beef up the state’s civil service.

       I still want to reiterate what I stated when the resolution was released two months ago. The state’s civil service is arguably not in need of more employees at the moment. We need to learn to handle issues one after the other. That’s what Economics recognizes as ‘Scale of Preference’; it begets the ability to acknowledge what ought to be placed as a priority. What the Imo civil service requires presently is to address the lingering predicaments such as payment of salaries, frauds among the public servants, and what have you.

       Making out plan to engage more employees is not unlike trying to overlook reality. The reality of the day, which isn’t peculiar to Imo State, remains that there’s no sufficient funds to pay workers. Then, if the above assertion holds water, why would we think about how to recruit more hands when those already in the system are crying foul? Doesn’t it seem like a paradox? Of course, I can’t reconcile the scenario, neither can any other person.

       Let’s get the analysis right. No one is saying that thousands of our young graduates among others, if not millions, are not jobless. No one is equally saying that this set of individuals doesn’t need job desperately. The factual point is that, there’s currently no iota of space for employment anywhere in Nigeria, if we must tell ourselves the gospel truth. Nigeria, likewise any state across the federation, is in shambles right now, thus yearning for rescue. Even if states like Lagos and Rivers try to pretend that they are not affected by the ongoing economic recession, realists like us are not unaware that they are just suffering smiling. The bitter truth is that, most states even wish to retrench many of their workers to ease burden, and Imo isn’t exceptional.

       I tell you unequivocally that, if we must overcome the present economic situation, everyone must try to be a realist, because it would take only realists to turn the sorrow into praises. Hence, governments at all levels are as well required to enroll in the famous school of thought known as ‘realism’. It’s true that virtually everyone, particularly Africans, shies away from the school in question because it takes only courageous person to be a member of the institution.

       It’s simply because Dr. Goodluck Jonathan ceased to face reality that made him not to be successful when he was the President of Nigeria. He publicly stated that corruption was never the major problem faced by the country; such belief alone was one of the prime reasons he failed. This is why I still believe in President Buhari-led administration, because the man at the helm of affairs seems to be a realist.

       Back to Imo State; I want Governor Okorocha to jettison this intent and concentrate on the priority. Pronouncing the intent alone, would raise the people’s expectations. And such high expectation is liable to generate more crisis or pandemonium if the government failed to fulfill the mandate. Government shouldn’t make pronouncement just to receive an overwhelming applause from the citizens; rather, it is expected to foresee the implications of any proclamation in the long run.

       Everyone is definitely bound to err, let alone a leader that is surrounded by several distractions as well as too many forces – both visible and invisible. What matters is not how much we erred, but the ability to realize that we have derailed in order to make amends. If engaging more workers into the state’s civil service has become so compelling, let the government first consider retiring those workers whom are due for retirement but had refused to go home owing to falsification of age. Flushing such persons out would create enormous employment opportunities.

        Besides, the Imo workers are not happy as regards their salaries. Currently, they receive 70% of their respective wages whilst 30% is being used to service the government’s concernments. What about the pensioners who are being owed for several months? If the government has all these issues to address, why is it planning to introduce more Imolites into the hot zone, all in the name of beefing up the civil service or rescuing the jobless youths?

        Before someone gets my analysis wrongly, let it be on record that I have never wished Gov. Okorocha bad since he became the governor of Imo State. Let it equally be on record that the said leader remains the first Nigerian politician to gain my support as an aspirant of a political position. I’m not pro-Okorocha neither am I anti-Okorocha; I’ve always stood on a neutral ground. As a gifted analyst cum activist, I truly comprehend the essence of clapping when necessary as well as criticizing if need be. In other words, I’ve always done my work to please my conscience.

        As a true stakeholder in the state, all I pray and seek for is, for the state to witness tremendous success in all her worthwhile endeavours, but it’s pertinent to note that such success cannot be holistically recorded if the governor’s policies and ideas are unhealthy, or not coherent. Think about it!

Comr. Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador            

        

The Recalled Royal Fathers, Et al

THE RECALLED ROYAL FATHERS, OTHERS

       The last time I checked, seven out of the ten suspended traditional rulers in Imo state had been reinstated by the state governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha. The gesture was made known to the public penultimate week, precisely on Wednesday 26^th October 2016. The names of the beneficiaries are: Eze Ben Nwaneri of Owubinubi Autonomous Comm. in Ikeduru LGA; Eze Clifford Amadi of Amawuihe Comm. in Mbaitolu LGA; Eze Chinedu Osuebi of Azara Obiato Comm. also in Mbaitolu LGA; Eze D.O. Izim of Umunkwo Comm. in Isiala-Mbano LGA; Eze A.E. Durueburuo of Okwudo Comm. in Njaba LGA; Eze V.O. Ahamefule of Oboro-Amurie Comm. in Isu LGA; and Eze Innocent Ikejiofor of Amandugba Comm. equally in Isu LGA.

       It’s noteworthy that, the other three royal fathers to include Eze Reginald Obetiti of Nguru Autonomous Community in Aboh-mbaise LGA, Eze Akujuobi Osuagwu of Awaka Community in Owerri-North LGA, and Eze Ugonna Iriele of Ogberuru Community in Orlu LGA, remain suspended till further notice.

       It was gathered that the reinstatement was informed by the unalloyed apology tendered to the governor by the affected traditional custodians. Suffice it to say that the three others whom are yet to be recalled couldn’t tender any apology to the number one citizen, or that their apologies, if any, were yet to be considered.

       It would be recalled that few months ago, July 2016 to be precise, the ten traditional rulers were indefinitely suspended by the state governor, alleging that they were guilty of partisan politics, indiscipline and rebellion. Though we weren’t told what exactly they did, the report had it that they participated in active and partisan politics which was against the constitution binding their confraternity.

       The statement therein ordered the Commissioner for Community Government Council (CGC) and Traditional Institution to retrieve their ‘ezeship’ certificates and staffs of office without further delay. Since then, the affected royal fathers ceased to be addressed as ‘Traditional Rulers’ by any of their subjects or anyone whatsoever, not until penultimate week when the governor thought it wise to release seven of them from the prolonged bondage.

       Like I earlier stated in the piece I did the moment the royal fathers were outrightly suspended, what didn’t augur well for my person was the aspect of not minding to notify the imolites, and of course the general public, the actual wrongdoing the alleged deviants were involved in. at least, that would have ease tension among the overall populace, the members of the affected autonomous communities in particular.

       In the best interest of the state at large, Imolites would have loved to be intimated on what really transpired that was at the expense of the aforesaid law coupled with the wellbeing of the state. it’s understandable that most of these supposed royal fathers have resorted to indulging themselves in institutional politics, which is completely contrary to their calling, but it would have been wise for the government to tell us where, when, and how they were allegedly found guilty.

       However, since it has been claimed that some of them tendered unreserved apology, there is no need trying to ascertain if they were truly guilty of the allegation. But if the seven rescued royal fathers never submitted any apology, then I smell something fishy, because I see no reason the ‘amnesty’ granted to them should be one-sided. The other three cannot be left out if the rescued seven didn’t tender any apology as claimed.

       Come to think of it; if the rescued seven actually apologized as we were told, why did the other three find it difficult to follow suit? One question too many, I presume. Two things are apparently involved for not borrowing a leaf from their counterparts: it’s either they are egoistic, or they saw no reason they should apologize to the governor. If the latter was the case, then I tell you unequivocally that the rescued seven equally saw no reason they should apologize, but rather decided to do otherwise just to regain their freedom. If you have tasted bondage or isolation before, you would know that it pays to sacrifice anything within your reach in order to be free again. Read my lips.

       Now, I want to play the role of a mediator. I am not in any way happy that the other three are still ostracized, especially acknowledging that their counterparts have regained their freedom. In view of this, I would want the governor to play the role of a father just for peace to reign, and most importantly for the interest of the state at large. There’s no need hiding the fact that no governor or president, as the case may be, would strive successfully if he is in faceoff with the traditional rulers.

       Royal fathers are undoubtedly the bedrock of nay societal development, because they are like the building blocks on which a structure is built. If the grassroots are porous, the entire structure can never hold water. And that implies that the building is liable to collapse at any time. Let’s not get it twisted; the governor needs the overall traditional rulers to function effectively and efficiently, especially now we are concerned about returning to agriculture. This is the reason I’m deeply touched that since the governor came on board as the state’s Chief Executive Officer, he had never had it so good with the entire royal fathers. He really needs to redress this loophole in earnest before it gets out of hand.

       Meanwhile, the royal fathers on their part must as well sit up. I urge them to gather their acts together and perform actively as one indivisible body; enough of this socio-cultural divide. Don’t indulge yourselves in something that would tarnish the image of your empire. Thousands of people invariably look up to your person, so do not abuse that rare honour. Do something that would bring glory to your generation yet unborn, and not something that would break you into pieces. Don’t forget; you need the people’s cheer, not jeer. Think about it!

Comr. Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador 

   

FMC Owerri and its Endless Palaver

FMC OWERRI AND ITS ENDLESS PALAVER

        The last time I checked, the heat was really on within and outside the premises of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, the Imo State capital. This was reportedly occasioned by the rowdy protest embarked upon by the workers of the establishment. The clamour wasn’t unconnected with the reinstatement of the hospital’s embattled Medical Director (MD), Dr. Angela Uwakwem.

        It would be recalled that same time penultimate year, or thereabouts, the staff in question comprising members of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) as well as Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MAHWUN), staged a protest accusing the aforementioned MD of financial malfeasance and anti-labour policies, therein demanded for her immediate removal. Owing to the existed high level of indiscipline among the aggrieved staff, which transpired prior to the emergence of the current Health Minister – Prof. Isaac Adewale, the MD was asked to proceed on a compulsory annual leave while an ad-hoc committee was set-up to investigate the matter. In addition, an interim administration was appointed to oversee the management of the centre till further notice.

        Fascinatingly, the committee, having gone through thorough investigations, reported that there was no iota of corrupt offence traceable to the officer, or her office. It was shocking, perhaps interesting to acknowledge that the overwhelming allegation from the staff of about 2,500 individuals was considered as reckless and baseless by the panel; a revelation that triggered mixed feelings and counter-reactions from the concerned citizens, particularly Imolites.

        It’s noteworthy that, aside the allegation leveled against the MD, which contributed to both the previous and recent protests, reports equally had it that the Federal Government (FG) was making a frantic move to introduce a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the hospital towards boosting the staff strength; a proposal that was strongly rejected by the relevant organized unions of the establishment, stating that most of the workers would be redundant under the PPP regime. Though the FG later jettisoned the move, the staff were still preoccupied with the notion that they might be taken unawares. This, coupled with the alleged misappropriation of funds, has been the major reason fuelling the workers’ temper.

        Now that the ‘unwanted’ MD has been recalled following expiration of her compulsory leave and the workers insist that they don’t want her again, there must be a way out in order to restore normalcy. I’m deeply of the view that the case ought to be revisited, probably by a different panel. The members of the proposed committee must come from neutral backgrounds. I’m referring to people that can handle the issue dispassionately. Let it not be as if I’m advocating for a retrogressive approach. The truth of the matter is that, these workers cannot be wailing for nothing, because they are definitely not fools.

       Majority of the members of the affected organization, if not the overall, is fully involved in the ongoing protest; hence, we can’t just overlook their grievances. Despite the rigorous findings made by the committee members, the workers still believe they didn’t carry out the assignment effectively. We need to comprehend how radical and persistent core unionists could be if they perceived any injustice or intimidation from their supposed leader. In such circumstance, they can attain to any length to ensure that justice is done. It is on this note that I call on the concerned authorities to look inwards toward doing the needful.

        I’m also reliably informed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently on the case. According to the report, the accused officer has already been arraigned, and the matter is scheduled to be heard at Court 2 of the Imo State High Court, Owerri on November 15, 2016. If truly that the case is presently being entertained by a law court, it would be advisable for the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to remain in charge until after some vital investigations, that may be carried out by the court, is over.

        No one is saying that if people are seriously wailing against someone, or an officer, the accused person must have done something wrong. But, considering the fact that the wailers in this case comprise virtually all the workers of the affected establishment, there’s an urgent need to deploy a more viable mechanism towards quenching the flame before it metamorphoses into full-blown fire. Besides, we should as well note that the crisis in question concerns a very sensitive and delicate sector. No society can survive, let alone strive successfully, if its health sector is set ablaze.

        Almost the entire staff are involved in the clamour. And, about 2,500 persons are in question. You can’t request for their retrenchment or resignation. Of course, we are not unaware that such measure would end up igniting more harm. Neither will the government attempt to suspend all of them. Rather than thinking of such, it’s advisable to suspend the accused party since it is only one person. And, if these workers continue to serve in the hospital amid the crisis, or with heavy hearts, they can never deliver efficient services as expected of them.

        Taking cognizance of the above remarks, it’s needless to reiterate that only a whole and drastic measure is required toward ending the lingering crisis. It’s either the government transfer the embattled MD to another state or the entire aggrieved staff would be transferred, while the suggested investigation by the FG proceeds. The former is very simple, whilst the latter is too difficult and its actualization could be far-fetched. An alternative measure, which is shutting down the centre indefinitely till the case is resolved, is not that viable because people’s lives are at stake.

        Though the case is already in court, the awaited court verdict wouldn’t serve as an immediate remedy considering how long court proceedings take in Nigeria. And as long as the prosecution lasts, the workers are required to continue working with the accused person pending when a verdict would be served, pretending as if all is well – all to the detriment of their patients. In view of this obvious assertion, there’s compelling need for an urgent approach. Think about it!      

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor

Follow: @mediambassador