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

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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

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2016 Int'l Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: NIGERIAN WOMAN ON MY MIND

        Friday November 25, the global community commemorated the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women. From November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to December 10 – the Human Rights Day, the sixteen (16) days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

        Undoubtedly, no society in existence can be said to be complete if a woman is yet to be found in it, regardless of its nature or size. We can testify to this fact by considering how a woman came into the world. Of course it is no longer news that having created man, God the creator thought it wise to form a woman from the rib of a man; this was so because God realized of what benefit a woman would be to a man in any society/arena he finds himself.

         A family for instance – a nuclear family precisely, which remains the smallest society on earth, can never strive successfully or attain to its anticipated height if a woman is missing. Realistically, a family cannot be formed in the first place if a woman is nowhere to be found. Having formed a family with the help of a woman, if she eventually dies, the affected family will live to suffer

the vacuum her eternal demise has created. This implies that, psychologically, no widower can boast of being a happy man, especially a situation where the late wife left some kids behind.

          Sometimes even when the widower has gotten married to another woman, provided the late wife left some indelible footprints behind such as the kids or that she was made up of some irreplaceable features, he shall remain in an unending emotional trauma, perhaps for eternity. In such situation, it is only the Creator that can provide a lasting succour.

         Ab initio, the womenfolk has been considered to constitute the integral part of the wider society. It is obvious that a social union cannot achieve an effective goal if the female members aren’t carried along. It might sound a bit controversial but the truth remains that nature had ordained woman to be the most attractive being in any society she belongs. This is the reason whenever a social group of people intends to pay a courtesy visit to a certain office holder, if they fail to include at least a woman among the delegate, the said outing might end up being fruitless. Why? Simply because the presence of a woman has a natural tendency of arresting the heart of any man irrespective who he is.

          The political terrain is not left out. Any man occupying a political position would boldly testify that his beloved wife is the reason he is thriving assiduously and successfully. This implies that a woman is in charge of any leadership position, though her impact might seem invisible. The advisory role, both morally and otherwise, a woman plays in the life of her spouse who occupies a political post supersedes whatever counsel he receives from his appointees, friends, or well-wishers.

          Considering the church, which is an institution as well as one of the oldest societies across the globe, there’s no need reiterating that its sustainability from the outset has been possible owing to the effort of the womenfolk. A woman has been proven to be more pious than a man; this is why she remains the engine room towards the uplift of the children’s spiritual lives. And we are all aware that someone or a family whose spiritual life is porous is apparently living like a tree without root. Noting that women are closer to the church, the easiest way to conscientize a married man, or any man whatsoever, toward the uplift of a church is through the woman in his life, since it is obvious that a woman has the key to a man’s heart.

          Frankly, the role of a woman both in her immediate and wider society cannot be overemphasized. From the aforementioned facts, it can be pinpointed that without a woman, the children cannot be properly raised, be it morally, academically, religiously, and what have you; a man’s social, political and emotional life shall remain incapacitated and in shambles; above all, the affected society would remain seemingly stagnant and retrogressive in its day-to-day activity.

        As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is our civic responsibility to ensure that women or girls whom are ubiquitously vulnerable owing to their nature are duly respected and safeguarded at all cost, with a view to strengthening our respective societies and the nation at large. We can contribute our individual quotas by acknowledging that women are the backbone of any society in existence.

         It is estimated that about thirty-five per cent (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence by a non-partner at some points in their lives. On the other hand, some studies show that up to seventy per cent (70%) of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner. Either domestic or non-domestic, such form of violence has lingered in various countries, particularly Nigeria, thus making people insinuate that it is an acceptable tradition.

         Violence against women is a human rights violation. It’s a consequence of discrimination against women both in law and in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women. Violence against women/girls arguably impedes progress in many areas of human endeavour including poverty eradication, curbing contagious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, strengthening peace and security, thereby crippling nation building. The monster, which continued to be a global pandemic, is not inevitable; prevention is possible, and essential too. Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girl children, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to exist.

        Legislation also has a vital role to play. There ought to be a stiff law to ensure that anyone at all levels found guilty of any violence against women/girls to include rape, battering, female genital mutilation, subjection into prostitution, or what have you, is duly brought to book. Violence like rape deserves life imprisonment, or even capital punishment, because such ruthless act can lead to murder.

         Parents and guardians on their part ought to equally cough up reasonable time for their wards, particularly the female folks, to enable them know their left from right when they grow up. The various schools should as well revive their guidance and counselling section towards providing the needed guideline and caution for both the male and female students. The religious bodies are not left out in this crusade; they are expected to devote much time in letting the worshippers realize the dangers inherent in the menace. 

         Women and society are interwoven; if you remove either of them, the other one would be ostensibly meaningless. Needless to say that the former is as crucial as the latter, thus must be treated as such at all times. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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