OPINION II How Not To End Recession

HOW NOT TO END RECESSION

       

The last time I checked, people had abruptly become fond of crediting silly jokes, even the one cracked by a-day-old child, to Robert Mugabe – the Zimbabwe president – probably because the said political leader is a known clown. Currently, a day won’t pass without experiencing a certain comic utterance trending on the social media, and when one scrolls down, he would observe the comment is credited to no other person than the man in question.

        

The scenario is related to what is making the rounds in the Nigerian State at the moment. Right now, any misfortune in the country, be it personal or corporate, is wholly attributed to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government owing to the obvious irregularities the administration is characterized by. No one ought to be penalized for nurturing suchlike insinuation or claim, considering that ‘no smoke without fire’.

        

It would be needless to reiterate that Nigeria is presently undergoing recession that is nearing depression. I’m afraid, if the needful is not put in place as quick as possible, the latter might set in soonest. Hence, sound thinkers cannot fold their arms as the painful and pathetic situation lingers. It is their duty to proffer the needed remedy as well as tender constructive criticism when and where necessary to ensure that the embattled giant of Africa regains its strength.

        

The Federal Government (FG) has promised that the forthcoming 2017 budget, estimated at #7.298 trillion, would pull Nigeria out of recession. This pledge does unequivocally not augur well for the country since the implementation of the 2016 budget of #6.08 trillion is still ongoing, and over 60 per cent of the budget is apparently yet to be implemented. It’s noteworthy that the recession had set in prior to the approval of the 2016 budget; it suffices to say that the said budget ought to possess the capacity to end the lingering pitiable condition.

       

Besides, do not forget in haste that Nigerians were equally promised awhile ago that 2016 budget would end the recession. Intriguingly, the focus has suddenly been shifted to the yet-to-come 2017 budget. How do you reconcile these? This confliction of promises significantly indicates that the actual plight ravaging the country’s economic status is yet to be discovered by those whom are entrusted with the economy. Sure, they may not concur with this candid observation, but it’s a reality.

       

If the truth must be told, I would say the 2016 budget can end this monstrous era once and for all, if the needful is adhered to. Read my lips. The 2016 budget is conspicuously bedevilled by limited funds; hence, the prime problem is not its implementation but how to cough up the required funds. For urgency’s sake, we need to concentrate on realistic issues rather than futuristic ones. This is the only way we can progress, and not regress as it is currently the case. Nigeria has indeed grown of age, thus is required to do things maturely and differently.

        

If we fail to implement the 2016 budget as expected, we will arguably still encounter similar hurdles when the awaited 2017 budget is eventually approved by the National Assembly (NASS). Moreover, a deficit of #2.269 trillion in the 2017 appropriation bill is enough reason to worry about. This implies that Nigeria would continue to live on mere promises whilst thousands of Nigerians are dying and countless firms running into comatose, on a daily basis. Since the NASS is yet to approve the Presidency’s request to borrow $29.9 billion externally, which is in line with the people’s wish, I suggest we look inwards toward sourcing for funds internally. Several stakeholders would be willing to lease, or even donate, to the government; the FG should endeavour to extend hand of fellowship to them; it takes two to tango.

       

Though the FG has thrived relentlessly towards curtailing excesses via the ongoing anti-graft war, a lot still needs to be done. We need to tackle tax evasion headlong by deploying forensic mechanism. Instead of causing the masses more pains by overtaxing them, let’s shift attention to those corporate bodies that have ab initio been dodging payment of taxes. Some inconsequential incentives, such as wardrobe allowance and so on, due most public office holders ought to be put on hold for now till further notice. They should cope with their old wears, or what have you, till we get out of this mess. These measures would enable us to generate huge funds.

       

The FG has often times told Nigerians that the funds returned by the looters were not meant to be utilized since their cases are still in the law court. I beg to differ from this perception. It’s imperative to acknowledge that these monies were not refunded under duress, rather through plea-bargain. So, court proceedings have absolutely nothing to do with monies that were willingly returned by these foes. In fact, the refund is a clear evidence that they are guilty of the crime accused of; in other words, the court hearing is just for an apt conviction to be delivered. Thus, let’s use the funds to service the 2016 budget that is presently wearing a pathetic physiognomy.

        

Above all, we must tackle the ongoing Niger-Delta militancy without further ado. I advocate that the FG should deal directly with the militants, than calling the so-called elders to a roundtable. Hear from the horses’ mouth and stop beating about the bush. We also need to revisit the various existing policies towards making amends. For instance, the oil subsidy has been totally removed from the country’s budgets, hence, there’s a compelling need for a sound alternative policy in this regard. Similarly, President Buhari also needs to reshuffle his cabinet having observed that most of his allies aren’t currently serving where they are meant to.

       

Before I round off, I want to solicit that governments at all levels should, henceforth, start taking the Nigeria’s fiscal year seriously to enable them plan ahead. The country’s fiscal year is between January and December of each Gregorian calendar year. An appropriation bill ought to be ready before august of every year, so that before the end of November, it would be passed as budget by the legislature for the incoming year. Let’s focus on realistic issues, and jettison frivolous ones. Think about it!

 

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OPINION II How Realistic are the Awaited LG Polls in Imo?

HOW REALISTIC ARE THE AWAITED LG POLLS IN IMO?

       

The last time I checked, Imolites in their entirety were earnestly awaiting the conduct of local government elections in the state, expected to be carried out by the state’s electoral commission (ISIEC). It isn’t anymore news that few months ago the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha disclosed that the said election would unfailingly be conducted in January 2017, a decision reportedly informed by the unanimous resolution reached by the State Executive Council (SEC).

       

The Nigeria’s political system is being perceived as one that does not reverence the constitution. This is the reason a state like Imo could stay for over nine consecutive years without boasting of substantive local government chairmen; it is the reason a budget would be approved by the legislature for a certain fiscal year and throughout the affected year, over sixty per cent (60%) of the budget would not be implemented; it is why a vice-chancellor of a given university would exhaust his/her five-year tenure or thereabouts without executing at least a tangible project on the campus, yet he/she wouldn’t be probed by the concerned government.

      

Though Imolites have been promised that the conduct of the polls is actualizable come January 2017, they are still sceptical over the pledge. The scepticism was occasioned by the obvious fact that that wasn’t the first time such promise would be made, yet absolutely nothing was done afterwards. Sure, Imolites likewise citizens of other states passing through similar fate, have endured enough that they deserve an award. But, would they continue to persevere?

      

The way and manner most state governors handle LG matters have made me to see the awaited Imo LG polls as a mirage. It sounds non-realistic to my person, and of course to any other concerned fellow, because such an issue has never been taken seriously since the reign of the immediate past governor – Chief Ikedi Ohakim – till date, let alone this recessionary era. Hence, awaiting January 2017 towards witnessing the elections, is unequivocally not unlike building castle in the air.

       

However, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that all hope is not lost, thus needless to despair. Conduct of the polls come next month wouldn’t be far-fetched provided we are committed. It is just a matter of being transparent as well as standing by nothing but the truth. The electorate need to comprehend the real state of things, and they can’t if the picture is not presented to them in an elaborate form. Let’s give them that sense of belonging, so that, they can even help the government to do the thinking.

      

I might be sounding abstract but the truth is, we need to hold the bull by the horn. Beating about the bush would cause more harm than the anticipated good. All the aggrieved parties ought to be brought to a roundtable, so we can address this once and for all. We can’t continue to put the blame on a certain individual or group while the state continues to suffer. We shouldn’t continue deceiving ourselves and allow Imo wallow in pains. It is high time the deceit stopped for the sake of the state at large.

      

The above instruction became consequential because if truly the LG polls would be held by the aforementioned period, or anytime within the first quarter of 2017,  by now, primary elections ought to have been conducted by the various political parties involved; series of electioneering campaigns should be in the air; electoral debates ought to be the order of the day. I stand to be corrected if I have goofed.

      

Funnily enough, new Transition Committee (TC) chairmen were recently installed by the governor, and probably more would still be replaced in the nearest future. Or maybe, the new chairmen are the ones to conduct the awaited elections. Whatever the case might be, time is conspicuously two short for reshuffling if really we are determine to get it right come January next year.

      

Let’s not indulge in a practice that would make the governed overlook the government. The government is meant to be taken seriously by the people but in a situation whereby the former continually displays nonchalant attitudes, I’m afraid, the latter would be forced to start taking it (the former) for granted. Governance requires a two-way participation where the leaders and the followers are expected to engage in serious cooperation; but if any side is being sidelined, it becomes a problem to the society.

       

Come to think of it, are Imolites really prepared to witness the polls in question? Everyone appeared so docile and less-concerned. Is it an indication that they have forgotten about it, or have lost hope in the government? It would interest, perhaps shock you to note that only few states across the federation have conducted their LG elections, but if you visit any of the states that are yet to conduct theirs, the electorate seem relaxed and lackadaisical. This should be one of the prime reasons the concerned governments don’t take the issue seriously. It pisses my psyche profoundly each time I realize that I belong to one of the affected states.

       

Nevertheless, I’m using this medium to humbly appeal to the amiable governor of the ‘Eastern Heartland’ to please, understand that the conduct of these polls is long overdue. The prolonged suspense is indeed deeply telling on me alongside Imolites of like minds. I wouldn’t like to continue sounding personal in regard to this anomaly, as it is making me appear more sensitive. Think about it! 

 

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor

-Political/Public Affairs Analyst & Civil Rights Activist-
@mediambassador  
http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor            

 

 

      

Nigeria, Fast Becoming Synonymous with ills

NIGERIA, FAST BECOMING SYNONYMOUS WITH ILLS

        

In my church, Catholic precisely, a prayer for ‘Nigeria in distress’ is being said for decades now. I grew up to join the chorus; suffice it to say that the prayer had been existing since I was born, or prior to my existence if I’m not mistaken. Hence, I kept wondering if Nigeria would remain in distress unabated. The religious devotion is already overriding the country’s national anthem, which implies that the distress in question is getting out of hand.

       

If your thought is as good as mine, why would anyone be doubtful of the relevance of such prayer? All forms of social ills to include student cultism, exam practices, kidnapping, robbery, pick pocketing, rape, incest, drug addiction, cheating, and even household lies, have abruptly overtaken the wellbeing of Nigeria’s polity. The value system has arguably fast deteriorated. Hence, asserting that the country is uncontrollably suffering from distress isn’t an overstatement, rather understatement.

       

What is more baffling as regards the pitiable situation is that most parents, perhaps vulnerable ones, claim ignorance of their wards’ dirty lifestyles. For instance, those whom their children are ostensibly progressive and keep showering with ‘tainted’ love wouldn’t hesitate to tell you, when asked, that their son is doing very well in his business – even when they are unsure. A non-vulnerable or more informed parent could go extra mile to ascertain what his/her child does for a living.

 

However, when you look inwards, you would comprehend that presenting vulnerability as an excuse is a product of ills. There’s no caring and sane parent that wouldn’t be concerned about their child’s safety. In other words, any rational human progenitor would stop at nothing towards ensuring that their offspring are all into occupation or activity that wouldn’t attract rot to their persons in the long run.

       

So, it’s only a corrupt and weird parent that would prefer to display a nonchalant attitude in issues regarding their child’s wellbeing. Such parents wouldn’t bother to find out what exactly that’s yielding their son’s wealth. All they care about is for the money to keep flowing, so he would continue showering them with ‘love’. And if the chap in question is a cultist, someday he would be probably asked to offer his either parents’ head for ritual renewal. If he is an armed robber, he might equally consider robbing his parental home.

        

The type occurring in the education sector is unspeakable, to assert the least. Our young ones, now, no longer sit for their examinations without concealing microchips in their private parts, or the assistance of mercenary, as the case may be. In most secondary schools across the federation, mainly privately owned ones, questions from external examiners like WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or what have you, are not anymore attended to by the candidates they are meant for, rather the teachers of the affected schools.

        

In some quarters where the schools do not want the practice to appear obvious or intend to apply a little decency, they would turn the examination format to teacher-student cooperation whereby the candidate would be apparently seated on the exam desk while his/her tutor would be functioning like a standby generator. Funnily enough, this disgusting melodrama does not take place without the approval of the exam’s supervisor; needless to reiterate that it’s a two-way thing. Sure, things are no longer at ease.

        

Have you taken a walk to most universities lately? They currently parade themselves with countless ‘First Class’ products as if Nigeria has more good brains now than before. Of course, it isn’t longer news that a primary school-leaver during the days of my father can compete confidently, or even supersede, most present days’ university graduates. Besides, during my university days, I was told by an astute teacher that no department in any Nigerian institution has the capacity to produce first class graduates.

        

According to the professor, it wasn’t that the country didn’t have good brains but considering that its universities lacked the required facilities, it could not boast of first class products that could compete with the world. I personally concurred, but recently I came to realize that Nigerian universities were producing first class materials in accordance with the available facilities and manpower, and not products that could fit anywhere beyond the country. Even at that, are they supposed to be making it seem as if they are competing among themselves with regard to the number of first class graduates to be produced per session? The scenario indeed calls for a deep thought.

       

I can’t but continue to wonder where exactly we are headed. I’m right now pouting seriously. Someone would relentlessly lament that our politicians are densely corrupt, but when one looks inwardly, he would acknowledge that the level of corruption among the followers is overwhelming. Even household corruption has overridden others. Go to the market places, and you would observe countless antics transpiring on a daily basis; it’s a place where a seller wouldn’t mind using his/her customer for ritual, and albeit ignorantly the latter would yet presume he/she is being pampered. An average seller would consistently cheats his customer, still, addresses him as his loved one.

       

Every moment we complain profusely over graft, forgetting that the prevalence of corruption by non-public servants is fast dominating the system. The awaited change, surely, must begin with each of us. Think about it! 

 

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