Opinion I Making Resolutions Amid Recession

MAKING RESOLUTIONS AMID RECESSION

       

The last time I checked, the long awaited year had eventually arrived. Just like an odyssey, the beginning of every year is invariably accompanied with influx of fresh dreams, anticipations, plans, and what have you, and 2017 isn’t exceptional. It’s imperative to acknowledge that towards actualization of these wishes, the bearer is expected to inculcate reasonable resolutions into his life to enable him stick to the rules as the journey progresses.

      

The resolution would serve as a viable guide as you pursue the dream vigorously. One thing we must note is that two major factors – altitude and attitude – determine the realization of any plan. The former, which literally means the distance you are meant to cover during the journey, cannot be actualized if proper planning is taken for granted; secondly, you must follow the apt route for you to get to the anticipated destination. The latter, which signifies the lifestyle of the plan bearer, is needed to enable him do the right thing while relating with his fellow humans whilst the odyssey is on.

      

One’s attitude indeed speaks volumes when pursuing anything whatsoever. Your attitude or character would make your partners – benefactors, colleagues, or associates, as the case may be – give you the required support or attention at all times. It would equally put you in a form that would enable you apply the overall needed strategies adequately. For instance, if you are used to drinking indiscriminately, such attitude could ruin your plans, because it can make you not to concentrate, or do the right thing, as well as make your intending partners detest your person, thus wouldn’t like to work with you. A bad attitude would make the journey crash along the line owing to your inability to relate well with your fellow travellers. A bad attitude is simply like a flat tyre; it can never go anywhere until you change it.

      

In view of this, a sound resolution serves as a recipe to a viable plan. Having initiated a plan in accordance with your dreams or wishes, courtesy demands that you draw good resolutions that would help to reshape your attitudes. The proposed resolutions must be in respect of your flaws, and not that of your relatives or friends; hence, you must design a resolution that would suit your person. Don’t make resolutions in line with what others are making; it ought to be done to address your shortcomings, and not that of others.

        

Since a dream/wish is expected to beget a plan, it’s needless to state that a dream without adequate resolutions is seemingly meaningless or would remain futile. So, as every year often unveils a distinct dream, it is worthy of note that the dream might suffer a severe setback in the process if its bearer fails to summon good resolutions prior to implementing the strategies begotten by the plan. In other words, without a resolution, a dream is virtually useless, and vice-versa. It suffices to say that dream and resolution are interwoven.

        

Though making a resolution is very crucial, it’s noteworthy that sustaining it is a different issue entirely. Several factors – including influence, environment and idleness – serve as a deterrent toward the sustenance of any resolution. The company you keep can jeopardize your chances of maintaining your resolution due to influence. So, as you make a resolution, you ought to endeavour to delete some names from your friendship list.

      

Another prime factor as listed above is environment. In his words, the great philosopher Karl Marx stated that ‘Environment determines the action of the mind’. I strongly concur with this ancient assertion. Where you live or the place you found yourself at a given time plays a key role in keeping a resolution. Idleness on its part can also contribute negatively to the sustenance of a certain set of resolutions. The saying that ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ is enough reason to worry.

       

Now, the Nigerian environment is obviously characterized by famine and redundancy. The former begets hunger whilst the latter leads to idleness. These two factors, which are common features of recession, can cause huge distraction to any resolution one intends to keep. This implies that the present predicament faced by the nation can constitute nuisance in the long run, thus can destruct the wholesomeness of the journey in question. In such a circumstance, it becomes so difficult for one to make a resolution let alone sustain it.

       

Making resolutions amid the recession might seem very tough but there’s need to comprehend that such a challenge can be subdued if the needful is done. In a situation of this kind, one who truly intends to make as well as keep a resolution is required to be resolute and resilient at all cost. You must stick strongly and passionately to your dreams and resolutions irrespective of the challenges, and always endeavour to return to the original plan having suffered a setback. Let the anticipated destination remain your driving force as long as the journey lasts. Among all, you are expected to be deeply prayerful and faithful. You must build your spiritual life to the core and never depart from your faith.

      

However, it’s worth noting that the recession might be to your advantage. Those whom their flaw has been indulgence in excesses or debauchery ought to see the economic situation as a blessing in disguise. The ongoing condition would enable such persons to go only for their needs, not wants; hence, should be seen as a welcome development. Even if the recessionary era later became a thing of the past, the truth is that it had succeeded in making you discover your frivolous lifestyles.

      

Hence, I urge the people of the state and its environs not to let the current situation in the land deter them from making a sound resolution. Make a resolution today, and work towards sustaining it by sticking to the specified rules. You alone is bound to determine how your dream can materialize into reality, so do not wait for someone to do the thinking on your behalf. Think about it!   

 

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Opinion I Owelle's Yuletide 'Hamper' For Imo Pensioners

OWELLE’S YULETIDE 'HAMPER' FOR IMO PENSIONERS

The last time I checked painstakingly, the teeming Imo pensioners had released a sigh of relieve. The circumstance wasn’t unconnected with the laudable gesture displayed by the amiable governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Prior to the said scenario, the pensioners were not unlike vulnerable dwellers rather than senior citizens; the pathetic era was occasioned by the ill-treatment they were receiving from the state government, probably owing to paucity of funds and some perceived illegalities.

        

It’s noteworthy that about over 24 months arrears of pension were accruable to the said retirees. Recently, the government led by Governor Okorocha pledged to clear 13 months out of the aforementioned months owed them. Afterwards, the government proposed to pay only 40 per cent (40%) of the total amount involved due to the ongoing economic downturn, but the proposal was reportedly rejected by the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) as was disclosed by its chairman, Mr. Gideon Ezeji.

        

Funnily enough, without minding the refusal, the government went ahead to distribute forms among the pensioners for them to enter an unconditional undertaking. The form entitled ‘Letter of set off in respect of my outstanding pension arrears’ was targeted to persuade the pensioners towards accepting the proposed 40% payment as well as forfeit the remaining months that would be left after the payment. The letter meant to be duly signed by each of the recipients reads in part, ‘I do hereby release and discharge the Imo State Government and its agents from all past, present and future liability and from all actions, claims and demands in respect of the said accumulated Pension Arrears.’

      

The leadership of the state’s NUP had to cry foul, stating that the government never sought their consent before distributing the forms, thereby urged the pensioners to ignore them. It’s worth noting that, owing to hunger and frustration, most of these supposed senior citizens had already filled the form prior to the arrival of the directive; it suffices to say that they were left with no choice.

       

The final resolution of the pensioners was that the government should pay any amount cum number of months it could afford and leave the remaining for posterity rather than asking them to sign a ‘death warrant’ against their wish. Perhaps they are avoiding following the footsteps of the Imo civil servants. Some months ago, the leadership of the Imo branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by Mr. Austin Chilakpu, on behalf of the workers, signed an agreement with the government accepting to be paid 70 per cent of the monthly wages due them. Though the step was commendable because it was able to settle the lingered impasse between the two parties, most analysts argued that the NLC goofed. And right now, the workers – particularly those of low cadre – are seriously complaining that the 70% is just a peanut.

        

So, if 70 per cent could be referred to as a ‘peanut’ by someone who is still in service, how would a pensioner regard 40 per cent of his/her pension if eventually paid? The question might seem rhetorical but its answer would definitely serve as a pathway toward acknowledging what actually is at stake on the part of the teeming pensioners. It would as well shock you to note that the gratuities of most of these retirees are yet to be cleared.

        

However, the governor has succeeded in answering the question that seemed rhetorical. Penultimate week, in his radio broadcast for Imolites, while stating that the reason for the 60% cut was due to the astronomical and uncalled rise in the monthly pension for the pensioners – perhaps as a result of ‘ghost pension syndrome’ coupled with the ongoing recession – he disclosed that by January 2017 the government would reintroduce the usual 100% payment. According to him, the cut became necessary because of the amount of money involved. He promised that from January, henceforth, the normal amount due the pensioners would be given to them.

        

It would equally interest you to note that during the previous week, the state government, as earlier promised, issue cheques amounting to thousands or millions of naira, as the case might be, to each of the pensioners in respect of the undertaking signed by them. From my estimate regarding what I gathered, each of them was paid 40 per cent of his/her 12 months pension arrears. Such gesture, which I tagged ‘Yuletide hamper’, was indeed a welcome development, thus I sincerely appreciate the governor for it. If you are being owed #10 and hunger is seriously ravaging you, receiving #40 from the debtor towards quenching the severe hunger ought to be seen as commendable.

      

But I would advise the governor to ensure that the state account that is responsible for the payment is well loaded and viable, so that, none of the pensioners’ cheques would be bounced at the bank. In addition, the governor should ensure that the pensioners receive preference as regards payment in subsequent time, because these persons have meritoriously served their fatherland thus deserved to be pampered without using the ‘Baby Pampers’.

       

I also, on behalf of the government, appeal to those who are yet to sign the undertaking to do so towards settling the lingered impasse. Please endeavour to forgive the government in any way it has wronged you. Jettison all your swords and embrace peace for the interest of the state at large. It would be ideal and wise to begin this new year with harmony. We all must ignore our respective personal interests toward making Imo a greater state.  

      

The government on its part should ensure that subsequently dialogue is reached with the leadership of the state’s NUP before any action on the senior citizens is taken by any authority. Most importantly, the lingering anomaly concerning ghost pensioners ought to be quenched once and for all. It’s high time the illegality stopped. We can’t continue to rob Peter to pay Paul. Think about it!          

 

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Opinion I When Senior Citizens Become Vulnerable Dwellers

WHEN SENIOR CITIZENS BECOME VULNERABLE DWELLERS

       The last time I checked painstakingly, Imo pensioners were no longer seen as ‘senior citizens’ but vulnerable individuals, probably because they are currently not unlike toothless bulldogs contrary to what they are known for. Their present pathetic physiognomy is occasioned by the ill-treatment they have received from the state government thus far.

        It’s noteworthy that 36 months arrears of pension are accruable to the said retirees. Recently, the government led by Governor Rochas Okorocha pledged to clear 13 months out of the aforementioned months owed them. Afterwards, the government proposed to pay only 40 per cent (40%) of the total amount involved due to the ongoing economic downturn, but the proposal was reportedly rejected by the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) as was disclosed by its chairman, Mr. Gideon Ezeji.

        Funnily enough, without minding the refusal, the government went ahead to distribute forms among the pensioners for them to enter an unconditional undertaking. The form entitled ‘Letter of set off in respect of my outstanding pension arrears’ was targeted to persuade the pensioners towards accepting the proposed 40% payment as well as forfeit the remaining 23 months that would be left after the payment. The letter meant to be duly signed by each of the recipients read in part, ‘I do hereby release and discharge the Imo State Government and its agents from all past, present and future liability and from all actions, claims and demands in respect of the said accumulated Pension Arrears.’

       The leadership of the state’s NUP had to cry foul, stating that the government never sought their consent before distributing the forms, thereby urged the pensioners to ignore them. However, it’s worth noting that, owing to hunger and frustration, most of these supposed senior citizens had already filled the form prior to the arrival of the directive; it suffices to say that they were left with no choice.

       The final resolution of the pensioners was that the government should pay any amount cum number of months it could afford and leave the remaining for posterity rather than asking them to sign a ‘death warrant’ against their wish. The bone of contention remains that these people are very hungry – thus can cope with any payment at the moment – but not to bludgeon them into submission. Yes they are vulnerable, but not insane.

       Perhaps they are avoiding following the footsteps of the Imo civil servants, which are currently telling on the workers. Some months ago, the leadership of the Imo branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by Mr. Austin Chilakpu, on behalf of the workers, signed an agreement with the government accepting to be paid 70 per cent of the monthly wages due them. Though the step was commendable because it was able to settle the lingered impasse between the two parties, most analysts argued that the NLC goofed. And right now, the workers – particularly those of low cadre – are seriously complaining that the 70% is just a peanut.

        So, if 70 per cent could be referred to as a ‘peanut’ by someone who is still in service, how would a pensioner regard 40 per cent of his/her pension if eventually paid? The question might seem rhetorical but its answer would definitely serve as a pathway toward acknowledging what actually is at stake on the part of the teeming pensioners. It would equally interest, perhaps shock you to note that the gratuities of most of these retirees are yet to be cleared. We are not unaware of the economic meltdown being experienced across the federation, which Imo isn’t an exception, but using it as the basis to subject the revered pensioners to uncalled torture and slavery is completely unacceptable; hence, such a weird idea ought to be jettisoned headlong.

        I’m not trying to make a case with the government, neither am I in any way putting up a quarrel. On the contrary, I only intend to let it comprehend that the people in question are dropping dead on a daily basis as a result of famine and financial vulnerability. Aside lack of food, an average pensioner in the state, alongside their counterparts in other states that share common fate, can no longer foot his/her hospital bills, thus would prefer to remain at home even when the need to see a physician is compelling or so glaring. As I reprimand Imo, other states owing pensions shouldn’t exonerate themselves.

        When people begin to beg for their rights, you needn’t be told that things are not anymore at ease; you need not be informed that the constitution is no longer seen as a sacred document; you needn’t be notified that rights have been mistaken for privileges. Notwithstanding, in such a circumstance, we are required to deploy dialogue because resorting to suing the erring party might linger the moment of hardship thereby causing more harm. In other words, we are only expected to sue for peace.

        To this end, I’m earnestly appealing to the governor to wear a human face while addressing this issue. The condition currently faced by these persons that have served the country meritoriously is really unbearable and untold, hence, shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone that means well for humankind. Even the few Nigerians who are steady income earners still lament that there’s severe hunger in the land, let alone those who can’t boast of a dime in a whole month.

        Though the suffering is much, I enjoin the senior citizens and Imolites at large, to give the government the benefit of the doubt. Let’s not allow our resentment to constitute further damage rather than seek redress. Think about it!

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