Opinion I 2019 and Okorocha's Apparent Confidence in the Youth

IMO, 2019 AND OKOROCHA’S APPARENT CONFIDENCE IN THE YOUTH

        

The last time I painstakingly checked, Imo – the Eastern Heartland – was indeed intensely hot owing to a view aired by the state’s governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha as regards whom takes over the helm of affairs of the Douglas House come 2019. In his words, the state’s number one citizen unequivocally claimed that nobody above fifty years of age would become a governor in the state again.

        

The boss who stated this penultimate week in Owerri during the ceremony marking the commencement of the 2016/2017 Legal Week of the Imo Judiciary, precisely on Monday 6^th March 2017, said that all politicians in the state, whom are above 50 years, had at one time or the other in the past improvised the state to the detriment of the citizenry, thus ought not to be allowed to ruin the state anymore.

         

Governor Okorocha who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, was of the notion that Imo should be entrusted to individuals whom had the burning and genuine desires to move the state forward after his exit as the state’s governor come 2019, and such persons could only be found within the 50 years and below age bracket. He went further to boast that aside the past governor of old Imo State Late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, no other governor that served before him (Okorocha) did up to twenty per cent (20%) of what he had done as the state’s governor.

        

The governor’s frank statement, which was conspicuously controversial, has generated deep ripples among the state’s gubernatorial aspirants and Imolites at large since it is no longer news that the majority of the said aspirants are above 50 years. In various quarters across the state, and even beyond, you would see men and women gathered in their numbers discussing the scenario. Some were of the opinion that Chief Okorocha’s claim was an expensive one whilst others believed it was timely and a right step in the right direction.

        

An old time friend of mine who called from Canada to register his mixed feelings, wanted to know what actually necessitated the utterance. To him, the governor was yet to disclose the real reason behind his submission. According to him, there were still individuals above 50 whom could be entrusted with the state’s treasure; on the other hand, ‘there are many whom are below 50 but have the tendency of defrauding the state if given the opportunity to lead just for a day’.

        

Away from Canada, one of the roadside commentators whom I ran into last weekend in the vicinity of my place of residence in Owerri opined that the governor remained a man whom does not get deterred by anything, hence, it could be the statement was one of the ways of asking his opponents to keep off as far as the awaited 2019 governorship race is concerned. He stated that the boss was an ‘intriguing politician who understands the best language to use in whisking some perceived enemies/rivals away.

        

Whichever the intention of the said leader could be, it’s imperative for him to acknowledge that Imolites are only interested in receiving someone who is keenly and genuinely ready to deliver, and not just a person who is below 50 years of age. Age, from my understanding, is never a criterion while assessing one’s potentials or qualities, but what he/she can offer to the society coupled with his/her background and antecedents. Hence, regardless of age, Imolites as a people want an individual who can consolidate on the good works of his/her predecessors, and not otherwise.

        

Gov. Okorocha was born on 22^nd September 1962, thus he is currently 54, meaning that he assumed duty as the state’s governor at the age of below 50. He may have performed credibly well since assumption of office, but that isn’t a clear indication to assert wholly that anyone below the stipulated age means well for the state. Performing ‘very well’ having ascended the throne at below the age of 50 could be a mere coincidence, and not that people within that age bracket mean well for the state.

        

However, if critically examined, one would acknowledged that come 2019 gubernatorial polls, that statement of Gov. Okorocha was for the good of the Imo youth. This implies that the aforementioned class of persons that seemed to have been enjoying a state of slumber is expected to at the moment, as a matter of urgency, wake up from such unwarranted mood. The youth had, via that utterance, been conscientized to reclaim power as well as sustain it for eternity. It’s a sure way of informing the teeming Imo youths to key into issues that would draw them closer to the corridor of power.

        

In other words, Gov. Okorocha may have made an expensive and controversial statement, but the truth remains that it is time for the youth to bounce back and never go back to the relegation lane. It is the ripe time for them to lead and not just follow. Worse still, most of them don’t even follow wisely, but sheepishly. It suffices to say that the speech in question is not just an eye-opener but a pathway to the long-awaited emancipation of the youth in the state, and of course Nigeria in general.

        

Nevertheless, as much as it’s apparent that his Excellency has explicit confidence in the youth, let it be in record that Imo is never in any way interested in habouring riffraff in the name of ‘vying for governorship position’. Nature itself abhors nonentities, thus let the youth utilize the glaring opportunity judiciously to avoid crying ‘had I known’ in the long run. Think about it!

Follow me: @mediambassador              

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor                    

ShortStory I Life's Intrigues

LIFE’S INTRIGUES

       Chukwudi, ‘Chuks’ as he was fondly called, just stepped out from his lodge – cutely dressed – and headed for his lecture class with a notebook in his right-hand. He was conspicuously handsome, thus his black jean trousers, multi-coloured polo, transparent spectacles coupled with black sandals were to match. His average height, plump stature, and chocolate skin-colour seemed not unlike what the day needed to glow. He was to cover a trek-able distance, hence, he began to walk majestically towards his destination as if he was one of the lecturers in the university.

       He had barely covered a few metres when he caught the sight of a pretty-looking damsel who was walking just a few centimeters ahead of him. He hastily doubled up his steps to meet up with her. “Hi dear!” he exclaimed as he walked alongside the supposed recipient of the greeting.

       She snubbed him, kept walking, and never minded to even look at the stranger.

       “Just a smile from this angelic face would be enough for me for the day.” He teased as he tried to maintain the same altitude with her.

       The statement apparently caught her attention, thus she stylishly glanced at him and smiled subconsciously. No doubt, aside the gentleman’s pleasing words, his elegant outlook arrested her emotions.

       “That is exactly what I needed.” He applauded cheerily.

        There were several passersby, mainly comprising their fellow students, yet he wasn’t deterred nor overwhelmed.

        “I am Chukwudi,” he informed. “Chuks, they call me.” He added, paused. “Hope, you have a name?’

         She smiled again. “Damilola.” She eventually said.

        “Yoruba, right?”

         She nodded.

        “I must confess, your dress is so marvelous.” He flattered.

         She put on a pink gown spotted with black, weavon and black sandals. Her pink-coloured handbag that contains her notebook was to match.

        “Thank you.” She responded.

        “Honestly, it corresponds with your unhidden beauty.” He added in a jiffy.

        She was fair, slim and about 5.4-foot tall. Her complexion was so glittery.

        “Stop the flattery, please.”

        “Flattery..?”

        “Of course.”

        “You are getting me totally wrong.”

        “How?”

        “You don’t know how beautiful you are.” quoth Chukwudi. “Maybe someone was yet to tell you.”

        “Please, save the sermon.” She enjoined. “I am late to class; my lecture begins by eight.”

         It was 7:56am at the dot, and they were already on the campus.

        “So, are we seeing next time?’ he humbly enquired.

        “I don’t know.” She replied in false pretence.

        “Besides, what’s your department?’ He said.

        “Mass Comm.” She responded referring to ‘Mass Communication’.

        “Wow, good one.” He appraised. “Level?” he added.

        “100.”

        “I can see, you are new here.”

          She smiled. “Yes I am.” she concurred.

          It was first semester, meaning she hadn’t even written any examination in the university.

        “And you?” she managed to inquire.

        “Economics.” He replied. “400 Level.” He supplemented quickly.

        “Oh my God!” she exclaimed as she was struck by the information. “So, you are almost through?”

        “By God’s grace.”

        “I wish I am in your shoes.” She confessed.

        “But you will soon get there.” He said, as they suddenly applied brake to the motion. “So, you don’t need to rush.”

        The nugget of wisdom took her to a sober mood. “Yea, by His grace.” she appreciated.

      “Let me not take your time.” quoth Chukwudi. “Please, run up to your class, okay?”

      “Thank you.” She said, and turned.

      “Excuse me, dear.” He called as she was about taking her leave.

      “Your number, please.” He asked stretching out his cell phone towards her.

        She equally understood that phone numbers were yet to be exchanged and felt like reminding him, but there was no way she could thwart life’s extant principles. Hence, she was so pleased that he later recalled the ostensibly expensive omission.

        She calmly collected the handset, hastily typed her number and returned the gadget.

       “Thank you.” he said as he received the phone. “Let me flash you right way.”

        Before he could utter the second sentence, she already felt like asking him to flash the number.

        Therein, her handset rang in the handbag. “I got it.” She said as she attempted to step out.

        “Alright.” quoth the lover boy. “Please, save it.” He enjoined.

        “No wahala.” She replied, turned and walked away.

        “Pretty indeed.” He enthused as he watched her depart.

         When he got to his department that fateful morning, he couldn’t concentrate. All he could think was when next to meet her again. All the lectures he received on that day weren’t properly absorbed unlike him, owing to the thoughtful mood he abruptly found his person. Notwithstanding, he had to hold himself till the next sunny day which would surely come to past considering how the first sunny day ended.

         Damilola, on her part, was equally emotionally unstable. Her mind kept fixed on his face in absentia. She was foreseeing that having Chukwudi in her life would help to upgrade her social and academic stance in the highly revered University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she secured admission barely two months back. Apparently, she needed a close company, and to her, the dude in question wouldn’t only serve as such but a guardian. In other words, coming across him was seemingly divine.

       What transpired afterwards ought to be a narration for a different episode, thus stay tuned.

Follow: @mediambassador

 http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor

          

Opinion I How Not To Love Nigeria

HOW NOT TO LOVE NIGERIA

       

The last time I checked, countless Nigerians claimed to be patriotic citizens. But when closely examined, you would observe that they actually meant something contrary. Sure, anyone can put up a claim as it pleases him or her, but representing the true meaning of the claim is a totally different ballgame.

        

In life, there are two major phenomenon you must not take for granted; when you are truly in love, and when someone really loves you. You are bound to understand when your heart is wholly and sincerely attracted to a colleague, relative, associate, friend, or what have you. On the other hand, you are required, at all times, to be aware of when someone cares about your happiness. If you take any of these factors for granted, you may live to regret it.

        

The truth is, life is controlled or governed by a four-letter word known as ‘Love’. This is why the Holy writ stipulates that it (love) is the rudiment of every commandment provided by the Creator; because if you really love someone or vice-versa, any rule binding the relationship can easily be adhered to with ease. If you love someone with your whole heart, you can sacrifice anything whatsoever towards ensuring that he/she does not lack happiness regardless of the circumstance.

          

Same is applicable to a pet in your household. If you love your pet passionately, you can do anything to keep it alive. A society isn’t left out when discussing love; if you care about the wellbeing of a society you belong to, you would never attempt to indulge in any act that would be to the detriment of the happiness of the society in question. Let’s get it straight; if you are a citizen of any country, and you are of the view that you love the country, you would always do things that would contribute to the country’s welfare.

         

At the moment in Nigeria – particularly in the socio-political domain – several citizens tend to showcase a façade that they truly care about the country, unknowingly to their followers or the onlookers that they are only interested in personal aggrandizement. For instance, if Mr. President erroneously implements a policy, rather than criticizing constructively, they would prefer to display an action that would end up causing more harm to the polity. If you candidly love a country, you would always think of the effect of your proposed criticism to the country before tendering it.

         

First, we need to acknowledge that there are some basic recipes that are expected to accompany any criticism. When you criticize, courtesy demands that you proffer a remedy to what is being criticized. The primary aim of every genuine criticism ought to be to address any presumed anomaly. So, if your interest truly lies on the wellbeing of the country, you would invariably focus on how to make amends, or the way forward, instead of constituting more troubles. When you criticize, endeavour to concentrate on the lapse, and not on the personality of the initiator of the policy/process being criticized.

         

A true lover of any country should be concerned on the uplift of the country, and not the other way round. In politics, the reverse is often the case; people claim to love the country but mean otherwise. If you are a leader of a country and its development matters much to your person, you would willingly wish to carryout projects as well as initiate policies that would see to the betterment of the state, and so does a good follower.

         

A good and genuine follower or stakeholder, as might be the case, is always interested in way forward at all cost; he is tirelessly involved in issues of general interest rather than personal; he is invariably ready to sacrifice something toward ensuring that the concerned society becomes a better place to live; he’s prepared at all times to compromise some attitudes for the sole interest of the society; above all, he always think of other members of the society in all his actions as well as concerned about what their reactions would be as regards any criticism he intends to come up with.

         

The bone of contention is that, Nigeria isn’t interested in those who claim to love her; but those who genuinely strive relentlessly to ensure that her wellbeing is not tampered. Nigeria is only pleased with Nigerians who experience sleepless nights while thinking of how to help the government usher in sound governance; she is interested in seeing people who wish to ‘die’ for her good.

        

To this end, it’s needless to reiterate that anyone who keenly loves his/her country must be involved in activities that would assist the government to succeed. Indulging yourself in actions or causes that are aimed at generating societal upheaval is obviously how not to love a country, and Nigeria is not exceptional. Think about it!

Follow me: @mediambassador

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor