Opinion I That Unscheduled Meeting of Imo Political Juggernauts

THAT UNSCHEDULED MEETING OF IMO POLITICAL JUGGERNAUTS

        

The last time I checked painstakingly, the elite and the masses had no meeting point. The scenario has existed unabated ab initio, precisely from the moment of the world’s commencement. I stand to be corrected though, but the gospel truth remains that there are two major classes of people on this mother earth, namely: the upper class and the lower class.

         

In view of the above assertion, the so-called middle class might be opportune to meet with the higher (upper) class in a few occasions. In the same vein, the lower class is usually privileged to meet with those of the middle class. But it is often rare to witness an occasion whereby the lower class is having a meeting with the upper class unless in a situation in which the latter wishes to address the former. It’s noteworthy that the masses constitute the lower class.

         

This abrupt analysis of mine is informed by what transpired two weeks ago in Imo State, the Eastern Heartland. During the period in review, the governor of the state in the person of Chief Rochas Okorocha reportedly met, albeit inadvertently, with some cultural and political elites from the state at a burial ceremony that took place in Nkwerre Local Government Area (LGA). It was the burial of Late Chief Amobi Nwachukwu, a brother to the revered Justice Iheme Nwosu.

         

In that event, the governor was spotted cracking jokes with some perceived critics of the ongoing Rescue Mission Administration having found himself in their midst unannounced. The persons in question whom were mainly staunch members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as purported affiliates of the said political party, included the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District Chief Hope Uzodinma, the state’s Chairman of the PDP Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, and the dethroned Traditional Ruler of Obinugu Autonomous Community in Orlu Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, among others.

        

While in the house lounge where the select persons were hosted, it seemed Governor Okorocha was standing alone because he was apparently the only faithful of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) amid the gathering that comprised mainly the PDP faithful, if not some of his aides who were present at the arena. As their stay lasted, the members of the unplanned meeting including the governor, cracked both costly and trivial jokes intensely to their delight coupled with that (the delight) of their respective aides present at the enclosed venue.

        

When the news got to my desk, I kept laughing inwards; hence, told myself that it was a sign of lesson cum warning to their teeming followers, particularly the masses among them. It’s no longer news that each time these political gladiators disagree on certain political issues, you would see their followers in their numbers constituting nuisance on our major roads, all in the name of defending their role models or ‘masters’.

         

In some quarters, you would find these uninformed followers engaging in nagging or physical combat just to settle a difference that emanated from their uncalled argument. It is indeed shameful that in most cases, they go extra mile creating enmity among themselves. Funnily enough, the men whom they fight on their behalf might be unaware of the disagreement existing between them; in other words, these politicians may not know that some able-bodied men, and perhaps women, out there are endangering their lives for their sake.

        

It’s arguably high time the masses understood that our politicians are bound to disagree to agree. I have disclosed it for the umpteenth time that most times they deliberately create a scene just to attract awareness or people’s attention. The worst thing that would happen to a politician is to found him/herself in a state of oblivion, thus they could employ any means towards ensuring that their personalities remain relevant in any society they belong to.

         

Who on earth would believe, even in a dream, that Gov. Okorocha would be spotted cracking jokes with Dr. Ilomuanya? Any sane and rational mind in the state is of the notion that the aforementioned persons are currently enemies and could never sit together at an arena let alone creating a scene for laughter. It is even mind-boggling to acknowledge that these individuals can settle their differences at anytime and anywhere, in the absence of their teeming followers who refused to be convinced that the ‘men at the top’ are just creating scenes for fun.

        

Yes, they would invariably settle in the absence of their followers because you would hardly witness an occasion where the two classes are seated at the same spot or seen discussing issues like man-to-man. And, all these are ostensibly to the detriment of the masses. It is surely at the expense of the followers because if reconciliation eventually took place between the warring politicians/elites, the masses would remain enemies among themselves, thereby continue to overheat the polity.

         

If only we would be reasonable for once, we would comprehend that, social wise, the elite and the masses are not unlike two parallel lines that have no meeting point. Against this backdrop, the latter aren’t required to drink Panadol for the headache of the former. They know the best and apt drug to take for their headache, so leave them alone. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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Opinion I Still on 2017 World Press Freedom Day

PROMOTING THE PRESS’ IMPACT ON NATION-BUILDING AS THE 2017 WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IS MARKED ON WEDNESDAY MAY 3

        

          

May 3 each year is observed as the World Press Freedom Day. The World Press Freedom Day was approved by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 1993 following the recommendation of the General Assembly of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and among all, pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

          

The Press can be described as the news media and agencies collectively, especially newspapers and magazines. In the same vein, freedom of the Press or the Press freedom is the freedom the press workers or personnel have to communicate and express their views through the media including print and electronic. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.

          

With respect to government information, any government may distinguish the materials that are meant to be public from the ones to be protected based on classification of the information as sensitive, secret, and being otherwise protected from disclosure due to its relevance to protecting the national interest. Many governments are also subject to sunshine laws or freedom of information legislation that are used to define the ambit of national interest.

          

The United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference as well as impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”. This philosophy is usually accompanied by legislation ensuring various degrees of freedom such as freedom of scientific research known as ‘scientific freedom’, publishing, press and printing. The concept of freedom of speech is often covered by the same laws as freedom of the press thereby giving equal treatment to both spoken and published expressions.

          

Undoubtedly, the impact of the press on nation building cannot be overemphasized. It is noteworthy that, the current socio-political, ethnic and religious intolerance in Nigeria can best be addressed by giving the press a free role not only in presentation of reportage but educating the entire citizenry on the need to embrace absolute tolerance irrespective of their respective affiliations.

         

The ongoing Boko-Haram terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region of the country, coupled with the current crisis occasioned by herdsmen cannot be properly approached or tackled without involving the press. In this aspect, the press would enable the citizens and other concerned or affected groups to know what is at stake as well as what is expected of them at any given time.

          

Of course, it is the press that would enable the general public to acknowledge the anticipated dimension of the said anomalies. Creating awareness and awakening the consciousness of the populace in this regard or in a situation of such cannot be compromised, and suchlike measure cannot be achieved without the effort of the press.

        

Considering the just concluded elections in Nigeria, we would agree to the obvious fact that the role of the press throughout the exercise was not just enormous, but unquantifiable. It was the press that enabled both the security operatives and the general public to know where and when there was any form of pandemonium or security threat as the case might be as well as the nature of the incident. Among all, the press created an avenue for transparency as long as the polls lasted which led to a credible, peaceful and successful exercise.

          

Inter alia, as regards the activities of the political office holders or public officers at large, the press has helped tremendously to fight bribery and corruption that is often exhibited by the said personnel. It is the press that enables the people to be fully aware of the steps being taken by the government towards addressing any issue or anomaly alongside the respective efforts of each of the government functionaries. Similarly, the contribution of critics in national development or good governance through presentation of constructive criticism cannot be effective without the press.

          

As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day, there is need for all concerned authorities and groups in the country to safeguard the Freedom of Information (FOI) law that is aimed towards restructuring the Nigerian democratic system. On the other hand, there’s equally an urgent need for the release of all the journalists and media personnel across the globe that are being detained unjustly by the police or any law enforcement agency.

           

More so, the governments at all levels ought to stop further arrest and intimidation of activists whom they perceive as critics of their negative political agenda or mission. Suffice it to say; the press ought to be given a thorough free role in reporting and seeking solution to issues that may threaten the peace and unity of our great country Nigeria.

         

On their part, the members of the media must at all times concentrate on objective or unbiased reportage; hence, they are expected to think beyond their individual interest in any circumstance they find themselves. In view of this, no member of the press should in any occasion or on any ground publish any news/story without embarking on thorough and adequate investigation. In other words, investigative reporting is expected to be the watchword of every pressman. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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Still on World Malaria Day

COMMEMORATING THE 2017 WORLD MALARIA DAY

          

The last time I checked, April 25 of each year remained the World malaria Day. This implies that tomorrow being Tuesday, Imolites will join the global community to mark the 2017 edition of the commemoration. Owing to the widespread of malaria infection and its deadly consequence, the World Health Organization thought it wise to proclaim World Malaria Day. In view of this, in May 2007 during the sixtieth (60^th) session of the World Health Assembly, April 25 of every year was unanimously adopted as the World Malaria Day. The day was established to provide education and thorough understanding of malaria disease across the globe, especially in countries where the disease seems to be endemic.

          

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by a group of single-celled parasitic micro-organisms known as protozoa belonging to the genus plasmodium. The disease is mainly transmitted by mosquito bites, and the symptoms often commence few days after the bite. Malaria is transmitted most commonly by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito bite introduces the parasite called plasmodium from the mosquito’s saliva into a person’s bloodstream. The parasites then travel to the liver where they mature and reproduce.

         

The signs and symptoms of malaria typically begin eight to twenty-five days following infection; however, symptoms may occur later in those who have taken anti-malarial medications in the past as prevention. Initial manifestations of the disease, which is common to all malaria species, are similar to flu-like symptoms and can resemble other conditions such as septicemia, gastroenteritis and viral diseases.

          

The presentation may include headache, fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, haemolytic anaemia, jaundice, haemoglobin in the urine, retinal damage, and convulsions. The classic symptom of malaria is paroxysm – a cyclical occurrence of sudden coldness followed by shivering and then fever and sweating; occurring every two days in P. Vivax and P. Malariae infection.

           

Severe malaria, which might lead to death, is usually caused by P. Falciparum – often referred to as ‘Falciparum Malaria’. Its symptoms arise nine to thirty days after contracting the infection. Individuals with cerebral malaria frequently exhibit neurological symptoms including abnormal posturing, nystagmus, conjugate gaze palsy i.e. failure of the eyes to turn together in the same direction, opisthotonus, seizure, or coma.

           

There are several serious complications of malaria. Among these is the development of respiratory distress, which occurs in up to twenty-five percent (25%) of adults and forty percent (40%) of children with severe P. Falciparum malaria. Possible causes include respiratory compensation of metabolic acidosis, non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, concomitant pneumonia and severe anaemia. It is worthy to note that, concurrent infection of HIV with malaria increases mortality rate. Malaria in pregnant women is the major cause of stillbirths, infant mortality, abortion and low birth weight, particularly in P. Falciparum infection.

           

Symptoms of malaria can recur after varying symptom-free periods.  Depending upon the cause, recurrence can be classified as either recrudescence or relapse. Recrudescence is when symptoms return after a symptom-free period; it is caused by parasites living in the blood as a result of inadequate or ineffective treatment. Whilst, relapse is when symptoms reappear after the parasites have been eliminated from blood but persist as dormant hyponozoites in liver cells; relapse commonly occurs between eight to twenty-four weeks and is common among P. Vivax and P. Ovale infections.

           

Malaria infection develops via two major phases namely, one involving the liver known as exoerythrocytic phase, and one that involves the red blood cells referred to as erythrocytic phase. When an infected mosquito pierces a person’s skin to take a blood meal, sporozoites in the mosquito’s saliva enter the bloodstream and migrate to the liver where they infect hepatocytes, multiplying asexually and asymptomatically for a period of eight to thirty days. After a potential dormant period in the liver, these organisms differentiate to yield thousands of merozoites, which following rupture of their host cells, escape into the blood and infect the red blood cells to begin the erythrocytic stage of their life cycle.

          

The primary sources of mosquitoes include sewage, refuse, dirty stagnant water, and untidy environment. In most cases, mosquitoes are peculiar to damp and dirty environments or substances such as gutter, pool, faeces, urine, among other solid and liquid waste materials. This is why residents of untidy localities are at a high risk of contracting malaria.   

          

Methods used to prevent malaria include medications, mosquito elimination through fumigation coupled with regular environmental sanitation, as well as prevention of mosquito bites via regular cum proper use of the mosquito nets, among others. Prevention of malaria, which is yet to have a vaccine, may be more cost-effective than treatment of the disease in the long run; though the initial costs required are out of reach of many of the world’s poorest people.

         

Owing to the non-specific nature of presentation of symptoms, diagnosis of malaria in non-endemic areas requires a high degree of suspicion. Malaria is invariably confirmed by the microscopic examination of blood films or by antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT). Microscopy is the most commonly used method to detect the malaria parasite in the body. In spite of its widespread usage, diagnosis by microscopy suffers from two main drawbacks: many settings especially rural are not equipped to perform the test, and the accuracy of the results depends on both the skill of the lab technician and the levels of the parasite in the blood.

          

Malaria is widely treated with anti-malarial medications; the ones to be used solely depend on the type and severity of the disease. While medications against fever are commonly used, their effects on outcomes are not clear. Uncomplicated malaria may be treated with oral medications; the most effective treatment for P. Falciparum infection is the use of artemisinins in combination with other anti-malarial drugs known as Artemisinin-Combination Therapy (ACT), which decreases resistance to any single drug component.

           

It is obvious that malaria is a killer disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2010, there were about two hundred and ninety (219) million cases of malaria outbreak resulting to six hundred and sixty thousand (660,000) deaths. The majority of cases, about sixty-five percent (65%), occur in children under fifteen years. Survey also indicates that about one hundred and twenty-five (125) million pregnant women are at risk of infection each year; in Sub-Saharan Africa such as Nigeria, Angola, Chad, Congo, Benin, Ghana and several others, maternal malaria is associated with up to two hundred thousand (200,000) estimated infant deaths yearly. In a nutshell; globally, about 3.3 billion individuals in 106 countries are at risk of malaria, mostly among African children.

           

As Imolites, and Nigerians in general, join the rest of the world to commemorate the annual World Malaria Day, I enjoin each of everyone of us regardless of age or status, to be extremely conscious of the outlook of his/her surroundings since malaria is mainly attributed to unhealthy vicinity. Thus, we should always endeavour to properly dispose any form of waste found within our place of residence as well as thoroughly sanitize our gutters and toilets at all times. In addition, we should ensure that our beds are always covered with treated mosquito net whenever we lie in it.

         

We should equally endeavour to see our physician from time-to-time or whenever we notice any abnormality in our body system, for onward review of our health status. Similarly, the various health workers/personnel across the state and beyond are expected to contribute meaningfully in creation of awareness regarding the causes and possible effects of malaria disease as well as its epidemic. We ought to always bear in mind that prevention is invariably better than cure. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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