Opinion II As Okorocha Dissolves Cabinet Members

AS OKOROCHA DISSOLVES THE SEC, EXPANDED EXCO, ET AL

        

The last time I checked, the governor of Imo State in the person of Chief Rochas Okorocha had outrightly approved the dissolution of the State’s Executive Council (SEC), the Expanded Executive Council including the Special Advisers (SAs), Executive Assistants (EAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Principal Officers (POs), Personal Assistants (PAs) as well as the various Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen of the twenty-seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, among others.

        

The officers whom were relieved of their duties on Tuesday 30^th May 2017 were instructed to immediately hand over documents in their respective possessions to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry or the Director of Administration and General Services (DAGS) of the LG, as the case may be. This obviously implies that at the moment, there is no serving Commissioner or TC Chairman in the Eastern Heartland, except the Commissioner for the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) whose office wasn’t inclusive in the dissolution coupled with the Commissioner of Police who is on a federal assignment.

         

It’s noteworthy that the offices of the Chief of Staff of the Imo Government House and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) were not affected by the action, thus the appointment of the personnel occupying the aforementioned positions remains valid till further notice. Till further notice signifies that the two offices might remain untouchable till 2019 when the Rescue Mission Administration is expected to come to conclusion. Hence, do not let anyone give you a misleading information in respect of this circumstance; if you are in doubt about anything whatsoever, please endeavour to verify from the apt quarters.

        

Well, this critique was occasioned by the way forward. As these men graciously take a bow, every sane and rational Imolite would be preoccupied with several thoughts. Someone would anxiously want to know if the affected posts would remain vacant till 2019; or how long it would take the governor to refill the vacancies. Some other schools of thought would wish to realize the kind cum caliber of individuals that would be appointed to fill the spaces; or if any of the affected politicians would be retained or asked to man another portfolio.

        

In other words, discerning Imolites are apparently jittery now. ‘Jittery’ in the sense that they are engulfed by fear of the unknown. ‘Fear of the unknown’ in the sense that they are unsure what the awaited action of the governor entails. Needless to assert that this set of people cannot predict if the politicians or technocrats that would be succeeding the relieved officers would perform better or lesser. Suchlike worry indeed calls for adequate attention.

         

Whatever thought any group is facing right now, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that the step taken by the governor was a welcome one; in fact, it was long overdue. Change remains the only constant factor in life, and it enables us to make amends where necessary. An odyssey deserves to be overhauled as it progresses with a view to attaining the required destination. It was the great philosopher, Socrates who said ‘an unexamined life is not worth living’. Let’s ride on!

         

Therefore, it is time for Governor Okorocha to reexamine the life of the revered Rescue Mission Government toward revamping some moribund systems possessed by it. It is high time he worked on some bad bloods in the system, because any bad blood is just like a bad tyre; it can never go anywhere unless it is changed. A medical scientist would call it ‘holistic diagnosis’. Among all, this is equally the time for those who have been sidelined by the administration to be brought closer to the corridors of power; such gesture is traditional or customary in any political setting.

         

Whichever reason that necessitated the change, I would like the governor to take cognizance of some facts. First, His Excellency needs to note that Imolites do not need a change that would cause harm to the system; rather, one that would do the system nothing but absolute good. The citizenry are looking forward to having a team that would finally take the state to the anticipated Promised Land.

         

Hence, knowing fully well that this government is observing an ‘injury’ time, the governor needn’t be reminded that this is the hour for finishing touches, thus the best team is highly required at this point. It suffices to say that it’s needless to give room for second best; rather, second to none. We are seriously in need of a set of brains that would ensure that none of the expected accolades is withheld at the end of the journey.

        

Similarly, let those that would be replacing the recalled TC chairmen be the persons that would ensure a successful conduct of the LG elections billed for September cum October this year. In view of this, individuals that have no interest in the said election ought to be appointed to pilot the various LGAs. The truth is that, the conduct of the awaited polls is long overdue, though it is better late than never. But it is worthy of note that Imolites wouldn’t like a die-minute election as it was witnessed in 2010 during the reign of the previous administration led by Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

        

At this juncture, I implore the amiable governor to employ adequate diligence while taking his decision toward filling the vacant positions. He must jettison sentiments, or any form of fear or favour as he takes the said decision. He must note that the interest of Imo supersedes any other one, be it that of individual, zone or any form of group.

         

So, as we anxiously awaits the next step to be taken sooner or later, all we seek for is nothing but a step that would help to actualize every laudable motive of this government as it concerns all aspects of human endeavour. We wouldn’t accept excuses of any kind as we enter the final phase of this odyssey, thus it is no doubt the moment to take decisions that would stand the taste of time.

       

To this end, I’m humbly of the candid view that it is time all the sycophants, hypocrites as well as the unproductive ones in the system go for a rest, or are shown the way out, while we deploy only the needed elements for the highly critical and last lap of this motion which commenced precisely on 29^th May 2011. We must whisk the bad eggs away for the good of all. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

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Opinion II Today is World Environment Day!!!

CHECKING THE ONGOING PROLIFERATION OF NOISE POLLUTION AS THE 2017 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY IS MARKED TODAY MONDAY JUNE 5

         

Today June 5, the global community commemorates the 2017 World Environment Day. The day was instituted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to raise awareness on the dangers attached to the various environmental abuses worldwide.

       

Of course, no society is bound to thrive in a polluted environment or an environment filled with any form of pollution. Several plights such as malaria, cholera, depletion of the Ozone layer, loss of hearing, and what have you, as the case may be, being currently faced by mankind are mainly attributed to environmental mishandling or abuses.

        

Pollution can be defined as the introduction of unwanted substances or contaminants into the natural environment such as air, water and land, which causes adverse effect on the lives of the occupants. In the same vein, noise pollution is the disturbing or excessive sound that has the tendency of harming the activity of human or animal life.

        

The sources of most outdoor noise worldwide are mainly machines to include musical instruments, power generators, transportation systems, motor vehicles, aircraft, and trains. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise pollution since side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas. Similarly, indoor noise can be caused by building activities or music performances, especially in some workplaces.

        

Though noise has been a thing of great concern to mankind for decades now due to its devastating effect, but the recent dimension it has taken has remained the most worrisome aspect of it, that, if drastic approach is not taken to curb the anomaly, it is likely to degenerate into a more horrible situation soonest.

         

One cannot conclude a discussion on the causes of the current proliferation of noise pollution, particularly in Nigeria, without mentioning the uncalled manner in which most individuals or corporate organizations make use of the sound producing instrument known as loudspeaker. For instance, in most cases you would see some of the new generational churches display their loudspeakers not even within their church premises but along the street where the church in question is situated, thereby generating series of cacophonies.

         

The pathetic one is a situation whereby an individual, especially a youth would not enjoy listening to music in a low or decent tone unless the volume of the sound system is at the maximum point. Without mincing words, deriving pleasure from a noisy environment is not just a ridiculous attitude but irrational and barbaric. The most annoying and worrying aspect of this silly behaviour is that the person who indulges in such act is not only causing harm to himself but to his/her entire neighbours.

         

Also, the noise being generated by the various domestic power generating sets cannot be overlooked while discussing noise pollution. It is obvious that currently virtually every family or bachelor in Nigeria could boast of at least one electricity generator owing to the alarming rate of power instability/failure in the country; in other words, some families have up to two or three in their possession. Statistics show that over sixty percent (60%) of the aforementioned persons/families live in one-room rented apartment; needless to say that the power generators in their possession are being ignited either at the balcony of their houses or directly behind their windows.

        

The adverse effect of noise pollution or noise disturbance cannot be overemphasized. High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans, a rise in blood pressure, an increase in stress and vasoconstriction, and an increased incidence of coronary artery diseases. In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with reproduction and navigation as well as contribute to permanent hearing loss.

         

Noise pollution affects both health and behaviour. Unwanted sound can damage one’s psychological health status. In addition, noise pollution can cause hypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, and sleep disturbances, among other harmful effects. Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with someone’s normal activities including sleeping and conversation or when it disrupts/diminishes one’s quality of life.

        

In human beings, chronic exposure to noise may cause noise-induced hearing loss. Older males exposed to significant occupational noise demonstrate more significantly reduced hearing sensitivity than their non-exposed peers, though differences in hearing sensitivity decrease with time and the two groups are indistinguishable by age 79. Noise pollution also contributes to annoyance.

        

As the world over commemorates the World Environment Day, we are expected to contribute our respective quotas, individually or collectively, towards curbing the ongoing various environmental abuses, especially misuse or mishandling of acoustics. Noise pollution can be alleviated in many ways. Roadway noise can be reduced by the use of noise barriers, limitation of vehicle speeds, alteration of roadway surface texture, restriction of heavy vehicles, use of traffic controls that smooth vehicle flow to reduce unnecessary braking and acceleration, and enhancement of tire designs. Similarly, aircraft noise can be reduced by using quieter jet engines as well as altering flight paths and time of day runway.

        

Inter alia, people ought to be advised to make use of an earpiece that has sound filter while listening to music or radio through an ear speaker. They should also be meant to understand the real beauty behind listening to music in a low tone or the health implications of high sound. More so, the churches should be sensitize on the appropriate way of channelling their sound systems during church service or worship hours. On the other hand, the ongoing incessant use of siren by various public office holders must be monitored by the appropriate quarters or authorities.

         

Most importantly, there is a compelling need to implement a legal backing regarding alleviation of noise pollution. Such measure would be targeted to mandate the owners of power generating sets to construct a mini-house for the said machines in order to profoundly reduce the sound being generated by them.

        

Generally, the proposed law would create an avenue whereby any one or organization found abusing the use of any sound equipment would be brought to book without much ado. It is indeed the duty of all to support this crusade. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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frednwaozor@gmail.com    

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As We Celebrate the World No-Tobacco Day

CHECKING THE DANGERS OF TOBACCO INTAKE AS THE 2017 WORLD NO-TOBACCO DAY IS COMMEMORATED ON WEDNESDAY MAY 31

         

          

Wednesday May 31, the global community commemorates the World No Tobacco Day. The Day, which is marked on every 31^st of May, was instituted by the United Nations (UN) through the effort of the World Health Organization (WHO). Annually, WHO alongside its partners mark the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce its consumption.

          

The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Tobacco: a threat to development’, which focuses on the compelling need to end tobacco intake. Frankly, from several angles such as social, health, economy, and governance, tobacco indeed poses a colossal threat to human cum societal development.    

         

The BBC English Dictionary defines tobacco as ‘the dried leaves of a particular plant which people smoke in pipes, cigars, and cigarettes.’ The products of the tobacco leaves can also be referred to as ‘tobacco’. In the same vein, tobacco smoking is the act or habit of smoking tobacco leaves or any of its products to include cigarette, cigar, snuff, et cetera.

          

There are a number of types of tobacco in existence. It is noteworthy that, any of the type involved contains unwholesome substances, which cause untold harm to the body. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) named tobacco as the world’s single greatest cause of preventable deaths.

           

Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and non-smokers. Research shows that inhaling even a little tobacco smoke can be harmful to the body. This is why among the various means of consuming tobacco leaves, which include sniffing, smoking, chewing and stuffing, smoking remains the most dangerous and delicate. Scientifically survey indicates that, of the more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 250 including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and ammonia are known to be harmful. Among the 250 known harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 69 can cause cancer, especially in the lung, kidney, mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, pancreas and cervix.

         

Tobacco smokers are exposed to variety of risks or health complications namely: blood clots and aneurysms in the brain which can lead to stroke, blood clots in the legs which may travel to the lungs, coronary artery disease including angina and heart attacks, high blood pressure, poor blood supply to the legs, problems with erections due to decreased blood flow into the penis.

         

Other health risks or problems are poor wound healing especially after surgery, asthma, problems during pregnancy such as babies born at low birth weight, premature labour, miscarriage and cleft lip; decreased ability to taste and smell, harm to sperm which contributes to infertility, loss of sight as a result of an increased risk of mascular degeneration, tooth and gum diseases as well as wrinkling of the skin.

          

Smokers who switch to smokeless tobacco instead of quitting tobacco intake completely still have a number of health risks to include increased risk of mouth or nasal cancer, gum problems, tooth wear, cavities, worsening high blood pressure, and angina. Those who do not smoke or take any form of tobacco but always stay around smokers are also exposed to some health issues such as heart attack and other heart diseases, lung cancer and sudden reactions involving the eye, nose, throat, and lower respiratory tract.

         

Infants and children who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are not left out. They can easily contract asthma, infections like virus-caused upper respiratory diseases, ear infections and pneumonia; lung damage or poor lung function, as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

        

Obviously, the aforementioned consequences are good reasons to quit the intake of tobacco. Like any addiction, quitting tobacco is not an easy task, especially when the person involved is acting alone. If one intends to quit smoking or intake of tobacco, family members, friends and co-workers may be supportive. He can also talk to his health care provider concerning nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation medications. More so, if he or she joins smoking cessation programmes, which are often offered by hospitals, health departments, community centres and work sites, he would have a much better chance of success.

         

The bitter fact is that the global tobacco epidemic kills nearly six million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers dying from breathing secondhand smoke. Unless we act, according to WHO, the epidemic is likely to kill more than eight million persons annually by the year 2030; and more than eighty percent (80%) of these preventable mortality rates will be among people living in low and middle income countries like Nigeria.

          

As Nigeria joins the world to commemorate the annual World No Tobacco Day, it is the responsibility of every Nigerian to acknowledge that the dangers of tobacco intake can only be avoided if its addicts as well as illicit traffickers holistically desist from such uncalled act.

          

Similarly, the National Tobacco Control bill that was recently passed into law by the National Assembly is unarguably a welcome development that ought to be encouraged by any concerned authority such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others, or anyone who thinks good of the country. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

____________________________________

Follow: @mediambassador