Opinion I Open Epistle to Gov. Okorocha

MY OPEN LETTER TO OKOROCHA

       

The last time I painstakingly checked, this would be the very first time I would tender an open epistle to the Imo State governor in the person of Chief Rochas Okorocha, though I have been advising the said leader in my own little way via various channels ab initio or since the commencement of my humble ministry.

        

Your Excellency, many people would be wondering why an open epistle is coming to your revered office from Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor, a man who prefers to stay alone or hide in his humble abode rather than airing a view that might eventually be swept under the carpet. But true Imolites would be deeply glad to come across this letter owing to various facts; because they are not unaware that it is timely; because they know I have invariably represented the interest of the state at large; because they are convinced that I have never derailed from the prime motives of this ministry, which graciously kicked off over a decade ago.

          

First, I wish to commence by congratulating you over the tremendous and remarkable feats you have recorded thus far since the inception of the Rescue Mission Administration, precisely on May 29, 2011. I cannot equally cease from appreciating the nature of charisma that is embodied in your person, because it takes only a charismatic person to successfully lead any existing society across the globe let alone Imo that is reckoned to be an entity made up of well informed, educated and widely travelled individuals.

         

I commend you immensely for having ensured that amid the outpouring criticisms that have been trending within the shores of the state and beyond, obvious landmark developments were accomplished. Most times in my lonely self, I candidly see you as an enigma; a person of many colours. It only takes someone who possesses suchlike idiosyncrasy to overcome several challenges, or to be able to thrive even when many attempt to pull him down.

         

Now, it is high time I disclosed what actually necessitated this critique which I candidly tagged an epistle. This letter is solely targeted towards making your person take cognizance of a foreseen seeming unpleasant scene that might spring up if your Excellency fails to aptly address some lingering issues pertaining to both politics and governance. Considering my stance in the Nigerian polity in general, I cannot possibly claim ignorance or overlook some political matters concerning the state I hail from, because I’m of the strong view that a healthy political scenario begets sound governance.

         

It’s no longer news that you have outrightly dissolved your cabinet in its entirety, a step which was long overdue. The affected arms included the State Executive Council (SEC), the Expanded Executive Council as well as the Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen of the existing twenty-seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. I must tell you that everyone is indeed jittery right now. ‘Jittery’ in the sense that they cannot predict who and who would ably make the awaited list; in the sense that they are unsure if less/more active individuals would be recruited subsequently to fill the vacant positions.

         

You must acknowledge that the greatest mistake you would make at the moment, both as a politician and a true leader, is to come up with bunch of mediocrists, sycophants and hypocrites in the name of cabinet members. It suffices to assert that you are expected to thoroughly examine and reexamine whosoever you intend to include in the list for the sole interest of the Eastern Heartland at large. In other words, you must not let anyone decide for you on this critical matter. Even if a recommendation comes to your desk, accept it but take your precious time to ascertain if the person in question has all it takes to occupy the concerned post.

         

One thing you must note is that, it is not everyone that’s clapping for you that actually loves you or means well for you. So, do not let people’s countenance deceive you or becloud your sense of judgement. You are unarguably a discerning individual, thus I humbly enjoin you to concentrate mainly on the needful; the needful remains understanding those who can truly deliver when assigned to carry out any challenging task.

         

Then, away from governance, I am compelled to equally discuss politics with your Excellency. We all, myself in particular, have been watching the political stage of Imo State with keen interest. In recent times, a lot of melodramas have really transpired on the stage, thereby making us the spectators become more thoughtful. Currently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is obviously in charge both in the state and at the federal level.

         

We have seen many supposed members of the said political platform trying to disorganize the activities of the party or the togetherness of the entire members. I’m not here for name calling; rather, my interest is only to let you comprehend that the APC is yearning for sincere harmony. You must use your capacity as the leader of the great party to without much ado address this state of unease that’s already overheating the polity, else, the party may live to regret it. You need to note that not all members in the party that claim to be loyal or behind you are really in support of you; hence, I urge you to shine your eyes.

         

The ongoing quagmire is not unconnected with the emerged political differences between the party members cum supporters. There’s no space and time to go into details, but we are not unaware that the aforementioned differences were occasioned by the individual choices of the members as regards who becomes your successor, or the next governor of the ancient state.  I have heard you say that the aggrieved ones would ‘come to their senses at the right time’. I do not know what you meant by the ‘right time’ but you must understand that time is really ticking.

         

It is on this premise that I wish to humbly remind your Excellency that the tension may not come down, or might linger indefinitely, if you don’t do the needful in earnest as the overall leader of the party as far as the state is concerned. And, to do the needful, you need to jettison your personal interest for that of the state in general. So, I implore you to act as a father while addressing this very critical matter.

         

Sure, anything that affects the APC will adversely affect Imo State both presently and in the future, because the party is in charge of the state and has succeeded in winning the heart of most Imolites. Needless to state that whatever that affects the party is liable to affect the welfare of the state’s citizenry. This is no doubt food for thought, thus I urge you to digest it wholly and adequately.

         

Above all, please ensure that the awaited LG elections are duly conducted before the end of this year (2017) as promised. This would enable you to balance the equation in regard to ushering in real democratic dividend, or the true picture of democracy. In the same vein, you need to also handle your differences with the retirees with proper attention and compassion, so that, they will all live to bless you and this administration too. If they have eventually accepted the proposal for fifty per cent (50%) cut in their pensions, please endeavour to regularize the payment so that it would go a long way in solving their respective plights; and equally endeavour to make the payment in full when the economy becomes juicy again.

         

At this juncture, permit me to drop my humble pen and allow you to painstakingly give the candid epistle the attention it truly deserves. But before I do that, on a lighter mood I want to ask your Excellency, who would you like to see as your successor come 2019? Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

_______________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor     

ShortStory I Unbelievable! (II)

UNBELIEVABLE! (II)

       “And you told me he is your childhood friend?” quoth Chiamaka as they were both seated on the bed, remained in sober mood. “This is unbelievable!”

        Mr. Emeka Okoro was cold, couldn’t fathom the accusation alleged by his wife. “Wait a minute,” he urged. “You mean, the man seated out there was the person who robbed you on that day?”

       “So I am lying, or?”

       “It’s not that I am calling you a liar.” Emeka clarified. “Just that I am trying to figure it out.” he said, paused. “I am very confused here.”

       “Figure what out?” she quarreled. “I can see you are not what you claim to be.”

       “What exactly are you insinuating?” He inquired.

       “Insinuating?” quoth Chiamaka. “Isn’t it obvious that I have been married to an armed robber who poses as a trader…?”

       “How could you say such a thing?” Emeka interrupted. “Haven’t you seen my shops?”

        Emeka who was a dealer of household plastic materials, had about three shops situated at different localities in the city of Onitsha, Anambra State where he alongside his family equally resided.

       “Those shops could be a disguise, of course.” She thought aloud, looking elsewhere.

       “A disguse?” quoth Emeka. “A disguise you said.” he reiterated, paused. “So you have suddenly lost your trust in me?”

        As the melodrama lingered, the 42-year-old Mr. Mezie Alozie was anxiously seated at the house lounge longing for Emeka’s return from the bedroom to brief him on what actually prompted the abrupt change of mood displayed by his wife. He had waited for almost fifteen minutes to no avail as he overheard the couple nagging in the room, though couldn’t fathom what they were really discussing. He had no choice than to continue awaiting the host, and probably his wife.

       “What else do you what me to say?” Chiamaka ranted.

        Emeka was calm, speechless. From his countenance and thoughts, the wife was making sense as regards her presumptions.

       “I am asking you,” she said. “What else do you what to hear from me?”

         He remained mute, felt not unlike a docked person.

       “A man told his wife that he was expecting a childhood friend.” she continued. “Only for her to notice that the expected guest is an armed robber.”

         Emeka couldn’t utter a word, seemed lifeless.

       “How do you explain this?” queried Chiamaka. “No, tell me?”

         Since Emeka knew too well that Mezie was an ex-convict, he had no reason to doubt his wife’s allegation. Besides, the incident in question as was narrated by Chiamaka transpired in Lagos State where Mezie mainly reigned as an armed robber, thus the trueness of her claim wasn’t far-fetched. Emeka was only trying to find a way he would exonerate himself, or convince his lovely wedded wife that he – being her hubby – had never indulged himself in any social-vice let alone robbery. It was very difficult for him to actualize this, because he lied to her in the first place by not letting her realize the real identity of the guest they were expecting.

       “Going by what is on ground,” Chiamaka proceeded. “Who on earth wouldn’t believe that you are a robber?”

      “Enough of this…” Emeka roared, frowned.

      “Rather than telling me what I want to hear,” she said. “You have chosen to shout at me, right?”

      “I am sorry.” He confessed, became so moody.

      “Tell me,” Chiamaka tenderly uttered, looking into his eyes. “What is going on?” she inquired, paused. “Is there anything you are not telling me?”

       “Yes,” Emeka affirmed, stood up. “There’s one thing I didn’t tell you.” He disclosed, backing her.

        Chiamaka shivered, became mute and attentive.

       “But,” he rode on. “I am afraid, if you would believe me.” He said, stood still, still backing her.

        She calmly stood up, walked to where he was, and faced him. “You know I have always believed you since six years now we are married.” She enthused, paused. “All I want to hear is nothing but the truth.”

        He left her, walked to the bed and sat down. “Mezie who is seated out there,” he said. “Is an ex-convict.” He eventually revealed, looking up to her as she stood aloof.

        “What did you just say?” Chiamaka uttered, hurriedly joined him at the bed.

       “I said,” quoth Emeka. “He is an ex-convict.” He reiterated.

       “An ex what?”

       “Yes,” he answered. “He was released from the prison barely one month ago.”

       “What..!” Chiamaka exclaimed, placing her hands on her head. “This is getting more confusing.” She asserted. “So, what are you doing with an ex-convict?” She managed to inquire.

        “When he was into the act, I never knew,” he proceeded. “Till he was arrested.” he notified, took a deep breath. “It was when the news of his arrest got to the public domain, that I realized who truly he was.”

         Chiamaka was deeply bemused, could not believe her ears.

       “Now that he is out of prison, I can’t despise him.” he continued. “Because, we have known each other from Adam.”

       “But why didn’t you tell me all these when we were expecting him?”

       “I didn’t think it was necessary.” Emeka responded. “I was only trying to avoid anything that could make you not to join me in welcoming him.”

        After all said and done, she outrightly believed him as usual. He as well used the opportunity to plead with her to forgive Mezie, opining that he was now a changed person entirely.

       Mezie on his part, having been thoroughly intimated on what actually occasioned Chiamaka’s sudden change of attitude, equally asked for her forgiveness and went further to strongly assure that he would never go back to such obnoxious lifestyle again. In accordance with the plea coupled with assurance, she therein forgave him wholeheartedly.

       Months later, Mr. Mezie Alozie emerged as a true anointed man of God with the sole purpose of winning souls for the Creator. His church – Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry – witnessed overwhelming congregants on a regular basis. And, it would interest you to note that Mr. and Mrs. Emeka Okoro were part of the founding members of the outreach.

** The End **

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

___________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador            

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor  

         

Opinion I Today June 13 is, Int'l Albinism Awareness Day

ADDRESSING ONGOING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ALBINOS AS THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY IS MARKED ON TUESDAY JUNE 13

       

        

Today, June 13, the world over is commemorating the 2017 edition of the International Albinism Awareness Day. On Wednesday 19^th of November 2014, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted June 13 each year as the International Albinism Awareness Day via a historic resolution. June 13 was chosen because it was on that day in 2013 that the UN adopted its first ever resolution on albinism.

         

Albinism is a genetic deficiency of melanin pigment production in which the carrier, either a person or animal, possesses very white skin, white hair and pink eyes. It is usually inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. The carrier of the syndrome is generally regarded as an ‘albino’.

         

In albinism, a number of different chromosomes are involved, depending upon the type. There are two major classes of albinism, namely; Oculocutaneous albinism and Ocular albinism. Oculocutaneous albinism affects the eyes, hair and skin, whereas only the eyes are affected in Ocular albinism.

        

Approximately one in seventeen thousand (17,000) persons worldwide has one of the types of albinism. It is noteworthy that, albinism can affect any race and has been extensively studied in other animal species like mouse.

        

Visual plights are a significant feature of albinism. In albinism condition, melanin is reduced or could be totally absent in the eye, skin, hair as well as the brain, thereby causing mal-development of neural pathways related to vision. Abnormalities in cone morphology have also been detected in the fovea. More so, severe nystagmus, photophobia, strabismus, and reduced visual acuity are common features.

        

The precise appearance of an albino depends on which syndrome or condition that’s involved. Medical analysts are of the view that people with albinism have red eyes, but the colour of the iris varies from a dull grey to blue or even brown. In albinism condition, a brown iris is common among ethnic groups with darker pigmentation.

        

Under certain lighting conditions, there is a reddish or violet hue that reflects through the iris from the retina and the eyes then appear red, similar to the red eye in flash photography. In some types of albinism, the red colour can reflect back through the iris as well as the pupil.

         

Diagnosis is based on careful history of pigment development and an examination of the skin, hair and eyes. The only type of albinism that has white hair at birth is the OCA1. The most accurate test for determining the specific type of albinism is a genetic test, though the test is useful only for families that have individuals with albinism. Hence it cannot be performed practically as a screening test for the general population.

        

None of the available tests is capable of detecting all the mutations of the genes that cause albinism. And, responsible mutations cannot be detected in a small number of individuals and families with albinism. Optical coherence tomography can be a useful adjunct in cases of OCA, which display atypical features.

         

Ophthalmologists and optometrists can help people living with albinism to compensate for their eye problems but they cannot be cured. Astigmatism is the most common eye problem across all the subtypes of albinism, whilst there is a high frequency of hypermetropia in OCA1A patients. However, ordinary glasses or bifocals with a strong reading correction may serve well for many people with albinism.

         

For photophobia, dark glasses or photo-chromic lenses are recommendable. There is no proof that dark glasses will improve vision even when used at a very early age, but they may improve comfort. Recent advances include contact lenses with a special iris tint and clear pupil area as well as bi-level telemicroscopes fitted on to patients’ prescription spectacles.

        

Albinism can be prevented, though could be expensive for low-income families. Gene testing can be used to determine if a foetus has albinism. Amniocentesis is performed at 16 to 18 weeks of gestation. But, those considering such testing should be aware that, if given proper support, children with albinism can function well despite considerable visual handicap and also enjoy normal lifespan. Hence, the UN calls on all stakeholders to use this day to take action that would end stigma, intimidation, humiliation, attacks, and all forms of discrimination against persons living with albinism worldwide.

         

So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day, we are expected to take action by indulging in, but not limited to, the following: inviting a local organization of persons with albinism to address our respective institutions; creating discussion forums in our workplaces on how we, both individually and collectively, can contribute towards ending the discrimination experienced by persons with albinism through our own belief systems; encouraging our friends, associates, relations, and/or employees, as the case may be, to spend reasonable time with the various societies of persons with albinism in order to assist them in addressing discrimination, among other uncalled treatments; as well as sponsoring a local radio, television or print media campaign on June 13 to raise awareness about the rights of persons with albinism.

        

The last time I checked, an average albino in the contemporary Nigerian society was earnestly yearning for special treatments in some cases or sectors including classrooms, elections, and what have you. Our various schools at all levels ought to endeavour to provide them with enabling materials during learning sections; they should also be allowed to sit at the front. The INEC must equally ensure that they are given preferential treatments such as allowing them to cast their votes first as well as granting them adequate sensitization prior to the polls.

        

The law makers, on their part, are required to pass a bill that would thoroughly address all the challenges being faced by albinos in Nigeria with a view to actualizing a country where fairness and equity are seen as its watchword. Free or subsidized medical treatments for the albinos, as the case may be, should equally be considered in the proposed bill. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

_____________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador 

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor