Opinion I As We Await the Commissioners Nominees

AS WE AWAIT THE COMMISSIONERS NOMINEES

        

The last time I checked, Imolites in their entirety were graciously but anxiously awaiting the anticipated release of the commissioners’ nominees from the state’s governor Chief Rochas Okorocha. This implies that they presently cannot wait to realize who would be manning the various ministries in the Eastern Heartland.

        

Sure, the aforementioned perturbed mood is not in any way unusual. Being human, at such a time like this, every sane and rational individual is expected to be in a state of unease. But the good news remains that, amidst such scenario, the discerning ones would invariably wish to remain calm and observant till the needful is eventually done.

         

In a sincere note, I’m not in a position to say those that would make the awaited list; but as a well-informed Imolite, I can sense those that are likely to make it. I am equally not unaware that some other stakeholders in the state could as well foresee what the said list would look like. Whatever the insinuations, suggestions, or perhaps conclusions could be, what matters most is the need for us to witness a sound change. Yes, change is constant, thus ubiquitous and common, but it’s pertinent to acknowledge that a bad one could mar the functionality of the overall system.

          

It is at this juncture I wish to bring to our notice that this critique was necessitated by the compelling need for the governor to concentrate on the needful, and nothing less or more. We are aware that tension is apparently on the high side at the moment as regards who deserves to be among the incoming nominees. And in such situation, various factors are often considered prior to pronouncement of the lucky names.

        

One of the factors that are usually looked into is the quest of the party faithful. It is not anymore news that in such period, the leadership of the ruling party would always want to use its immunity to influence the awaited appointment. They would want to ensure that only those who had contributed meaningfully to the growth of the party are granted the opportunity to serve.

        

It happened at the federal level recently when the President Mohammadu Buhari – led administration emerged. The aforesaid president wanted only technocrats in his cabinet towards ushering in the prime motives of his election’s campaign manifesto. But unfortunately, the leadership of the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) – was totally in disagreement over the arrangement; hence, queried why the President would want to jettison those who suffered for the party prior to the its victory for the sake of people who probably were not even in the country when the show took place. So, to them, the President’s plan was an aberration.

         

Aside the pressure that would be mounted by the politicos in the state, the governor would also want to consider another factor perceived by him as crucial. He may want to bring those who would enable him actualize his next political ambition. Of course, we are not unaware that no reasonable politician in Nigeria, and the global community in general, would wish to end his or her political career as the governor of a state; in other words, every ambitious politician truly wants to attain to the peak by all means, and Governor Okorocha is not an exception.

         

It’s already in the know that numerous politicians have reportedly been trouping to both the office and residential complexes of the governor’s Chief of Staff, Chief Uche Nwosu with a view to ensuring that their names are favoured when the time comes. If all these countless politicos that are lobbying for such positions are to be considered, then one would wonder how many ministries would be made available by the governor. It suffices to assert that even if their favour-seeking visits eventually became effective, only but a few of them would definitely make the list.

          

The tradition has been that whenever such list is released, many must feel shortchanged, unknowingly to them that not everyone is meant to serve as a member of the governor’s cabinet. That you contributed during the election, in one way or the other, isn’t in any way a criterion or prerequisite that you must be appointed to serve.

         

It is against this backdrop that I wish to appeal to our teeming politicians to always endeavour to nurse an alternative profession outside politics, so that they would always fall to it when they are hit off-balance; they shouldn’t see politics as their only occupation. Continuous consideration of politics as the only occupation is the sole reason these politicians would invariably wish to cause havoc whenever they felt shortchanged.

         

Whatever the case might be, I want the governor to know that many of his political enemies would surely laugh at him if his administration failed to complete all the numerous capital projects that are ongoing across the nooks and crannies of the state. And, it’s pertinent to comprehend that such projects cannot come into completion if he fails to appoint competent and reliable individuals to man the various existing ministries in the state.

         

In view of the above fact, the governor must overlook what he thinks people would say regarding the awaited list and endeavour to do the needful. I’m one of the few citizens of the state that cannot wait to celebrate the Rescue Mission Government come 2019, so wouldn’t want anything that’s likely to mar its anticipated extreme success to be brought on board.

        

And when the list came out and thereafter tendered to the state’s House of Assembly to exercise its constitutional right, the legislators on their part ought to equally not compromise their mandate. Only the qualified ones are required to be accepted after every consequential screening is conducted.

        

This is obviously not time to compensate anyone; rather, time to serve Imo State selflessly so that the state would live to bless us and our entire generations yet to come. A word, they say, is enough for the wise. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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Twitter: @mediambassador

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Opinion II The Trending Intriguing 'Politics' in Ahiara Diocese

THE TRENDING INTRIGUING ‘POLITICS’ IN AHIARA DIOCESE

         

The last time I checked, the Ahiara Roman Catholic Diocese situated in the ancient Mbaise nation in the Ecclesiastical province of Owerri, Imo State was yet to boast of a substantive Bishop who is meant to serve as the boss of the said territory as the Catholic doctrine demands. It’s not anymore news that the quagmire has lingered for over six years now, if I’m not mistaken.

          

The Papacy had upon the demise of the immediate past and pioneer bishop of the Ahiara Diocese, Bishop Victor Chikwe, in 2010, approved the nomination of a Catholic priest, Rev. Peter Okpalaeke who hails from Awka in Anambra State to serve as the bishop of the diocese. Amazingly, the named clergy was outrightly rejected by virtually all the Catholic faithful in the diocese, stating that the favoured priest did not possess the required qualities to super-head the communion.

         

One of their reasons was that Rev. Okpalaeke does not hail from the Mbaise nation; according to them, it was a grievous blunder for the Pope not to find anyone among over seven hundred (700) Catholic priests of Mbaise origin worthy to serve as the bishop of the Ahiara Diocese. They equally lamented that Rev. Okpalaeke does not speak a dialect that could be comprehended by the members of the diocese, thus could not be ordained to lead them.

          

Notwithstanding, the appointed clergy was eventually ordained amidst the protest. Owing to the unwelcoming attitude of the aggrieved worshippers, the ordination took place outside the Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral of the Ahiara Diocese – Agbala in Owerri North LGA precisely – amid tight security. It was the first time in the history of the Catholic communion a prospective bishop would be ordained at a venue situated outside the diocese he was supposed to oversee.

         

It’s worth noting that after the ordination, the rebellion became more intense. Since then, the seat has been apparently hot for the innocent Bishop Peter Okpaleke who has mostly been operating from the Diaspora. In spite of the recent order from Pope Francis I instructing the Catholic faithful in the diocese to unanimously sheathe their swords, the people remain hell-bent towards ensuring that their own becomes the bishop of the diocese.

         

In a recent communiqué from the Papacy, precisely on 8^th June 2017, having received a delegation from the Ahiara Diocese, all members of the diocesan clergy – including the priests and deacons – were given 30 days ultimatum to personally write the Vatican pledging their unflinching obedience to the Pope and accepting Bishop Peter Okpalaeke. Based on the directive, those who failed to write would be suspended a ‘divinis’, which would prohibit such priest or deacon from administering any of the sacraments save for a clergy hearing the confession of a person in danger of death, and would equally be removed from their posts.

          

It’s mind-boggling and indeed ridiculous to realize that the ongoing scenario, which could best be described as dramatic and amusing, isn’t only ignited and fueled by the laity council in the diocese but rather has the full support of most of the Catholic priests from the area who are expected to be more informed regarding the Catholic custom.

         

It’s noteworthy that I’m not here to apportion blames; rather, to cushion the excruciating effects of the uncalled religious extremism. Ever since the melodrama began, I have chosen to be mindful of my utterances in the public domain thereby making my person seem not unlike a mere onlooker, knowing fully well that issues pertaining to religion are highly sensitive and delicate, hence ought to be handled as such. My muteness continued not until lately when I thought it wise to wake from slumber having keenly observed that the incidence is liable to degenerate into an untold crisis if it failed to receive an apt attention.

         

Lest I forget, two factors have ab initio made me not to be too surprised or shocked over the lingering altercation in Ahiara Diocese. One of the factors remains that I grew up to understand that religion harbours politics. Yes, read my lips. Since the world came into existence, the former has ceased to be dissociated from the latter. Prior to the emergence of Pope Benedict XI (rtd.), what transpired therein made me draw a holistic conclusion that politics is arguably ubiquitous. If you are still in doubt, please feel free to consult your history book for further details. If the above hypothesis as regards politics and religion holds water, then the Ahiara Diocese ought not to be an exception.

         

Another pertinent factor is the fact that the people of the Mbaise nation have been known for their unison. Mbaise as a people are so united that they invariably, or do not hesitate to, act as a body whenever it calls for action. This remains a core feature outsiders envy about them. Needless to assert that what is currently trending in Ahiara Diocese is an epitome of what the Mbaise nation represents.

          

However, it’s worthy of note that sometimes a cause pursued vigorously in unison could be misleading. In other words, we are required to tread with caution while treating matters that relate to our faith. The Mbaise nation may have thus far fought a good fight, but they must acknowledge in haste that their collective faith is ironically at stake.

          

There’s a compelling need for them to comprehend that the ongoing battle has unequivocally already made millions of individuals to become sceptical of the genuineness of the Catholic Church as a whole, thereby making those who intend being part of the membership of the Catholic community lose interest. The bitter truth surrounding the agitation is that several pagans who wished to become Christians, perhaps Catholics, are now fearful of the said communion; it suffices to say that the era of seeing this set of persons jettison their respective shrines for Christendom’s sake could be far-fetched.

         

I immensely appreciate the Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha for wading into the crisis when his imminent attention was needed most. Against this backdrop, I enjoin other well-spirited individuals cum entities to follow suit in ensuring that peace is thoroughly embraced by the warring factions. We are not unaware that some persons from the Mbaise nation have remain neutral in this case, thus we urge such set of people to serve as a mediator since silence is no longer the needed recipe.

        

No one is expected to sit on the fence toward resolving this imbroglio, because we are all – one way or the other – affected by it. It is better late than never. Think about it!    

       

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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ShortStory II Complicated Odyssey (II)

COMPLICATED ODYSSEY (II)

(True-Life Story)

       The moment I got struck by the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) having waited fruitlessly for over two hours, I fiercely walked straight into the banking hall precisely at the Customers’ Service section, leaving other frustrated guests behind. With the look on my face, anyone could attest that all was not well. “I want to see the manager.” I forcedly requested from one of the ladies seated at the section.

       “Any problem, sir?” said the lady whom appeared to be in her late twenties, never minded my tender look.

       “While looking at my face,” I said. “Do I need to answer that question?”

        The three clients who sat before her turned simultaneously, stared at me and were obviously marvelled over my manner of approach in respect of my physical stature which showcased that I could not be more than 20, though I was 23.

        The banker, on her part, was equally dumbfounded. “You just walked in and start asking of the manager,” she managed to utter. “What is actually the matter?” She verified politely.

        “That your ATM out there had kept me on the ground for almost three hours now.” I frantically disclosed. “Just the moment it got to my turn, everything quenched like fire.” I added, frowning seriously.

        Everyone, including others away from her desk, stared at me in silent awe. They were ostensibly astonished over my strong use of words despite my apparent age. Probably, they couldn’t believe that someone in my age bracket could publicly take control of suchlike English grammar without minding the nature of my immediate environment.

        I was a staunch unionist cum one of the dedicated leaders of various societies on campus such as the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Amnesty International, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), all of FUTO chapter, as well as the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university. My unalloyed affiliations to these groups helped tremendously to shape and reshape my personality, social and moral wise. So, I could handle any crowd or gathering without being trapped by any iota of intimidation.

        Amidst the persons in the banking hall, I could observe some showcasing their amazement over the level of confidence I was parading myself with by dishing out dazzling smiles on their faces. The reaction of this set of individuals motivated my vigour greatly, thus I thought it wise to ride on with my outburst. “All that matters to me right now,” I continued in a higher tone. “Is to see the manager.”

        After the last tantrum, about three of the bank’s Protocol officers in uniform walked towards me, and tenderly asked me to calm down, promising that someone would come and address the issue immediately.

        “I don’t want anyone again,” I shouted. “All I want now is the manager.” I reiterated, gesticulating with my both arms.

        “Calm down, sir.” Urged the male banker who sat closely to the lady I was talking to. “Your problem will be solved right now.” He reassured.

        “Until I see the manager.” I reechoed, still filled with the fury that emanated from the conversation I had outside with the PhD student who was barely 21.

        Before I could finish the last sentence, a gorgeously-looking woman who seemed to be in her early forties surfaced at the banking hall; I guessed she came out from one of the offices within, hence, she had been overhearing me all along. “Young man,” she called tenderly as she stepped towards me. “What is it?”

        She was clad in a white suit cum white trousers and classy hair style; light-skinned, plump and about 5.45-foot tall.

        “This must be the manager.” I thought as I looked into her eyes. “Please ma, are you the manager?” I boldly enquired in a jiffy.

         She smiled and smiled again, looked at me in admiration, as I stood aloof still looking so frank.

        Trust me, I was well-dressed. Aside my indisputable level of vibrancy and outspokenness, I was invariably so mindful of how I dressed each time I moved out, thus no one could find me wanting fashion-wise even though I had few wears to boast of.

        “Please, come with me.” She urged me, gesticulating, turned and walked towards an office.

         I followed her. When we got to the office, she enjoined me to sit as she resumed her seat. I sat on one of the chairs sited opposite hers. “You haven’t answered me, ma.” I reminded. “Are you the manager?”

       “Yes, I am.” she replied, nodding. “Are you okay now?” She added.

        I managed to smile, although still saddened.

       “What’s the problem?” she inquired in false pretence.

        I narrated every bit of the trouble to her without minding that she had overheard everything when I was at the banking hall. She apparently shared my pains, and pleaded with me to forget about everything.

       “Until I receive my money,” I said. “And the interest attached to the inconveniences.”

        It seemed as at this point, those I left outside at the ATM domain – including the ‘PhD lady’ – were still over there patiently awaiting the resuscitation of the machine.

        The Manager smiled. “Please, what’s your name?” she enquired.

       “Fred.”

       “What do you do?”

       “I am a student.”

       “Of which school?”

       “FUTO.”

       “Owerri?”

       “Yes ma.”

       “What level?’

       “400.”

       “Oh, you are already through!” She exclaimed.

       “I am studying a five-year course.” I informed. “I just finished my six months IT.” I supplemented, paused. “I would be rounding off by next year.”

        “Alright.” She said, nodding. “What’s your discipline?”

       “Physics Electronics.”

        She nodded in appreciation. “Fred, I like you,” she eventually confessed. “I admire your smartness and courage.”

        “Thank you, ma.” I said. “I appreciate.”

        “So, how much do you intend to withdraw?”

        “Five thousand naira.”

        “Alright.” she said. “Hope you wouldn’t mind, how much do you have in the account?”

        I laughed, never wished to disclose my armpit. “Why do you ask, ma?”

       “Please, tell me.” she replied, got her gaze fixed on mine. “I have my reason.” She supplemented.

       “Okay,” said I. “Twelve thousand naira.” I answered hesitantly.

       “Hmm…” she murmured. “Poor you.” She teased.

       “You can say that again, ma.”

       “Well, I will add twenty thousand naira to the account,” she pledged. “And as well give you five thousand naira cash.”

       “Waoow..!” I exclaimed, stood up elatedly. “Thank you, thank you ma.” I added.

       “You are welcome, my dear.” She responded cheerfully.

          She further issued me her complimentary card and enjoined me to feel free and call whenever the need be.

         Beloved, that’s how my radicalism brought glory to my humble name on that fateful day. Therein, I told myself ‘To hell with PhD; money is everything’.

         While leaving through the banking hall, I grinned at the lady at the Customers’ Service whom I first walked up to prior to the boss’ appearance, and she stylishly reciprocated. No doubt, considering my countenance, she needn’t be told that the Manager had anointed me right in her office.

        The rest is history, please!

FDN Nwaozor 

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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