Home

News (55) Tech (35) Economy (8) Feature (8) ShortStory (7) Education (5) Column (4) Health (4) Research (3) About Us (1)

Wednesday, 13 December 2017

Opinion I As They Assume Duties, What Next?

AS THEY ASSUME DUTIES, WHAT NEXT?

        
The last time I checked, the  twenty-eight Commissioner nominees that were successfully screened by the Imo legislators recently as tradition demanded had been sworn in by the state’s governor Chief Rochas Okorocha and therein assigned to various ministries to super-head their affairs. It’s noteworthy that the appointed twenty-seven Transition Committee (TC) chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state were equally inaugurated.

        
It would be recalled that in June this year, the governor relieved virtually all his cabinet members of their duties; an action that affected the then serving commissioners in each of the existing ministries in the Eastern Heartland. It suffices to say that since the aforementioned month till Monday, 4th December 2017 when the swearing-in ceremony took place, the various ministries had been lacking commissioners to pilot their respective day-to-day activities.

        
Considering the above paragraph, it’s needless to reiterate that the event that eventually ushered in the new commissioners was conspicuously long overdue. In other words, every rational and sane Imolite or a true friend of the state could not wait to embrace such an epochal moment.

       
Before discussing what truly informed this piece, I would like to take a slight look at some fascinating things that happened at the said occasion, which held at the Imo International Convention Centre (IICC). At the venue, before the distinguished guests, Governor Okorocha rightly disclosed that some of the ministries would be relocated to other parts of the state. This is arguably a welcome development to the best of my knowledge.

        
I was, to say the least, so delighted when the governor made the pronouncement. I had prior to the ceremony, for the umpteenth time, analyzed on the need to decentralize some of the existing ministries in the state just as it is seen in states like Lagos among others. Among several benefits that await such remarkable measure, decentralization of various ministries leads to drastic societal uplift as well as tremendously helps to cushion the ongoing excruciating effects of rural-urban migration.

       
This implies that I cannot wait to see the governor implementing such lofty initiative, even though the affected workers wouldn’t be pleased with the idea. After actualizing the relocation through the use of the executive immunity, I employ the governor to ensure that the approach is sold to the lawmakers to enable them deliberate on it via a bill towards making it a project that would stand the test of time.

         
However, another intriguing factor that emerged on that fateful day was the assignment of a portfolio to a former aide of the governor who never participated in the screening exercise conducted by the revered legislators. A woman whose name was never mentioned as one of the commissioner nominees was decorated as the ‘Supervisory’ Commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment, which later was rebranded ‘Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment’.

        
One may even ask; what is really the essence of such portfolio? What other happiness or fulfillment does Imolites require if the commissioners assigned to the already existing ministries carry out their duties effectively and efficiently, or are not found wanting in the long run? The funniest part was that the newest ministry was renamed just a few hours after the inauguration ceremony.

       
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that this critique is mainly necessitated by the need for the newly inaugurated commissioners, TC-chairmen cum members coupled with the concerned expanded EXCO officials to comprehend what next is expected of their persons as they assume duties.

         
As they have eventually climbed the mantle of leadership, they need not to be told that this is simply a clarion call; a call to serve; a call for stewardship; a call to assist in building the state. It is obvious that some of these appointees aren’t just assuming duties but resuming; needless to state that they have been in the system from the outset. Whether you are assuming or resuming, the consignment is designed for you to see yourself as a steward and not an emperor.

        
Similarly, these appointees shouldn’t be reminded that completion of the numerous projects across the state initiated by the Rescue Mission Administration now lies in their court. The governor made it clear on the day of the swearing-in that the reason he ensured that each LGA in the state got a commissioner slot was the need for the said appointees to see that the ongoing projects in their respective councils are duly completed. Hence, there is no need reiterating that we shall hold them responsible if the projects in their various LGAs failed. Most importantly, they must note that to actualize this, team work mustn’t be taken for granted.

       
Inter alia, the appointees must take into cognizance the indisputable role of time management. They need to be ready to manage their time aptly. Some of them may decide to be in the office at 11:00 am or even anytime beyond; such a mentality is very bad and unethical. A good leader ought to be the first to be present at his/her working place or venue for a proposed meeting.

       
They must also be conscious of how they entertain their guests while in the office. Some guests may want to spend several hours in the office of a commissioner or TC-chairman, as the case may be; such way of life is uncalled for in a formal setting, thus unacceptable. The bosses are required to make their respective guests understand that they are working with time and that other visitors are waiting, hence the need to be brief and succinct.

         
I can’t round off this piece without letting the appointees acknowledge that they represent the governor in their respective jurisdictions, thus mustn’t relent to advise, inform the number-one citizen on what should be done in the areas they are super-heading.

       
All in all, the TC-chairmen ought to in their capacities remind the governor the compelling need to conduct the long awaited LG polls. In view of this, they must see themselves as apostles of truth. Think about it!   

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri
________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador


 

Wednesday, 6 December 2017

ShortStory I Golden Chance


GOLDEN CHANCE

        Could it be that she didn’t notice him, or was it pretence? He had sat patiently all alone in the virtually empty bar on a Saturday awaiting her arrival, only for her to eventually walked in and never even bothered to take a glance at his presence let alone tendering a casual salutation as courtesy demanded.
 
 

        Dan who resided in the city of Asaba, Delta State, was a secret admirer. He had observed her with keen interest for three weeks now, although the lady in question was yet to take note of his existence. The bar popularly known as Dragon-Top, in which he was seated, had remained his usual joint whenever it called for relaxation since three years back he relocated to the city.

         She came into the picture barely about twenty-one days back when both of them coincidentally arrived at Dragon-Top at the same time. On that fateful day, she was gorgeously clad in a red-carpet dress as if it was her birthday and needed to rock the day in a bar. Though she didn’t notice him as he stepped in alongside her, he did notice her magnificent look and countenance. Surprisingly, it seemed she came to catch fun all alone as throughout almost an hour she relaxed in there with just a bottle of Smirnoff, no one was by her side. Such rare display kept Dan in a deep thoughtful mood all-through the day even after her gracious departure.

         The following Saturday evening being exactly a week after the first encounter, Dan equally caught the sight of same lady dressed in different charming attire. On that day, she was also seated all alone throughout her stay at the outlet. Smirnoff was as well her company on this very day; but this time, she took two bottles contrary to the first outing when she managed to consume just one.

         Since it appeared her patronage was on a Saturday-Saturday basis, Dan thought it wise to always make out time to be present at Dragon-Top every Saturday, precisely during the evening time, even amid tight schedules. On the third Saturday being two weeks after the first encounter, she also came along as expected and in another elegant wear. On this day, he decided to lose his patience and walk up to her for a chat but later jettisoned his idea, reason best known to him, or perhaps owing to lack of courage.

        Maybe all those while, she never acknowledged that one particular young man had been admiring every bit of her. Or, did she know and decided to play along? Only the gods could tender the apt answer to the question. Well, whatever the case could be, time would surely tell as usual.

        Today, being the fourth Saturday, the 36-year-old Dan was at the moment the only guest in the ‘almighty’ and ever bubbling Dragon-Top. It was about 4:30 pm; some minutes earlier than the previous outings. He was advertently more punctual, probably to enable him properly strategize on how best to approach that seeming unique bird that had been perching on a dwarf tree situated very close to his abode. About twenty minutes after his arrival, there she came clad in her usual way and thereof requested for her normal drink; she wanted it very cold this time.

        It’s noteworthy that as she walked into the bar, Dan’s gaze was firmly fixed on her but she never cared to even wave at him nor showcase any element of reciprocation; rather, she hurriedly looked elsewhere on observing the rare stare and acted as if the dude didn’t worth her attention.

        “Was it a pretence?” Dan thought as she passed by, ignoring him. “Or could it be she was outside minded.” He added just to console himself.

         She was seated adjacent to him but about ten metres away. Dragon-Top was large enough to accommodate over three hundred individuals while seated. Excluding the attendants, only both of them were found at the bar at the time, thus she had no reason to say that she could not see Dan as well as how good he equally dressed. As she sipped her drink with a white straw, she intermittently glanced at him in style. The pink gown coupled with silver-coated sandals she wore looked like what was specially designed for a palace princess. From all indications, she couldn’t be more than 28.

         On his part, Dan who put on black jeans trousers, red-check shirt, black baseball cap and a pair of red trainers spotted with white, was occupied with a bottle of stout beer. He was also staring at her at intervals though stylishly. “Hello pretty!” he eventually broke the silence as he eventually walked to where she sat.

         It seemed she didn’t see him leave his initial position let alone move towards her point as she was seemingly startled on hearing the salutation. “Hi.” She managed to reply, waving her right hand.

         “Did I frighten you?” he verified, still standing.

         “I didn’t know when you got here.” She responded.

         “Oh,” he said. “So sorry about that.”

         “No problem.” she uttered. “So..?” she supplemented, trying to ascertain his mission.

         “Please, can I sit with you?”

         “Suit yourself.”

         “Thanks.” He tendered as he sat opposite her on one of the three empty chairs at the table.

         “You are welcome.”

         “I am Dan.” He disclosed in a jiffy.

         “Are you through with your drink?” she enquired, pointing at his table, ignoring the introductory note.

         “Oh, yes.” he replied. “Thanks.”

         “Well, I am Jessy.”

         “It is my pleasure to meet you, Jessy.”

         “How?’ she queried. “Did you know me before now?”

         “I have known you for over three weeks now.”

         “Three weeks..?”

         “Yes.”

         “How?” quoth Jessy. “Where?”

         “Right here in dragon top.”

         “Really..?”

         “Yea.”

         “So, you have been spying me all along?”

         “Spy..?” he said. “On the contrary, I have been observing you.”

         “Observing me?” she echoed, placing her left hand on her chest. “Interesting.”

       “This is the fourth time you would be here within this month,” quoth the lover boy. “Am I right?”

       “Hmm…,” she muttered. “This is getting more interesting.”

       “You can say that again.”

       “So, how may I help you?” she said frankly.

       “It is obvious.” responded Dan. “Or, isn’t it?”

         She smiled, calmly folded her arms, and never uttered a word.

         To be continued, please.

 

FDN Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri
_________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador  

 

           

 

   

         

 

           

Tuesday, 5 December 2017

Opinion I Okorocha, Lawmakers' Drama Over Proposed Budget Presentation

OKOROCHA, LAWMAKERS' DRAMA OVER PROPOSED BUDGET PRESENTATION

        
Penultimate week precisely on 28th November 2017, the Imo House of Assembly was in what could be described as a rowdy and confused mood. The unforeseen quagmire was not unconnected with the setback suffered by the proposed presentation of the state’s 2018 Appropriation Bill by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

        
The governor had on Monday, November 27, 2017 rightly informed the public – particularly the Imo people – that he would be presenting the said bill the following day being Tuesday at ten O’clock in the morning before the state’s legislators, at the Hallowed Chambers to be precise.

       
After absorbing the announcement, I made up my mind that I wouldn’t miss the occasion; the first time I told myself that I needed to observe the governor’s appropriation bill presentation. In view of this, as a man who does not joke with time management, at exactly 9:30 am on the stipulated day, I found myself on the premises of the revered Imo House of Assembly. In the same vein, other well-meaning Imolites from all walks of life sacrificed their respective engagements scheduled for that day for the proposed presentation.

         
Hours later, embracing the governor’s presence remained far-fetched. Nevertheless, I and my likes waited patiently since the outing in question was a remarkable one, yet to no avail. The patient wait lingered till a point when an information filtered in, stating the proposed Appropriation Bill submission had been postponed indefinitely.

       
Therein, I hurriedly looked at myself and saw a bitter being standing right inside the Assembly building complex. I was left with no choice than to gather my shattered self and return to where I was earlier meant to be. On the way to my office, I kept pondering over what could have prompted such embarrassing scene which I personally referred to as an eyesore and earsore too.

       
It’s noteworthy that the Imo government has blamed the terrible setback on ‘large discrepancies discovered in the proposed budget speech’. That is to say; anomalies noticed in the speech that was required to be presented by the governor before the lawmakers and other concerned Imolites. Having gotten the excuse, I laughed in Latin and began to ask myself which devil was really behind the uncalled melodrama.

       
The excuse was truly laughable and ridiculous, to assert the least. How could a state’s event scheduled to take place at a given time on a certain date be marred by discrepancies discovered in the speech intended to be delivered by the special guest as being claimed? Does it imply that the said discrepancies weren’t discovered many weeks or months ago before the stipulated date of the supposed epochal outing? Or, are they trying to tell us that the awaited event wasn’t a planned one? These and many more questions or verifications need to be attended to for the sake of way-forward.

        
Such an excuse, rather than helping to address the situation at hand, would only end up questioning the government’s competence as well as sincerity. In other words, in subsequent times, I advise that before they come up with any excuse to cushion the excruciating effects of an inconvenience caused by the government, there’s need to adequately consult a strategist for proper counselling. Such a measure is for the interest of the government, the governed and the state at large.

         
However, it’s worth noting that on that fateful, some of the Imo legislators had alleged non-payment of salaries cum sitting allowances accruable to them, thus were not prepared to receive the 2018 Appropriation Bill from the Executive Arm ably led by Gov. Okorocha until the alleged debts are cleared. Hence, they boycotted the sitting. Suffice it to say that the setback witnessed by the proposed presentation was reportedly informed by the allegation levelled by the lawmakers.

         
I equally learned that on that very day, within the period meant for the presentation, the legislators were at the Imo Government House otherwise known as the Douglas House upon the governor’s request. One may then ask; what could have necessitated such invitation by the number-one citizen?  

        
At this point, any rational and sane individual would want to reconcile between the excuse tendered by the Executive Arm and the allegation of non-payment of salaries and allowances levelled by the Legislative Arm. If your thought is as good as mine, then it’s needless to insinuate that there’s something fishy we are yet to know.

        
Funnily enough, still on that fateful day, I even heard from a lawmaker that he wasn’t aware the Appropriation bill was scheduled to be presented on that very day by the governor, claiming he only got the information from the electronic media, precisely the state’s radio station. Similarly, I put a call across to another legislator and he unequivocally told me he was in Abuja, equally claiming he wasn’t informed of any ‘budget presentation’. Their claims signify that the required notice was not duly conveyed to the concerned legislators officially as courtesy demanded.

        
Though the governor has via his media aide regretted the inconveniences caused by the setback, it’s worthy to note that that isn’t enough and my concern. My concern is simply to make the Rescue Mission government acknowledge that such a lapse was a colossal error and blunder, thus ought not to repeat itself again for its interest and that of the state in general; and also to ensure that the new date for the awaited exercise does not linger till next year for time’s sake.

       
Above all, we must continue to take into cognizance that misinformation has the tendency of causing mistrust. Think about it!

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri
________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador


 

           

Featured post

Google Commences Germini 2.0 Flash Experimentation

  The Tech giant, Google has announced the launch of Gemini 2.0 Flash and its associated research prototype. It is believes that this is...

MyBlog

Language Translation

ARCHIVE