Opinion I Buhari's New Year Resolution As President

BUHARI’S NEW YEAR RESOLUTION AS PRESIDENT

       

It is not anymore news, in accordance with the words of the late famous philosopher Socrates, that ‘unexamined life is not worth living’. This is unarguably the reason everyone is invariably enjoined to embrace the first day of every year towards revisiting his or her resolution(s) with the aim of making amends where need be.

      

As the custom requested, penultimate week – precisely in the early morning of 1^st January 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari outrightly disclosed his New Year resolutions as the leader of the country via a nationwide broadcast. The message, which could best be described as an epistle, comprised over forty paragraphs.

        

In the second paragraph of the epistle, the president frowned over the ongoing scarcity of petrol otherwise known as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He said, ‘…some compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country’. He thus assured Nigerians that such a menace, which he branded a ‘blackmail’, would not linger after the festive season as the needed measures had been put in place to end it. Meanwhile, till date, the scarcity still lingers.

        

It’s noteworthy that sane Nigerians expected Mr. President to begin with an apology for allowing such uncalled circumstance to befall them. The popular saying that ‘prevention is better than cure’ wasn’t mistakenly invented. It’s the responsibility of the government to ensure that its subjects aren’t faced with untold hardship, especially the ones that are avoidable.

        

The fuel scarcity that commenced prior to the 2017 Christmas period and is still taking place was not inevitable. It  suffices to assert that the Muhammadu Buhari – led administration possessed all the required muscles to ensure that such crisis did not occur let alone transcending to several weeks.

       

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) was not set up to function as a ceremonial body. Hence, I’m still pondering why it couldn’t reiterate the riot act to the petroleum marketers. There is no marketer that could afford to see his filling stations being sealed till further notice, thus it is disheartening that they were allowed to operate like emperors thereby relegating normalcy to the background. No rational mind in the country would cease to wonder if these tycoons have grown beyond the extant laws, that, they can never experience sanctions.

       

It’s not unusual that in every festive season in Nigeria likewise most other countries, the quantity demand for goods and services are expected to increase, hence that of PMS wouldn’t be an exception. This is usually so because at such period, the human population increases owing to the fact that most citizens residing abroad use it to once again visit their respective homes in order to celebrate with their family members and loved ones.

       

Down the line, President Buhari also disclosed his administration’s determination to revive the country’s moribund railway system as well as resuscitate 25 major highways across the federation. From the message, most of the proposed capital projects are likely to be completed by the year 2021. This implies that the implementation of the projects is expected to continue even after the termination of his tenure come 2019, peradventure he couldn’t make it for a second time.

       

The above message is an indication that most of these initiatives might end up being white elephant projects since successive governments are often fond of the habit of abandoning any ongoing project they met on board. In view of this, since the projects in question are already captioned in the 2017 and 2018 budgets, I would advise we aptly channel all the budgeted funds to these laudable projects with a view to ensure that they are completed within the remaining phase of the president’s reign. We are not unaware that government is a continuum but we are equally aware that most prospective leaders don’t apparently believe in continuity, hence the need for this administration to take all of its capital projects as priority.

       

The president further mentioned the lingering instability of electricity supply. He stated that Nigeria could presently boast of 7000MW. According to him, as at 8^th December 2017, 5155MW was realized. He further disclosed that 240MW would be added in 2018 via Private Investment Partnership.

       

It’s really appalling that a country that can boast of over 170 million persons is still anticipation 240MW in addition to the current 7000MW whilst a nation like Ghana that is not up to five states in Nigeria as regards both landmass and population could presently boast of over 70,000MW of electricity. This shows that what is required of the Nigeria’s power sector is total overhaul, and this must begin by getting a better hand to handle the concerned ministry. It’s therefore needless to state unequivocally that reshuffling the president’s cabinet is long overdue.

        

President Buhari equally talked about the ongoing debate on restructuring. He said, ‘our problems are more to do with process than structure’. With all due respect, I beg to disabuse his Excellency of this belief. There are various structural plights faced by Nigeria and Nigerians that are yearning for urgent attention. For instance, it would be deceitful for anyone to think that the dual-legislative system practised by the country is not bureaucracy, hence does not need to be reviewed. It’s also insensitive for one to say that the country’s geo-political (zonal) structure is balanced.

       

Lastly, Mr. President told us that the APC-led government had ‘since beaten Boko Haram’. It’s only a dummy that wouldn’t concur with the assertion that the dreaded terrorist sect had been combated significantly by the present administration. However, it would be ridiculous to inform Nigerians that the Boko Haram had been defeated completely. Recently, the Nigeria’s Council of State approved the FG’s proposal to withdraw a whopping sum of one billion dollars from the country’s Excess Crude Account (ECA) to tackle terrorism. So, how do we reconcile these?

       

The Niger-Delta menace alongside kidnapping was also captioned, but it was saddening that the president failed to inform us on his administration’s approach towards ending the lingering Fulani herdsmen conundrum that is ostensibly ravaging the entire country.  We can’t claim ignorance of the fact that the herdsmen quagmire remains the only ubiquitous security challenge in the country.

       

Though Mr. President may have given a well articulated New Year resolution, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that critical sectors such as, but not limited to, education, health, solid mineral and power are still lying fallow. Think about it!   

 

 Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Follow me: @mediambassador

 

             

Opinion I Essence Of New Year Resolution

ESSENCE OF NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

       

Never give up on something you really want; it’s difficult to wait but worse to regret. Mind you, as your urge or quest remains persistent towards actualizing your goal, courtesy demands that you take a second look of the goal in question and ascertain how worthy it would be to possess such thing because a worthless thing doesn’t worth waiting for.

        

In the same vein, as you wait to receive your heart desire, you are also expected to reconsider the kind of life you live and see if it’s worth living, or if such life can be of help towards attaining your desired height because most of the lives we live don’t deserve worthwhile goals.

       

Few weeks ago, I was privileged to be in the midst of a certain group in Calabar, Cross-River State that was debating the significance of being steadfast in one’s pursuit towards success. I was listening with keen interest. So, along the line, the members of the group got confused and derailed as regards their sense of judgement. I candidly used the avenue to educate them on the real essence of steadfastness or persistence and what is expected of someone who embraces it. And at the end of the discussion, they unanimously appreciated my concern.

       

Persistence, according to the context of this edition, simply means the act at which one continues to do something with determination in spite of difficulty or opposition. But we must note that, there are certain questions we’re required to ask ourselves whenever we persist to do or expect something.

        

First and foremost, you must ask yourself how useful and relevant would that thing be to your person and what impact would it bring on the people around you. Thus, in anything you do, you’re not meant to consider only yourself but others as well. This is so because, if people around you are down by anything, it would in one way or the other affect you negatively.

        

Secondly and most importantly, you’re meant to ensure that the life you live deserves what you are anticipating. This might sound a bit vague but the fact remains that, most lifestyles we possess do not deserve to behold the fruit of most of our aspirations. In other words, if you really want something good, bear it in mind that nature requires something good in return prior to the procurement of that which you expect or want; and don’t forget, no one has ever cheated nature. Therefore, you can never cheat nature; rather, the reverse would be the case. Let’s ride on!

       

Let’s I forget, we are discussing the prime essence of New Year resolution. To start with; abiding by the context of this very episode, a resolution in a concise term is a firm decision taken by someone to do, or not do, something. The decision is usually taken by someone at the beginning of any calendar year, precisely on the first day of January or just prior to the said moment. It suffices to say that it is expected to come up at the beginning of any odyssey.

       

Many people see the above phenomenon as a worthwhile scenario. On the contrary, several others despise it. But the most appalling and devastating aspect of the phenomenon is the situation whereby most persons merely take the decision without sticking to what the so-called decision requires from them in return.

        

To such set of individuals, their expectations can come without any input. I wonder why they would be of the notion that a certain farm can yield an output if the farmer fails to follow up the various crops cultivated in it. After cultivation, so many other farming activities invariably follow suit before harvest would set in.

         

Frankly speaking, New Year resolution is a worthwhile and wholesome gesture required by mankind regardless of age, status, background or religious affiliation. It is a point in our respective lives at which we are expected to make a U-turn or reconsider our lives so far with a view to discovering where that ought to be amended and where we are meant to sustain. This is the reason the great philosopher, Socrates of the blessed memory said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” And I strongly concur with the theory.

         

Having examined our lives, we are expected to take a very firm and tangible decision that would enable us sustain the worthy part, as well as amend the porous aspect of it. The decision in question is meant to be seen as an oath, hence the need for it to be kept sacred. No doubt, keeping the decision sacred would fortify us and enable us actualize our anticipated goals as planned.

      

Having acknowledged the essence of resolutions, at this juncture I enjoin us to sincerely embrace a genuine New Year resolution as we embrace another long awaited year (2018). I bet, you would be glad you did. If you stick to your resolutions as long as the journey lasts, you would surely live to testify how effective and efficient the tool is.

       

The truth is, as earlier stated, no one is exempted when it calls for New Year resolution. For instance, if you are a student, this the apt time for you to tell yourself the gospel truth; the moment to desist from cheating if you have been indulging in it; the period to tell yourself that your future lies right in your hands. Hence, it is the time to review all you have been into since you secured admission into the institution with a view to making adjustment where need be. This must be done diligently and genuinely.

       

I am sure we wouldn’t wish to wait till next century before abiding by it? It’s noteworthy that the ball is right in your court. Think about it!

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador  

 

 

ShortStory I Bridal Deceit

BRIDAL DECEIT

        Mr. Chike Okafor was still waiting patiently for Adanma’s arrival right in his humble abode. Only the blind would be yet to observe that the poor man was almost losing his patience.

       “Where on earth would this woman be?” he thought aloud. Deeply concerned over her welfare. “I pray nothing bad had happened to her.” He added, still looking pale on one of the upholstery chairs in his sitting room.

       Chike’s lost of patience, which was accompanied by series of soliloquies, came in subsequence to several aborted efforts he had made to reach the awaited lady on phone.

        Adanma was his fiancée, and their church wedding ceremony had been scheduled to take place in two weeks time. 

        Chike came across Adanma in Calabar, Cross-River State barely four months back. They were both residents of the said city. And luckily for them, they hail from neighbouring states, Enugu and Anambra, respectively.

        Their relationship commenced jokily during one fateful weekend, Saturday 24^th August 2013 precisely, when Chike drove to one of the hottest joints in the city to have some drinks.

        Having parked his Red Toyota Camry car at the designated spot, the moment he walked into the bar, he abruptly sighted one fair, tall and plump pretty damsel clad in a blue mini-skirt, pink top and a pair of pink sandals who was seated alone at one of the corners in the area. She was already sipping from a bottle of Smirnoff which was accompanied with a plate of pepper soup.

         Amazingly, within a twinkle of an eye, she saw a slim and chocolate-skinned young man of an average height who appeared to be in his late thirties standing right before her. He was putting on a pair of three-quarter jeans, green T-shirt and a pair of leather slippers, coupled with a multiple-coloured baseball cap.

        “Hi!” He exclaimed cheerfully.

        “Hello!” the lady whom seemed to be in her early thirties responded accordingly.

       “I am Chike,” he informed. “Chike Okafor.” He added, still standing.

       “Ok, Adanma.” She said, placing her left palm on her chest.

       “Are you waiting for someone?”

       “Not at all”

       “Can I join you?” the dude requested.

       “Suit yourself.” She replied in a very friendly manner.

        Chike joyfully sat on the white plastic seat positioned directly opposite her. “You are really beautiful; I must confess.” He quickly dished out.

      “Thanks” Adanma gladly appreciated.

        He didn’t hesitate to order for his own drink, bottle of Star to be precise, coupled with a plate of pepper soup to balance the equation.

        The conversation lasted for over one hour after exchange of several pleasantries including phone numbers and what have you. After all said and done, Chike gladly dropped her at her place of residence at about quarter to seven in the evening (6:45pm).

        Exactly two months after their meeting, they got engaged. On the third month, Chike joyfully took his kinsmen to Anambra State to pay her bride price.

        According to Chike’s faith alongside that of his family, he was not meant to live with her after observing the traditional marriage rite until he had successfully taken her to the altar.

        That very fateful day, which marked exactly two weeks to their wedding, Chike was anxiously waiting for Adanma’s arrival because she was already two hours behind schedule. Both of them had earlier agreed to meet on that day at his place by four O’clock in the afternoon in regard to the proceedings of their forthcoming wedding ceremony. But as at ten minutes past six in the evening (6:10pm), Adanma was yet to arrive. The young man tried many times to reach her on phone, all to no avail.

        Having dosed off on the upholstery seat, at about two minutes past seven at night, Chike’s door bell rang.

        On receipt of the blaring sound of the bell, Chike walked reluctantly to the door. “Who’s that?” He queried in a low tone.

       “It’s me, Adanma.”

         As soon as the name ‘Adanma’ was mentioned, the door was widely let open.

        “Baby, are you okay?” Chike worriedly asked. “I’ve been trying your line but it was switched off.”

        Adanma, speechless; appeared tired and exhausted. She quietly walked to one of the seats in the sitting room and lousily sat on it, looking pale.

        Chike followed suit having closed the door. He was seated adjacent to her. “Baby talk to me,” he tenderly urged. “What’s wrong with you?”

        “Honey, I had a very busy day.” she eventually responded. “I worked overtime in the office.” She lied.

        Adanma had falsely informed Chike that she works in one of the telecommunication firms in the city. And Chike, having trusted her, never cared to go for further enquiries on what she actually did for a living.

        “Oh, so sorry about that.” Chike uttered. “That’s company work for you. They will stress you, exploit you, and at the end, you would be paid peanut.” He added.

        “Yes, you are absolutely right.” Adanma complimented. “I wish I’m a civil servant like you.”

        Mr. Chike Okafor whom was a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Port-Harcourt, was a successful civil servant. He was engaged with the Cross-River State Ministry of Finance.

        Whilst, Adanma was a drop-out from one of the Polytechnics in Nigeria. But she lied to Chike that she had a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing.

        On that very day, she passed her night at Chike’s place and left for her place the following day.

        Three days on, which was barely eleven days to the proposed wedding ceremony, something very terrible transpired. On that day, Chike got an indelible and unimaginable experience in his lifetime.

        After office time, he was slowly driving along one of the busy streets in Calabar metropolis to purchase some fruits, as usual, for himself as well as his fiancée at about some minutes past five in the evening. Surprisingly, he noticed someone who appeared like Adanma, and the lady in question was walking into a certain brothel situated along the street. He quickly stopped his car and hurriedly walked out.

       On reaching the main entrance to the brothel, he saw a life image that gave him the greatest shock of his life. Frankly, the lady he saw while in his car was really Adanma and no one else. This time, she was facing him, though from afar. She was almost nude.

        Little did Chike know that his so-called bride to-be had been a prostitute in disguise all those while.

        He couldn’t believe his sight. It was like a dream. He stood still, seemed froze.

        On her part, virtually all her face was covered with fathomless tears while standing like an electrocuted vulture.

 

Fred Doc Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

___________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador