Opinion I Aftermath of the Imo Royal Fathers' Election

AFTERMATH OF THE IMO ROYAL FATHERS’ ELECTION

      

The last time I checked, the long awaited election among the overall royal fathers in Imo State had eventually been conducted. It took place on Thursday, 17^th January 2018. Prior to the exercise, Imolites couldn’t wait to embrace the scheduled date, and were equally filled with mixed feelings as regards what the outcome would be.

      

The election was meant to usher in the substantive leadership of the revered Imo Traditional Rulers’ Council, an umbrella body of all the royal fathers in the state. It suffices to say that, since the election had already taken place, the substantive Chairman of the association alongside its other officials had emerged.

        

Let’s quickly go back to history. It would be recalled that before the election, the Chairman of the body in the person of Eze Samuel Ohiri became the leader via appointment. The moment the Executive Governor of the state Chief Rochas Okorocha came on board in 2011, he outrightly dissolved the then Executive Council (EXCO) of the union, stating that their tenure had elapsed.

        

At the time, the union was led by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya who is now dethroned by the Okorocha-led government. Upon the dissolution, the governor appointed Eze Ohiri to man the affairs of the body. Since that gesture occurred till last Thursday, it’s noteworthy that that very leadership selected by Governor Okorocha – that could best be described as interim – had been in charge of the union’s day-to-day activity.

        

From the moment the drama happened, Imo as a people were clamouring for an election to be conducted among the traditional custodians towards ensuring that a substantive leader was produced. According to them, the anticipated exercise would enable the association to duly function as an independent body compared to when its leadership emerged through mere appointment.

      

We were promised the election would take place sometime last year being 2017. We patiently waited, hoping the election would be conducted based on the promise but at the end, nothing that looks like election was witnessed. Probably, the proposed exercise was marred by contingencies. Owing to the lapse, Imolites began to mutter once again that it was unfair for an apolitical union like the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers to share similar fate with the state’s Local Government Areas (LGAs) that were yet to enjoy elections since the emergence of the Rescue Mission Administration.

       

Based on their argument, the lacuna experienced by the LGAs could be overlook as a result of the fact that it had to do with political matters. But for a socio-cultural body to suffer from same condition was uncalled for and unacceptable, to assert the least. Such a scenario made the concerned citizens to inadvertently become lachrymose.

        

Perhaps in the spirit of 2018, or in the spirit of a new odyssey, or in the spirit of a New Year resolution, the long awaited election was finally conducted. When we were notified of the new date, everyone remained jittery and sceptical, thinking it might still be a mirage just like the previous ones, though we were consoled by the fact that a stronger plan was outlined for the awaited exercise. It’s therefore needless to state that Imolites are at the moment deeply elated that the body eventually witnessed an election as its constitution stipulates.

       

It’s worth noting that the election had three contestants for the chairmanship position namely, Eze Oliver Ohanwe, Eze Samuel Ohiri and Eze Chidume Okoro. Among these three, courtesy demanded that one person would emerge the winner of the race. After all said and done, Eze Ohiri, who had been the interim chairman of the body for over six years, still emerged victorious. This implies that constitutionally, he would continue to lead the union for the next five years.

        

However, I’m not here to occasion an argument or criticism but to let the entire royal fathers understand what is expected of them at this time the election had been successfully conducted as planned. If I failed to tell them what I feel, my conscience shall remain restless unabated.

       

Before the election, I told them that issues related to it must not be treated as political. In other words, I made them realized that the election was expected to usher in the leadership of a socio-cultural group, and not socio-political platform. My candid words meant that since culture and politics are like two parallel lines that have no meeting point, they needed to tread with caution before and during the election.

       

Now that the election had truly come and gone, and a winner produced, we ought to be more concerned about way forward. It’s not anymore news that after any election irrespective of its nature, grievances must be harboured in some quarters whilst some would be seen jubilating; hence, that of the Imo royal fathers wouldn’t be an exception. I’m trying to say that I can’t be explicitly convinced that every member of that union is currently pleased over the conduct cum outcome of the election.

       

Against this backdrop, I want to use this medium to sincerely appeal to the aggrieved ones to sheath their sword with a view to coming together as an indivisible family. We cannot fold our arms and watch them argue or quarrel over electoral issues because certainly such an altercation would bring a division among them. And acknowledging that division would negatively affect the state either directly or indirectly, we forbid such occurrence.

       

These traditional custodians must comprehend that everyone is keenly watching them at such a critical time like this, hence the need for them to respect their grey hairs. If there is any dirty lily they have within them, it must be buried therein, thus shouldn’t be exposed to the public. The state cannot afford to see anyone of them go to court over an electoral case or any other matter whatsoever. The new leaders on their part must equally extend an olive branch to everyone, particularly their co-contestants.

       

Inter alia, as the new leadership assumes duty, I enjoin them to passionately look into one particular anomaly I have observed among the royal fathers. A situation whereby a traditional ruler would reside abroad thereby allowing his palace to be manned by his Prime Minister or Secretary is really an aberration that must be put to stop in earnest. It’s no longer news that most of our royal fathers only go home when there is a serious case to settle among his warring kinsmen. Funnily enough, sometimes the dwellers in dispute would be invited to the city where the ruler resides towards settling the case in question.

       

So as I congratulate the newly emerged leadership of the union, I equally want them to know that it’s high time they understood the reason they are called traditional rulers with a view to saving their respective autonomous communities from any form of collapse or crisis. Think about it!

 

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador       

ShortStory I Shocking U-Turn

SHOCKING U-TURN

        Dubem’s dad in the person of Mr. Ike Ubochi – a Knight of Saint Christopher in the Anglican Communion – had vowed that his only begotten son would never tie the connubial knot with his supposed missing rib, Ebere for a reason best known to him.

        Intriguingly, he had earlier welcomed the 25-year-old maiden only to abruptly change not unlike a chameleon in the middle of the day. Aside the affected 28-year-old lad coupled with his two female siblings who were older than him but still single, their lovable mum Mrs. Nneka Ubochi was equally marvelled over the unannounced metamorphosis of her husband’s attitude towards the poor spinster.

         Ebere who hailed from a neighbouring state to Dubem’s, was a marriageable lady and conspicuous beauty to behold. The suitor, on his part, had never found her wanting in any way. Just a few unserious misunderstandings that intermittently ensued among them remained the only bad side that had ab initio been experienced by the seeming God-sent relationship. It suffices to assert that she was exactly what he had dreamt to have as a lifetime partner.

         Three years back when they met on campus, Dubem was rounding off his degree programme, Engineering precisely whilst Ebere who was a student of Psychology was in her second year. It all began like a joke on one fateful day when the chocolate-skinned, 1.63-metre tall and slim girl entered a commercial cab that would as usual convey her to her place of residence at the university’s motor park. It was about 5.00pm. The dude equally boarded the same transit. They resided at the same arena off campus but were yet to know each other.

        “I have something that belongs to you.” Dubem told Ebere who was seated very close to him.

        By this time, the driver had zoomed off having gotten full load of passengers comprised only students of the institution.

        She wore a blue skirt, grey top, brown sandals and plaited hairs, and sat by the window side because she hopped into the vehicle before the chap. On his part, Dubem who was about 1.71-metre tall, light-skinned and plump, put on blue jeans, black T-shirt spotted with red flowers, a bluish face-cap and black shoes.

         She abruptly looked at him in silent awe. “What did you say?” she managed to verify.

       “I said, I have what belongs to your majesty.”

         She smiled over his sense of humour. “What could that be?’

         He quickly dished his right hand into his right trousers’ pocket and brought out a pen. “I think this belongs to you.” He said, stretching out his arm towards her.

         That was Ebere’s property. It fell on the ground when she was struggling to enter into the cab. She never knew she had lost such material, which was kept in her skirt’s pocket. He thus decided to surprise her, or perhaps to take advantage of the situation.

        “Waoow..” Ebere exclaimed cheerily in a low tone. “How did you get it?” She enquired as she gladly received the pen.

        “Well,” Dubem uttered. “I don’t think that is necessary.” he replied, paused. “The most important thing is that you have gotten your lost pen back.”

        “If you say so, I surrender.’

        “I am happy you surrendered.’

        “Well, I didn’t have a choice.”

          He disclosed his 32 teeth as he became more attracted to her person.

          Therein, they introduced themselves as tradition demanded, beginning from him. Consequently, they got to know each other better while in the transit. Dubem was the first to drop from the vehicle but before he did, he was able to exchange his contact with hers.

          Afterwards, the friendship metamorphosed into a stronger entity. Before they could realize it, they were already dating. He thought it wise to engage her immediately after his NYSC programme when he was almost 27; at that time, she was 24 and in final year.

         Prior to their engagement, she was highly welcomed by his parents, Sir and Lady Ike Ubochi. In fact, she was adored by the couple; every step she made was acceptable by them. On the other hand, Dubem was as well cherished by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elu Okoro. She was the first child of her parents; needless to assert that they wanted the best for her and they believed the said dude was second to none, thus deserved the honour.

        That was how both homes rolled not until lately when Mr. Ubochi suddenly made a U-turn for a reason yet to be disclosed. No one could fathom what necessitated the repugnance.

        By this time, the victim in question Miss Ebere Okoro – who was 25 – was undergoing her National Youth Service programme in the Northern part of the country. And it seemed as if the distance created at the moment was the reason behind the unforeseen U-turn. But if it was connected with the distance, her fiancé would have been more affected by the situation rather than his 61-year-old father.

         Ebere alongside her parents was not unaware of the latest development; hence, had become really disturbed since its emergence. Among all, her lovely dad Mr. Okoro who was equally well-to-do was more troubled over the unbearable circumstance; to him, that was a big slap to his personality coupled with the family’s name.

        “My daughter,” Mr. Okoro tenderly called as he was seated with Ebere in their sitting room in the company of his wife.

        “Yes dad.” answered Ebere.

        “Are you sure you never did anything bad to Dubem?”

          Ebere became thoughtful. “Nothing of such I can remember.” she hesitantly replied. “We have been in good terms since we started.”

        “Are you sure about this.’ He verified.

        “Dad, I don’t think Dubem is the problem.” she clarified. “His father is the issue here…”

          Her mum nodded in comprehension. “But what could be the problem?” she interrupted.

         “I don’t just know.” Ebere responded, gesticulating.

           Mr. Okoro shook his head. “But,” he said. “Have you tried to find out from Dubem?”

         “Of course, dad.’ quoth Ebere in alacrity. “But it seems Dubem is also confused about the whole thing.”

         “Then I suggest we pay him a visit.” Mrs. Okoro thought aloud.

         “Mum, I think you are right.” Ebere concurred.

        “No,” Mr. Okoro disagreed. “I can’t beg him to marry my daughter.” he said, paused. “Going to his house would appear as if we are begging him.”

         Mrs. Okoro and her daughter looked at each other in silent awe as they sat in their separate cushions, though they apparently understood the man’s remark.

        To be continued, please.

 

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

      

     

Opinion I Open New Year Message To My Governor

OPEN NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO MY GOVERNOR

       

The last time I checked, we were already in the long awaited year, 2018.  It suffices to assert that a different odyssey has just begun among the human race.

      

At such a time, everyone – old or young – is required to reexamine him/herself; at such moment, every living soul is expected to go back to the drawing board toward making amends where need be; at such a period, every individual is bound to make a resolution that would guide him or her as long as the journey lasts. In other words, such a time is meant for one to crosscheck all aspects of his/her life, business, leadership style, trade, or what have you, in order to acquire the best.

        

Lest I digress; this is a New Year message to my amiable governor in the person of Chief Rochas Okorocha. Even if I have earlier sent his Excellency a personal SMS to wish him well throughout the year, this very note remains inevitable because this is the only way I could caption everything he deserves to know. Aside wishing him well, this epistle is targeted towards letting him realize the nature of the resolution expected of his person as the governor of Imo State, the Eastern Heartland.

        

First, I need to commend your Excellency for the gesture displayed during the festive period. I watched with keen interest over how you received various groups, LGAs and unions at the aforementioned season. To say the least, you acted not unlike a father with a large heart. To have thought it wise to welcome all your subjects in your country home, Ogboko is enough indication that you comprehend the rudiments of leadership and followership.

       

If no one saw the good side of such gesture, I want you to know that I did. Dinning with a leader is a great avenue to discuss various pertinent issues concerning the group in question. The one that gladdened my heart most was your meeting with the retirees in which you promised to clear all the pension arrears owed them before leaving office.

       

My pleasant governor, I want to candidly remind you that this is a critical year, hence the need for you to treat it as crucial. Critical in the sense that it is the year that would usher in the exit point as the governor of the state; in the sense that it is a period when virtually all primary elections would take place in all political parties; in the sense that it is a year you are required to round off all the ongoing projects in the state, though you have vowed to work till the eve of 29^th May 2019.

      

In this year, I would advise you stop initiating further capital intensive projects or programmes with a view to completing the already existing ones. This is the apt time for you to concentrate on how to complete all the numerous projects initiated by the Rescue Mission Administration. I want your reign to mark the end of implementation of white elephant projects, which had been the order of the day in our present days’ democracy. I would want your administration to be celebrated after you left office, hence the need for you and your team to do only the needful at such an injury time like this.

       

Yes government is a continuum but often times we have observed that prospective political leaders do not believe in continuity in governance. Your successor would like to implement new projects that would be credited to his reign when completed. It’s needless to state that if you failed to complete all the projects initiated by your administration, they may in the future be referred to as waste of resources. And you know, your ‘enemies’ would capitalize on that to laugh at the Rescue Mission if such eventually becomes the case.

       

Similarly, regarding the demolished markets, one would like to know your next step. The daily market at Mgbidi in Oru West LGA was brought down as at early last year, but till date no structure has been erected to compensate the poor traders. Later on, among others, the ancient and famous Ekeonunwa market in Owerri Municipal followed suit. After the demolition of the latter, I pleaded with you to ensure that befitting structures are erected thereafter but it’s unfortunate to realize that at the moment, those affected lands are still lying fallow.

        

I equally wish to inform you that the vehicles your government released to replace the tricycles – otherwise known as Keke – are not enough. This is causing more harm to the supposed beneficiaries than good. In view of this, your Excellency is expected to do everything humanly possible to ensure that sufficient cabs or buses are made available on the concerned roads. Right now, commuters have to wait for several minutes, if not hours, on the roads before they could see an available transit to convey them to their destinations. Such a scenario has also resulted to hike in transport fare.

       

As regards politics; last year, I predicted that by this year being 2018 the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state shall be split into three or more factions if you failed to make the right choice regarding who takes over from your leadership come 2019. It’s noteworthy that that prediction still holds water presently. Thus, it is with candour I write to let you take into cognizance that you must make a choice acceptable by the majority. Failure to do so, I’m afraid, unforeseen internal crisis might arise. And, you know what that means. This is the right moment for you to make that choice. The ball is in your court.

        

I candidly wish this government well; that’s the reason I keep repeating myself so that even the deaf could hear me. The administration started well by declaring free education in the entire state, thus it’s my utmost desire that it ends very well. Even if it has erred along the line, it would be celebrated by the good things it did towards the expiration of the tenure.

      

Lastly, we are yet to hear from you that your government has received the third tranche of the Paris Club refunds and the amount involved, just as you did in the past. I’m just being curious because some states across the federation have confirmed the receipt of such allocation. Does it imply that you are yet to receive it or time isn’t ripe for such press release?

        

Whatever the case may be, my prime concern remains that the fund ought to be utilized judiciously especially at this time the senior citizens are crying foul. We were promised that the second tranche would be used to clear all the 2017 pension arrears but that pledge wasn’t fulfilled. Hope such won’t repeat itself this time? Think about it!   

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador