Opinion I Imo Lawmakers And Their Fascinating Endorsement

IMO LAWMAKERS AND THEIR FASCINATING ENDORSEMENT

        

The last time I checked, endorsement of aspirants of various political positions by their allies was obviously the order of the day in not just Imo State, the Eastern Heartland but equally at the federal level.

        

Since the commencement of this year, it has been endorsement galore that many have begun to wonder why such trending would abruptly dominate the polity even when campaign era was yet to be declared open by the electoral umpire. Such an intriguing scenario had kept several concerned Imolites pondering over what the future of the state would entail if her subjects continue to dwell in such weird political style or culture.

        

Here in Imo, it has been taking place exceptionally between the governorship aspirants in the state, particularly those aspiring under the auspices of the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC). No week that passed, one wouldn’t witness a certain group of persons or politicos calling on the state’s Executive Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha at the Douglas House just to notify the number one citizen that they have unanimously endorsed his Chief of Staff, Chief Uche Nwosu to vie for the state’s number one seat.

        

It had continued that way unabated to the extent that the allies of the other aspirants in the APC, such as the state’s Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere among others, thought it wise to borrow a leaf from the Chief Nwosu’s protégés. In view of this, the endorsement scenario has eventually been adopted by virtually every political aspirant in the state, thereby ending up overheating the innocent polity.

       

As if that of the non-political office holders was not enough, recently the Imo lawmakers equally publicly declared that they have thrown their weight behind Chief Nwosu towards ensuring that the said officer emerged the next governor of the state come 2019. In his speech on behalf of his colleagues, the Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Chief Acho Ihim unequivocally disclosed that twenty out of the overall twenty-seven legislators in the assembly were behind the endorsement.

       

Chief Ihim, who was earlier rumoured to be an aspirant of the number one post, stated that Chief Nwosu had proven beyond doubts to be the only suitable individual that could succeed Gov. Okorocha after expiration of the governor’s tenure. He said, among all the gubernatorial aspirants in the state, he alongside his likes looked inwards and understood that no other person could do better than Chief Nwosu if given the chance to govern the Eastern Heartland in the forthcoming interregnum.

        

One may wonder why, of all people, our lawmakers could decide to descend so low. I personally can’t desist from thinking the reason the individuals that constitute the state’s revered legislature could consider endorsing a politician for a certain position. Does it imply that they were left with no other consignment to deliberate on, or that they no longer considered their legislative business as important?

       

As far as I’m concerned, it was an abuse of the legislature for the legislators to even think of endorsing an aspirant let alone making such intent public. Even if they are really – individually or collectively – in support of any person’s aspiration, such an interest never called for public declaration, especially when realized that they are respectively representing the interest of a certain set of people, and not their individual selves as they presume.

        

The actual point here is that, playing politics in the state’s Hallowed Chambers was simply an abuse of power, to assert the least; read my lips. Their respective constituents delegated them to represent their constituencies in the legislature as regards governance. Their statutory consignments are very critical and sensitive compared to those of other existing arms of government. Hence, it’s mind-boggling to observe people whom we look up to when it calls for moving motions and passing bills indulging in political brouhahas.

         

It becomes more saddening and baffling when realized that the ‘aspirant’ in question was, and is still, yet to declare his interest to vie for the state’s governorship position during the forthcoming general elections. To the best of my knowledge, Chief Nwosu has never, even in my dreams, disclosed to the people of his political ward in Nkwerre LGA that he is interested to contest for the Imo number one seat let alone doing so before Imolites in their numbers.

        

Then, one would wonder why some persons would be endorsing an aspiration that is yet unborn; one may wonder if there was an aspiration that ever sought for their endorsement in the first place. This simply signifies that the politicos involved in the lingering endorsement saga are just building mountains out of nothing. It suffices to assert that their pronouncements so far had been out of context.

       

Nevertheless, I enjoin Imolites not to be carried away by the so-called endorsements. They must remain focused and acknowledge that power invariably lies in their hands when it calls for electing anyone that would become the next governor of the state. And, they must also note that such power cannot be exercised by them if they failed to possess their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).

       

On the other hand, I urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) domiciled in the state to use its immunity to control the political trending occurring herein. They can’t claim ignorance of the several happenings that are bedevilling the wholesomeness of the state at large.

        

Hence, I need not remind the electoral officials that they are expected to sit up towards doing the needful. And, the time to act is now. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

 

      

ShortStory I Suicidal Fugitive

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE

       “What kind of trade is this?” Afam thought sadly. “Every day, same story.” He added while seated on the main chair situated in his shop.

        Afam, a thirty-five year old young man who was of Anambra State origin just rounded off his apprenticeship on sales of building materials six months back. Since his boss settled him immediately after his seven-year old apprenticeship, things hadn’t been going smoothly as anticipated; there had been slow pace of sales as well as constant nightmares experienced by him.

       “I pray God will deliver me from this bondage.” he continued.             

        To worsen it all, a lot of responsibilities awaited him being the first born of his vulnerable parents who could boast of eight children including himself.

         “Afam, how far nah?” Ugo exclaimed amidst the lamentation the moment he walked into the shop.

         The supposed recipient of the greeting was obviously outside minded.

        “Afam…!” He repeated in a loud voice while still standing.

         He was standing directly opposite him. Their positions were demarcated by a wooden table.

         Afam quickly became conscious owing to the gravity of the last call. “Hey Ugo,” he eventually responded in a very low tone. “How nah?”

         Ugo hurriedly sat on one of the single seats sited adjacent to Afam’s. “Guy, what is eating you up?” He enquired.

         “My brother,” Afam said. “Just tiredness ooh.”

         “Tiredness?” Ugo chipped in. “Did you go to night vigil?”

         “No,” quoth Afam. “I have been very busy since morning.”

          It was about some minutes past two in the afternoon on Tuesday June 21, 2011.

          Ugo was Afam’s closest friend and neighbor. They lived very close to each other at their place of residence in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State, and their shops were also located closely. He was also a trader but he majored in motorcycle spare parts. Both of them were of the same age, though Ugo appeared older.

        “Afam,” Ugo called tenderly. “When did you start hiding things from me?”

        “How?”

        “You and I know that you are not happy.” he observed. “Even a blind man can see it.”

         Afam became mute and calm, didn’t know what next to utter.

        “If you don’t share your burdens with me,” continued Ugo. “Who would you?”

         Afam immediately took a very deep and noisy breath. “My brother,” he said. “You already know all my worries.”

         Ugo became attentive as he looked into his eyes.

        “What else do I need to tell you?” Afam added.

        “Is it about sales?”

        “What else, my brother?” replied the frustrated dude. “Since morning, only one customer has walked into this shop.”

        “Is that why you want to kill yourself?” scolded Ugo. “You can’t continue like this, my man.”

        “So what would I do?” he uttered inquisitively, seemed confused and pale.

       “My dear,” Ugo proceeded. “I have been into this before you.” He said, referring to trade.

         Ugo was almost a year old in trading, and he was doing well. He commenced six months before Afam joined the trend.

         Afam became attentive and curious.

         “You see,” said Ugo. “I was like you when I started mine.”

          Afam seemed intrigued, filled with mixed feelings.

          “I was almost frustrated just as you are.”

          “Bros,” Afam broke his silence. “I don’t think you can compare yours with mine, even though I was not there when you started.”

         “Since you were not there,” Ugo argued. “How would you know how serious was mine?”

          “Because mine appears totally different and strange.” Afam responded. “How can one not experience even a patronage for a whole day?”

          Ugo abruptly became silent and submissive. The last statement apparently struck his lips, thus he threw in the towel.

         “Honestly, I think there is something wrong somewhere.” Afam finally insinuated.

         “So, what’s your plan?”

         “I want to go and see my boss before the week runs out.” Afam thought aloud. “He might have something useful to contribute.”

          His boss, Chief Okeke was equally a resident of the city, Onitsha and the headquarters of his trading empire was situated there. It was at the main branch (headquarters) that Afam did his apprenticeship.

          Ugo nodded. “I think you are right.” he encouraged. “But you must not let this thing weigh you down.” He added.

         “Thank you bros.” Afam appreciated.

                         * * * * * *

         “Good morning, sir.” Afam greeted lowering his head as soon as he stepped into his boss’ sitting room at about some minutes to eleven on Saturday 25^th June, 2011.

         The entrance to the room was let open by Chief Okeke’s female house help having received an alert via the doorbell.

         Afam had earlier informed him that he would be at his place on that very day during the morning hours and Chief Okeke welcomed the notice wholeheartedly.

         Chief Okeke who was in his middle fifties was married with four female children. His last child was about ten years old. On that very day when Afam visited the family as scheduled, he alongside his wife Ujunwa was watching television at the sitting room.

         “Good morning, ma.” He added instantly, focusing on Ujunwa.

         “Good morning Afam.” The couple responded concurrently, smiling. “How are you?” Chief Okeke added in a jiffy.

         “I’m fine, sir.” replied the guest, stood still.

         “You are welcome.” Ujunwa exclaimed. “Please make yourself comfortable.” She cheerfully urged.

         “Thank you, ma.” Afam appreciated, majestically walked to one of the single upholstery chairs in the parlour and got seated.

        To be continued, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

_____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
witter: @mediambassador 

 

Opinion I As Imolites Await The Imo LG Polls

AS IMOLITES AWAIT THE IMO LG POLLS

         

The last time I checked, Imolites in their entirety were earnestly awaiting the conduct of local government elections in the state, expected to be carried out by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC).

        

It isn’t anymore news that few months ago the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha disclosed that the said election would unfailingly be conducted in June 2018, a decision reportedly informed by the unanimous resolution reached by the State Executive Council (SEC).

       

The Nigeria’s political system is being perceived as one that does not reverence the constitution. This is the reason a state like Imo could stay for over eleven consecutive years without boasting of substantive local government chairmen.

         

It is the reason a budget would be approved by the legislature for a certain fiscal year and throughout the affected year, over sixty per cent (60%) of the budget would not be implemented; it is why a vice-chancellor of a given university would exhaust his/her five-year tenure or thereabouts without executing at least a tangible project on the campus, yet he/she wouldn’t be probed by the concerned government.

        

Though Imolites have been promised that the conduct of the polls is actualizable come June this year, they are still sceptical over the pledge. The scepticism was occasioned by the obvious fact that that wasn’t the first time such promise would be made publicly, yet absolutely nothing was done afterwards. Sure, Imolites likewise citizens of other states passing through similar fate, have endured enough that they deserve an award. But, would they continue to persevere?

       

The way and manner most state governors handle LG matters have made me to see the awaited Imo LG polls as a mirage. It sounds non-realistic to my person, and of course to any other concerned fellow, because such an issue has never been taken seriously since the reign of the immediate past governor – Chief Ikedi Ohakim – till date, let alone this recessionary era. Hence, awaiting June 2018 towards witnessing the elections, is unequivocally not unlike building castle in the air.

       

However, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that all hope is not lost, thus needless to despair. Conduct of the polls come next two months as planned wouldn’t be far-fetched provided we are committed. It is just a matter of being transparent as well as standing by nothing but the truth. The electorate need to comprehend the real state of things, and they can’t if the picture is not presented to them in an elaborate form. Let’s give them that sense of belonging, so they can even help the government to do the thinking.

        

I might be sounding abstract but the truth is; we need to hold the bull by the horn. Beating about the bush would cause more harm than the anticipated good. All the aggrieved parties ought to be brought to a roundtable, so we can address this once and for all. We can’t continue to put the blame on a certain individual or group while the state continues to suffer. We shouldn’t continue deceiving ourselves and allow Imo wallow in pains. It is high time the lingering deceit stopped for the sake of the state at large.

        

The above instruction became consequential because if truly the LG polls would be held by the aforementioned period, or anytime within the second quarter of 2018, by now, primary elections ought to have been conducted by the various political parties involved; series of electioneering campaigns should be in the air; electoral debates ought to be the order of the day at the moment. I stand to be corrected if I have goofed.

        

Funnily enough, new Transition Committee (TC) chairmen were recently installed by the governor, and probably a different set would still be constituted in the nearest future. Or maybe, the new chairmen are the ones to conduct the awaited elections. Whatever the case might be, time is conspicuously no longer on our side.

        

Let’s not indulge in a practice that would make the governed overlook the government. The government is meant to be taken seriously by the people but in a situation whereby the former continually displays nonchalant attitudes, I’m afraid, the latter would be forced to start taking it (the former) for granted. Governance requires a two-way participation where the leaders and the followers are expected to engage in serious cooperation; but if any side is being sidelined, it becomes a problem to the society in general.

       

Come to think of it; are Imolites really prepared to witness the polls in question? Everyone appeared so docile and less-concerned. Is it an indication that they have forgotten about it, or have lost hope in the government? It would interest, perhaps shock you to note that only few states across the federation have conducted their LG elections, but if you visit any of the states that are yet to conduct theirs, the electorate seem relaxed and lackadaisical. This should be one of the prime reasons the concerned governments don’t take the issue seriously. It pisses my psyche profoundly each time I realize that I belong to one of the affected states.

        

Nevertheless, I’m using this medium to humbly appeal to the amiable governor of the Eastern Heartland to please, understand that the conduct of these polls is long overdue. The prolonged suspense is indeed deeply telling on me alongside Imolites of like minds. I wouldn’t like to continue sounding personal in regard to this anomaly, as it is making me appear so sensitive.

        

The ISIEC on its part is equally expected to do the needful towards ensuring that the polls in question become nothing but success. But I wonder why by now no pronouncement has been made by the said authority regarding the awaited elections. Or, is there anything they are not telling us? Think about it! 

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador