Home

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

Friday, 11 May 2018

Opinion I Uzodinma's Defection and Okorocha's Rejection

UZODINMA’S DEFECTION AND OKOROCHA’S REJECTION

        
Owing to his peculiar style of politicking and obvious impact on the Nigeria’s legislative arm, only a few Nigerians – or perhaps uninformed ones – are yet to be familiar with the name ‘Senator Hope Uzodinma’ in the country’s political terrain.

      
The lawmaker who is currently representing the Imo West Senatorial District assumed office in May 2011 after the April 2011 general elections having emerged victorious under the aegis of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Though his victory was challenged on the grounds that he was not the valid PDP candidate, the Supreme Court consequently upheld his election into the Red Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS).

        
Subsequently, in 2015, he was returned to the NASS by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The victory was equally confronted in the court by his major rival at the polls Chief Osita Izunaso, but the appeal held no water.

       
On Thursday, 26th April 2018, the state chairmen – excluding those from Borno and Yobe – of the defunct Alhaji Modu Sheriff-led faction of the PDP graciously defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the company of such some sitting senators as Hope Uzodinma, Abubakar Umar Gada, Gbemi Saraki, Teslim Folarin, and Ahmed Gulak, among others who remained key supporters of the said faction.

        
The defectors who were led to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja by the deputy national chairman of the faction, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh who said he was there on behalf of the national chairman Alhaji Sheriff who was yet to return from a foreign trip, were gladly received by the APC National Chairman and Secretary, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Mr. Mai Mala Buni, respectively, among other high-ranking members of the party.

       
Dr. Ojougboh said the decision was taken after embracing the manifesto and programmes of the APC-led government. He also informed he needed to lead the defectors – in the unavoidable absence of his boss, Sheriff – to enable them join the party in view of its ongoing membership registration exercise. He further disclosed the formal reception of the defectors would be held during rallies being “slated for Sokoto, Imo and Delta states as soon as Sheriff returned to the country”.

       
Sen. Uzodinma who was one of those that spoke on behalf of the defectors, stated the visit was to officially announce the “decision of the PDP faction to collapse into APC” as his counterpart Sen. Gada, on his part, said they were in the APC to work with the part to “move the country to the next level”. The former used the medium to ask for equal participation and opportunity.

 
         
However, in the early hours of Friday being the following day, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi who reacted to what he called the ‘purported planned defection’ of Sen. Sheriff and his allies said “While we are aware of such intentions, we wish to restate our earlier position that anyone who wants to join the party should do so at the ward level.” He went further to say “We are happy to welcome new members to our party but membership cards are not issued at the party National Secretariat.”

 
      
Similarly, in a meeting with the state, LGA and ward officials as well as the state legislators of the APC held in Owerri on Monday, 30th April 2018, the Imo State Governor Chief Rochas Okorocha unequivocally described the defection of Sen. Uzodinma and his likes as an insult. Gov. Okorocha who is equally the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum stated that “It is insulting for someone to be talking about joining the party from the window. The procedure is that the person will start from the ward, LGA and to the state level, and then the state will inform the national level, and not the reverse.”

        
Gov. Okorocha, hence, declared that Sen. Uzodinma was not yet a member of the APC. According to him, the senator could never be recognized by the state as a member of the party until he followed the normal method of joining a political party. He, therefore, asked his colleagues and followers to disregard what he described as a rumour.

        
It’s noteworthy that when the news of the defection filtered into the ears of the teeming supporters of Sen. Uzodinma, particularly those resident in Imo, the lawmaker confirmed it when asked for clarifications. He told them that the step was informed by his notion that it was only the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government that could guarantee the Igbos’ aspiration to become the country’s president come 2023. He thus urged the people to support the present administration.

        
As some of his followers have reportedly threatened to work against him for taking such a sensitive decision without consulting them, Sen. Uzodinma who is at the moment seemingly aspiring to emerge the next governor of Imo State is hell bent not to have a rethink concerning the defection.

       
It would interest you to note that, prior to the Gov. Okorocha’s rejection of the defection, Imolites in some quarters opined that the governor had eventually succeeded in filing an agreement with the senator in question.

       
They were of the view the deal was that the legislator would be fully supported by the governor to enable him return to the Red Chamber for the third time via APC ticket since it isn’t clear that he can still boast of PDP ticket whilst the former, in reciprocation, would support the latter’s anointed one Chief Uche Nwosu to gain access to the Imo Government House as the state’s Executive Governor come 2019.

        
Even though it’s no longer news that Okorocha who equally hails from Imo West is nurturing interest to be in the Senate by 2019, there’s a strong indication he could sacrifice such an ambition for that of Chief Nwosu who’s his Chief of Staff and son-in-law.

         
But as it stands, it implies the duo aren’t yet on the same page. This, somehow, sends a message that Sen. Uzodinma is likely to slug it out with Chief Nwosu during the APC’s gubernatorial primary election in Imo that would take place soonest, if the former eventually succeeded in lobbying for his acceptance by the state party officials.  

       
Whatever the case might be, the current political equation in the Eastern Heartland signifies that the game is gradually becoming more fascinating to the onlookers’ delight. Think about it!

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers 
________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

Sunday, 6 May 2018

ShortStory I Standing Alone (II)


STANDING ALONE (II)

        The crook, Femi was silent, never bothered to utter a word as the DPO conspicuously boiled over his seeming threat. He wasn’t disturbed or intimidated by anything as the other cops in the room violently showcased their pistols, not even the eye sockets of the DPO that appeared not unlike that of a hungry owl.

         It’s noteworthy that the culprit, whom was still single, was acquainted with most of the corrupt politicians in the town and beyond. He was their accomplice during electioneering eras. Every thuggery activity as regards electoral matters within the arena was solely piloted by him and his men.

         Due to this connection, each time he was arrested by the past DPOs, he would surely be released through the efforts of the politicians. Apparently, he was yet to realize that the current DPO in charge of the Division, DSP Rasaq Ahmed was totally a different police personnel. And, the said boss wasn’t ready to compromise his determination to disabuse the detainee of his silly notion.

        “I bet you,” the DPO furiously exclaimed. “You will rot in jail.”

          Femi dished out a deep and annoying smile. “This man must be a joker.” He thought as he fixed his gaze on the DPO.

         “Take him away.” the DPO ordered in a very loud voice, dashed out of the room for his office.

          Within a twinkle of an eye, Femi found himself in the cell.

          In five minutes time while the DPO was bitterly seated in his office chair, his cell phone rang. “Hello..!” He said the moment he took the call.

          “Good day, my dear.” the caller greeted in a thick voice.

          “Good day, sir.” responded DSP Ahmed. “Who is this, please?”

          “Please, am I unto DSP Rasaq Ahmed?” the caller verified. “The DPO of Osungule police station?”

          “Yes sir.”

          “Okay,” said the caller. “This is Honourable Bayo Ologun.”

            The DPO was calm and amazed. That was the least of the names he expected to hear.

        “The Honourable representing Osungule state constituency.” He landed.

        “Oh,” the DPO exclaimed. “My Honourable!”

          Both parties were yet to meet since DSP Ahmed was posted to the Division. Hon. Ologun got his contact from someone else as soon as he received the news of Femi’s abrupt detention.

         “So, how is work?” the lawmaker enquired.

         “Very fine, sir.”

         “I am glad to hear that all is well.”

         “Thank you, honourable.”

         “Please, don’t be offended we haven’t met.” Hon. Ologun pleaded. “I will surely make out time for it.”

        “No problem, honourable,” DSP Ahmed said. “I understand.”

        “I learnt one of my constituents is in your custody?” the lawmaker tendered after five minutes of exchange of pleasantries.

        “What’s his name, sir?”

        “Mister Femi.” he replied. “But they call him Bale.”

        “Oh,” the DPO exclaimed. “That criminal?”

        “Calm down, my DPO.”

        “So…?” DSP Ahmed curiously dished out as he sensed something fishy.

        “Please, release him,” Hon. Ologun urged. “Okay?”

        “I don’t understand, sir.”

        “Don’t worry,” said the supposed honourable. “When we see, we will discuss extensively.”

           DSP Ahmed was silent, couldn’t utter a word.

         “Just release him, okay?”

         “Hmm…” the DPO murmured.

         “I will be in your office by tomorrow,” Hon. Ologun assured. “Unfailingly.”

         “Is not as easy as you think, sir.” the DPO politely notified.

         “You mean, coming to your office?” He verified, confused.

         “No sir,” the DPO replied. “I meant, releasing the culprit as you demanded.”

         “Why are you stubborn?” the legislator quarreled. “I thought you are familiar with the system?”

         “I beg your pardon, sir.”

         “Okay,” Hon. Ologun chipped in. “We shall see then.” He hinted, angrily banged the call.

         The previous DPOs had been complying with the corrupt politicians. All the latter needed to do was to ask and their demand would be instantly granted to them. Hence, Honourable Ologun was deeply surprised to receive such ill-treatment from DSP Ahmed. He was yet to realize it was no longer business as usual.

         Subsequently, he and his fellow politicians of like minds couldn’t bear the circumstance. The general elections were fast approaching and they could do nothing without Femi alias Bale. Consequently, they were left with no choice than to take the case to the state Commissioner of Police (CP).

         Five days later being August 18, 2002, DSP Ahmed who was seemingly standing alone was suddenly transferred to another Division having refused to comply with the commissioner. The man who replaced him was mandated to release the culprit unconditionally.

         The aggrieved DSP Ahmed wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and thereafter was retransferred to the Osungule Division having been promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) for his uncommon charisma.

         Within same period, the state CP was suspended indefinitely, and was immediately replaced with another police personnel who was posted to the state to act in his capacity till further notice.

         Afterwards, SP Rasaq Ahmed – formerly DSP Ahmed – once again apprehended Femi and charged him to court. Verdict was consequently served, thus the so-called Bale was jailed for twenty years.

         The jail term brought endless jubilation in the entire Osungule land. At the time, encomiums were poured on the fearless and no nonsense SP Ahmed by the good people of the territory and beyond.

         The rest is history, please.

 

Comrade Fred Nwaozor
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers
_____________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, 4 May 2018

SoulDiet I Dissecting the 'I am Right' Syndrome

DISSECTING THE ‘I’M RIGHT’ SYNDROME

        
Early this year, I ran into a childhood pal called Samuel somewhere in Lagos State. In the process of our conversation, I learnt he got estranged with his spouse a few weeks back. With the burning quest to ascertain what actually truncated a happy five-year-old marriage, I requested that he had a drink with me at a nearby bar.

        
Summarily, the truth of the matter was that he battered the woman in question mercilessly, thus she decided to leave their matrimonial home based on her parents’ persuasions. It seemed that wasn’t the first time he would display such an attitude, but was reportedly the worst of all so far.

         
As I sipped my stout beer from the glass cup, just as he did with his lager, I enquired what really prompted the ruthless action. Samuel claimed she gave him the insult of his life, stating she called him names.

         
Having gotten infuriated with the whole story, I therein unequivocally blamed him entirely, telling him that that was not an enough excuse. I further notified him that insult of any kind shouldn’t warrant any iota of assault in a marriage, or any form of relationship. I observed he wasn’t pleased with my judgements but I didn’t bloody care.

         
To shorten the long story, I went further to inquire if he had showed remorse over the uncalled reaction. I learned till that moment, being about three weeks after the incident, the dude was yet to think of visiting his wife’s parental home let alone tendering an apology. To worsen it, he eventually told me he didn’t see anything wrong with what he did.

         
From the blunt response, I understood Samuel was trying to hide under a certain norm that holds the thought that ‘a man is always right’. It’s not anymore news that in some African traditional settings, you cannot tell a man to his face that he is wrong when trying to mediate between him and his spouse. And, such an existing belief has ostensibly succeeded in beclouding the sense of reasoning of most men, particularly the young ones.

        
The fact is; the ‘I’m right’ syndrome has continued to endanger various healthy relationships. The paradox is that most of these staggering, or pale-looking, relationships were rightly built on a golden pedestal. But the inability to show remorse by any of the party involved, having erred, continually poses threat to the anticipated growth of the union.

       
Allowing your extremism mentality to control your actions would definitely make any relationship you are into crash on arrival. You aren’t supposed to strongly believe in everything. Don’t live a life of a fanatic. Sometimes, compromise is highly consequential, especially when it calls for way forward.

         
Relationship is about compromise or sacrifice. Hence, you must be willing at all times to give up on a certain ideology just for peace to reign. If your ego is the problem, you must sacrifice it to enable other things you yearn for to flow. It’s noteworthy that ego had abruptly ended countless enticing unions than death did. You must be willing to give up that venom in you that is unabated posing threat to your cherished relationship. One thing must give way for the other.

         
It’s always crucial to acknowledge that everybody can never be right at the same time. Someone must be wrong. And when you are right or wrong, your conscience will certainly communicate to you concerning where you belong. It suffices to assert that you are invariably expected to listen to the aforementioned feature, because it is the only tool that can lead you to the apt path.   

       
Even, sometimes when you are right, you can assume that you are wrong just for the sake of way forward. It’s simply like a battle field where someone must accept defeat. This is where maturity comes in. Honestly, it takes a mature mindset to keep a relationship going or alive. Maturity is like lubrication oil in any ongoing union.

        
Similarly, immaturity in a relationship is not unlike a bad tyre in a moving vehicle. The latter can never move properly until you change the former. And if the driver tries to manage the situation, it would surely draw the journey backwards; hence, he will never arrive at his proposed destination. Aside not getting to the destination, it might even cause an accident in the process.

        
So, maturity is one of the key recipes in any relationship in existence, be it business, friendship, courtship, marriage, or what have you. It would make us to possess a flexible mindset rather than a rigid one, thereby keeping us away from the dangers of fanaticism. The said pattern of ideology possesses venom that bears the potential of destroying, within a twinkle of an eye, what a man has suffered in building for years.

        
For crying out loud; you can’t continue to say ‘I am right’ even when aware that you are wrong. Don’t cheat on your conscience if you truly want your relationship to excel. ‘I’m sorry’ doesn’t really mean you are wrong; it rather means you truly cherish the relationship more than your ego. Think about it!     

      

Comrade Fred Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
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