Opinion II Before Ekiti Goes To The Polls

BEFORE EKITI GOES TO THE POLLS

        

Electoral process has overtime remained a major uniqueness of any democratic terrain. It’s a procedure in which the people are meant to choose for themselves who would govern them.

       

It isn’t anymore news that in less than 96 hours from now, the good people of Ekiti State will variously find themselves at the polls where they are expected to elect who would be at the state’s helm of affairs after the exit of the incumbent Executive Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose whose second term tenure will terminate on 16^th October 2018.

       

It’s, therefore, inconsequential to assert that the heat is really on in every facet of the South-Western province as the electorate are already seen in their numbers being perturbed over what the outcome of the election would entail.

       

It’s noteworthy that over thirty-five political parties are ready to slug it out at the polls. However, two main contenders namely, the former past Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the present Deputy Governor of the state Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), are being spotted in the race.

       

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Monday, 2^nd July 2018 at a Pre-Election Workshop organized for electoral officers in Ado-Ekiti assured the public that the hopes and expectations of Nigerians on the Ekiti gubernatorial election would not be dashed, saying there would be no room for failure as regards the exercise.

        

In their separate speeches, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States Mr. Solomon Soyebi and his counterpart in charge of Election Operations and Logistics Mrs. Amina Zakari, tendered the assurance.

       

Mrs. Zakari equally used the occasion to debunk an allegation by Gov. Fayose alongside the PDP that she had been hired by the APC candidate Dr. Fayemi to rig the polls in favour of the latter, hence challenged the governor and his party members to back the accusation with evidence, adding it was not possible for an individual to rig an election.

       

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Raji who disclosed that the workshop was to ensure information flow between policy formulators and those that implement it towards a successful conduct of the polls, stated that the INEC was prepared to conduct an election that Nigerians would be proud of. He further highlighted that there was no reason for the said election not to be free and fair.

       

In spite of these declarations from the horse’s mouth, concerned Ekitians are still jittery over the impending polls, perhaps owing to fear of the unknown which is invariably felt by mankind in suchlike situation. It’s worthy of note that the people’s quest for a credible guber election can yield a fruitful outcome if only the needful is adhered to come Saturday, 14^th July 2018.

        

Politics is unarguably a game. There are always three key players associated with the game, namely: the political parties, electoral umpire and the electorate. Hence, for any electoral process to be successful, these three must play by the rules irrespective of the circumstance.

        

The various parties involved in the polls need to, at all cost, ensure that their respective allies and/or sympathizers don’t in any way violate the existing principles guiding the electoral procedure. They must be duly sensitized on the need to see only the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as their power at the polls, and nothing more.

        

The party agents ought to also remain vigilant and civil throughout the election. They are the eyes of their various parties, hence the need to ensure that their parties aren’t shortchanged, or deprived of any rights and privileges. As they exercise their civic obligations, they must ensure that violence of any kind is eschewed.

        

The INEC, on their part, shouldn’t be reminded that at such a critical time like this, they are regarded by the people and teeming observers as that messiah that has been sent to uphold fair play among the gladiators and flag bearers. Justice, therefore, is expected to be their watchword as long as the process lasts.

      

Though several promises had been made by the electoral umpire in strong terms, such pledges must be replicated in practical terms towards showcasing what they truly represent. Away from mere verbal assurances, the electoral officers need to acknowledge that all eyes are apparently on them at this moment, thus the need not to sell their conscience.

        

Inter alia, the electorate should comprehend that time has gone when people elect a candidate as a result of some peanuts he/she might have given them. This time, rational and discerning mindsets are strictly interested in electing someone who isn’t contesting in furtherance of his/her personal goals, but that of the entire people.

       

Most importantly, the security outfits that have business at the polls must once again read the riot acts for their numerous personnel with a view to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in carrying out their lawful consignment.

       

Anyone who has no business at the polling units shouldn’t be allowed to go closer to them. Only patriotic Ekitians are meant to go to the polls. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement

__________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

TechDeck I Sustaining A Reliable Population Via IT

SUSTAINING A RELIABLE POPULATION VIA IT

         

Population arguably remains the most integral part of the anticipated developmental stride of any existing society. It is so, because, it’s one of the major factors that determine the society’s net worth.

         

However, as we take into cognizance the inevitable impact of population on societal uplift, it’s noteworthy that it is only human population that bears such idiosyncrasy. It suffices to assert that the population of other forms of organisms is relatively inconsequential, economic wise, compared to that of the humankind.

          

Two prime factors – natural and human resources – determine the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of every nation. It’s pertinent to acknowledge that the aforementioned recipes are interwoven. Natural resources obviously require human resources before it could be harnessed; thus, without the latter, the former would remain crude or useless. Similarly, mankind unavoidably requires the natural resources for life’s sustenance. Little wonder discerning leaders fiercely safeguard and sustain these resources.

         

A country’s resources can only be aptly managed by ensuring effective and efficient sustenance of its human population. Towards a holistic sustenance of a given population, it’s imperative to note the rudimentary factors that affect population growth, which are: birthrate, death rate, and migration. Having carried out the census of a country’s population, there’s need to checkmate the above factors in order to subsequently boast of a robust and reliable database.

        

The factual point is that, a reliable population record cannot be sustained without involving Information Technology (IT). Ranging from census to update, each of the exercises involved requires proper utilization of IT for laudable functionality.

          

Owing to the overwhelming impact of IT on every activity pertaining to population management, it’s high time the National Population Commission (NPC) started deploying its use in the agency’s day-to-day obligations.

         

It’s appalling that the NPC cannot even boast of a reliable database as regards Nigeria’s population, let alone sustaining it. The authority needs to comprehend that the country requires a standard population record with a view to boosting its socio-economic status, and such can never be obtained without a substantive database. Among all, a database cannot currently be considered viable if IT isn’t utilized. In other words, the concerned quarters are expected to embrace IT wholeheartedly, considering that it is the only way forward.

          

In view of the above, our pattern of population census must be reviewed in earnest. Hence, as the country prepares for the next population census, I enjoin the NPC to strategize in order to ensure that IT is fully inculcated in the overall scheme so that at the end of the national exercise, we as a people can boast of a comprehensive IT-based population database.

          

Prior to the commencement of the said nationwide exercise, the NPC should endeavour to establish an independent IT-oriented department/unit. The unit ought to be entitled to a well-experienced indigenous director.

          

Independent, in the sense that the unit must have all the required resources to avoid intrusion. Well-experienced, meaning literally that the prospective personnel must possess a convincing IT expertise. And indigenous, in the sense that he/she must be a full-fledged Nigerian; being indigenous would enable him/her to regularly carryout the consignment diligently and patriotically.

         

The unit ought to equally constitute personnel that are knowledgeable enough in the field of ICT. Inter alia, there should be an agency that would oversee or monitor the day-to-day running of the unit toward ensuring efficiency.

         

After conducting the census, there would be need for constant and consistent thorough update of the database, and such needs to be done by the IT unit. The records need to be updated by subsequently observing the earlier mentioned fundamental factors that affect population. A tactical approach ought to be employed toward ensuring that the overall birthrate and death-rate occurring within the country are regularly gathered regardless of the locality where the event took place.

           

Hence, every maternity and mortuary operating across the federation must be duly certified by the NPC whereby every child delivery or corpse deposition, as the case may be, would be instantly reported to the commission via the respective ICT departments of the said centres.

          

To this end, in event of home child-delivery, such case needs to be reported to any nearest maternity for onward documentation. Similarly, whenever one dies and his/her corpse isn’t taken to the mortuary, the bereaved family is expected to report such incident to the closest mortuary.

         This policy implies that, henceforth, any maternity or mortuary that isn’t recognized or approved by the NPC must be shut down indefinitely. Such a monitoring measure would equally require setting up of a mobile committee by the commission that would regularly oversee the existence cum activity of all maternities and mortuaries.    

          

Regarding migration, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is meant to work hand-in-hand with the NPC. The cooperation would help to invariably update the latter on immigration cum emigration matters. The proposed relationship would be effective and easy by involving ICT.

         

Moreover, the NPC’s IT-department ought to invariably make use of world-class softwares. The softwares must be designed by the department’s staff for privacy sake. The unit is also required to continually possess such classic devices cum personnel as anti-hacking softwares, experts coupled with other sundry entitlements.     
         

An all-inclusive statistics of Nigeria’s population can only be properly sustained via the effort of IT and viable policy. Since the country possesses all it takes to make the project feasible, let’s not hesitate in applying the resources. Think about it! 

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub

____________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056 

Twitter: @mediambassador

ShortStory I Intriguing Moment (II)

INTRIGUING MOMENT (II)

       “My dear, that is not all.” Ada added.

         Nenye couldn’t wait to hear the rest as she looked in silent awe.

       “As if that wasn’t enough,” Ada proceeded. “After the night at the hotel suite, guess what he gave me?”

       “What?” Nenye anxiously said, filled with extreme curiosity.

       “You wouldn’t believe it,” Ada hinted. “Chief showered me with a hundred thousand naira, cash.” She said, hurriedly dipped her right hand into one of the inner partitions in the handbag which was still in her hands and brought out a mint bundle of #1000 notes.

       “What…?” Nenye exclaimed, couldn’t believe her sight. “Just for a night?”

       “That’s exactly what I have been telling you.” Ada reminded. “These men are fully loaded.”

        On her part, Nenye was still preoccupied with amazement.

       “They are just looking for ladies that would help them eat the fucking money.” Ada landed.

       There was absolute tranquillity at this point.

      “Nenye I have good news for you oh.” Ada broke the brief silence.

      “Good news?”

      “Yes.”

      “What’s the good news?”

        Ada hesitated. “Chief would like to see you.” She finally disclosed.

      “See me?” She surprisingly enquired, placing her left hand on her chest. “Which Chief?”

       “Yes.”

       “You still haven’t answered my question,” Nenye ranted. “Which Chief?” she reiterated.

       “Chief Akin of course.”

       “For what?”

       “Nenye calm down,” Ada enjoined. “I have something to tell you.”

       “I am listening.”

       “There’s this Chief’s friend that’s in need of someone.”

       “Someone like?”

       “Why are you sounding like this,” Ada quarrelled. “A lady, of course.”

        During Ada’s last meeting with Chief Akin at the Abuja hotel, he asked her to help him get one of her schoolmates for his business associate who was resident in Lagos, and Ada promised to comply soonest.

      “And you think I am the right person for that?” Nenye said, became obviously irritated.

      “Nenye, you are like my sister,” Ada convincingly continued. “I can’t see a good thing and let someone else have it while you are here.”

      “As you can see,” Nenye said. “I am busy with my assignments.”

       “My dear, you need to think about this.” Ada urged. “It’s for your own good.”

        Nenye hastily faced her reading table, thereby backing her roommate.

      “Just look at yourself,” Ada tenderly rode on. “You can’t even boast of anything you want as a student.”

        Nenye was adamant.

      “I know you are not lacking anything,” Ada added. “But at least, you need something more than these.” She asserted, referring to Nenye’s possessions.

        Nenye remained mute, still backing her.

      “After all, your dad is well to do.” confirmed Ada. “Still, he doesn’t want to give you just a common car.” She said, paused. “This is one of the stuffs you can get from these chairmen.”

        Nenye quickly looked at Ada. “Am I complaining?” she chipped in. “Ada please…, leave me alone.” She urged.

       “Okay ooh,” Ada surrendered. “But you need to think about it.” She added, stood up.

         Nenye quickly repositioned her skull. “I have heard you.” She replied just to discharge her, facing the books on the table.

       “You can’t afford to miss this golden opportunity.” said Ada, stood still. “Use your brain.” She concluded, furiously dashed out of the room having dropped the handbag on the bed.

       Nenye dished out a deep sigh. “Non…sense.” She lamented.

       Few days later, amazingly Ada succeeded in convincing her roommate, Nenye having pleaded with her to give it a trial with a view that a trial wouldn’t harm her.

       Consequently, both of them left for Abuja the venue for the proposed meeting via flight.

       On that fateful day, Chief Akin had gone to bring them from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja while his friend Chief Obi was relaxing in his hotel suite.

      “So what’s the name?” Chief Akin asked Nenye the moment the two ladies assumed their seats in his black Lexus Jeep.

        Nenye, a light-skinned, tall and slim lady who was in her early twenties was seated on of the back seats in the car while Ada was stylishly seated on the front side like the ‘madam’.

       “Nenye, sir.” She responded.

       “Interesting,” Chief Akin appreciated while on the steering. “So you are also an Igbo girl?”

       “Yes sir.?”

       “My friend will like this.” He testified.

         Both ladies smiled glancing at each other.

       “So, Nenye who?” Chief Akin verified, referring to her surname, twisting his big head so he could look behind.

       “Nenye Obi.”

       “Obi?” Chief Akin shockingly echoed on hearing the surname that was exactly her friend’s name.

       “Yes sir.” said Nenye.

       “Any problem?” Ada enquired.

       “No,” Chief Akin replied. “Just marvelled over a coincidence.” He hinted.

       “Coincidence?” Ada apprehensively verified.

       “Never mind.” Chief Akin urged, became sober.

        The two ladies immediately looked at themselves, became amazed over the melodrama.

        There was maximum silence till they arrived at their destination.

         When they got to the hotel, Nenye was directed to the suite where her awaited host, Chief Obi was lodged.

          As soon as the man in question who had lied to his wife in Lagos that he was coming to Abuja for a business deal opened the door for Nenye who was clad in a sexy pink gown having received an expected knock on the door, an unthinkable intriguing moment transpired. Both parties, on seeing each other, stood still at the entrance not unlike electrocuted bodies.

        It would interest, perhaps shock you to note that Chief Obi was actually Nenye’s biological father. She was the third among his four children. Wonders, they say, shall never end!

        If you were Chief Obi or Nenye, as the case might be, what action would you take therein? Think about it.

        The rest is history, please.

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador